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Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan (November Adult Fiction Book of the Month) Starts 4 November 2018
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At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.
More info under spoiler
(view spoiler)
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Date Chapters Pages MPQDs
Nov 4&5 1-18 (1st part) 3-159 Deanna (Lock)
Nov 6&7 1-18 (2nd part) 163-327 Nanci (Barrel)
**BREAK DAY**
Nov 9&10 1-20 (3rd part) 331-end Cat (Demon)
* breakdown is based on this version of the book
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Book of the Month
~ Ruby Coin How to Earn:
1 Ruby Coin for half DQ participation 1 Ruby Coin for Writing Disscussion Questions 1 Ruby Coin for completing ALL days DQs within month of BOM startExample of ways to Earn Ruby Coins: (view spoiler)
Learn about Gem coins here
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Deanna Lock
Nanci Barrel
Cat Demon
SandyL Zero
Suzanne Oogie Boogie
Brooklyn Sandy Claws
Jenny Sally
Sunny Shock
Jammin Jenny Scary Teddy
Erin Jack-In-The_Box
Timestamp: 2018-11-02 03:42:42 UTC
(view spoiler)
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I'm on team Barrel from the Wobble challenge and I will be happy to write one of the DQ. I read this book in September of 2017 and look forward to rereading it. It will be a good one for discussion!
Can I get participatiin points for Wheel a Thon if I participate just in discussion even if I already read the book.
ugh, i'm really not in the mood to read this one, but probably will if I end up on a team for Wheel (was a late sign up). It doesn't start till Nov so hopefully I'll be in the right mood by then
I'm on Team Zero and would like to write DQ's
I'll be a back up for Sandy ( team Zero)
I am also on Team Lock and can be a Back up for DQs if anything happens to Deanna
I'm in to write DQs if needed...with Nanci also on team Barrel
I'm in for Jack-In-The-Box. Can ask DQs
I'm in for team Ooogie Boogie and can do DQs if I'm chosen :)
I'm in for team Shock and can write DQs! :)
Can be back up for DQs for team Jack-In-The-Box
I want to join.. but I don't have a time and how do I get a team and stuff?
Anyone can join the Book of the Month discussions. (its not necessary to belong to a team to participate) Those interested will start reading the book on the indicated date- November 4. A reading plan will be posted soon. You can read all about our new team challenge Wheel a thon III below.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Note- signups have been closed for 3 days.
Laura wrote: "Anyone can join the Book of the Month discussions. (its not necessary to belong to a team to participate) Those interested will start reading the book on the indicated date- November 4. A reading p..."Thank you once again! Then I'm joining this BOM!
I'm in for this one. Just got my book 2 weeks ago. I'm on team Sandy Claws in case we can fit it in.
Sandy ClawsI’m volunteering for dq’s if it’s not too late
I'm in!😉 This has been on my TBR for a couple of years and I should probably read it.
I'm in and can do backup DQs for Team Oogie Boogie if needed.
I thought I'd already signed up but guess not. I'm in.
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Note, the chapter numbers restart as the book is in three parts and each part starts anew at chapter 1
So happy my name was drawn to write DQ for the second part of the book!
Has anyone read any of the books in the trilogy?
I have not - my copy is actually not at the library yet! So I'm still on hold. I'll join in when I can.
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The volunteers have already been randomised and assigned, (we do it 3 days before the start date of the BOMs)
im going to join this read (if i can keep up). i got this book a while ago on sale on kindle and it sounds like a fun read. im not in any team challenges
I highly recommend it it’s really good 🙂
Discussion Questions for Day 1Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
Discussion Questions for Day 11. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
I think that the author was pointing out that racism sadly still exists, even in those places you're sure it doesn't. The hotel was obviously upscale and the Young family wouldn't have reserved a room had they not had the means. I was surprised at how it was resolved but OH SO GLAD! Ha ha! the joke is on Ormsby! (view spoiler) I laughed so hard at that one. I loved the irony of it!
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
My first impression of Eleanor is that she is a strong woman! Not all women have the confidence and strength to speak up the way she did. I love how she handled Ormsby and didn't just take his crap. When she (view spoiler) As a wife and mother I think she is supportive and that she takes hold of the reins and speaks up to everyone she feels needs to be told something...speaks her mind!
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I think that Nicholas is more down to earth than his mother and Astrid. Money can definitely change the relationship between two people, depending on those two. Not knowing much about Rachel, I would say that Nick should probably have listened to Astrid, especially since she is his main female confidante, and given Rachel a heads up. After reading the first 6 chapters, it appears that his mother might not be very accepting of her, nor might his entire family. And Rachel might be taken aback by all their wealth and not know how to handle it or "fit in."
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
I'm not surprised at all that Rachel didn't know of the Young family. I imagine what was going through her mind was "holy crap!" lol I think that anyone would be wowed by their wealth. I think she truly loves Nick though and that unless it becomes an issue for him or his family, I don't think that their wealth vs. her lack of it will be an issue.
I was surprised that Piek Lin didn't know anything about the Young family because she and her family seem to know everything about the world of the wealthiest people. I think it's almost unrealistic that she doesn't know of them. It's like not knowing who Bill Gaits is.
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
I honestly don't agree with how Astrid handled her concerns, beginning with snooping in his luggage. Once she inadvertently saw the text, she should have had an honest, open communication with him because I truly believe that without trust, there is no relationship in a marriage. I don't like how she buried her head in the sand. If she wanted to accept his cheating and live with it, I'd disagree but it's her life/her choice; however, she simply seems to minimize what she believes has happened and chooses not to confront him. Not in my world!
I didn't have any sympathy for Michael, no. If he did cheat, he doesn't get any sympathy from me, even if it's acceptable in his circle of friends or culture. But I realize I'm seeing it from my POV and cultural expectations.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
I like this question because I love Kerry. She might be my favorite character or at least one of them. I love how supportive she is of Rachel and that she knows how to talk with her to calm her down and alleviate her concerns. If only all children had that type relationship with their parents. It's possible it will help her understand Nick's parents because her mother seems to have a handle on the idea that we're all in some ways products of our raising and cultures. Their culture is very different, so one must see others through their own cultures as much as possible. I do think it will help her interact with Nick's family because I think she'll understand their perspective a little more than she would have.
OMG - I am sick of trying to copy the questions. I give up... so1. I think the openning showed racism. The family came in all wet, kids were acting.. well not refined. So yes, the upity hotel made the wrong assumptions and made a big mistake and payed the price. This was an introduction to the Young family and just how rich and powerful they were, (they bought the freekin hotel for crying out loud), but it also showed just how priviledged they were. Most people don't have the luxury of money to battle racism like that.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother? It did seem at odds, Eleanor at first uses her money and power to make someone pay for being racist toward her family, but then turns around and appears classist and upity when it comes to those less priviledged and her son. Double standard.
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I do think he appears down to earth but also very out of touch. It shows he is ignorant when it comes to his families money and power and not preparing his girlfriend in any way is deceitful (lying by omission). I am sure he doesn't think it should matter, but he is out of touch to think it won't, I mean clearly Astrid knows it matters, and it shows his own priviledge to think that way.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
I think Rachel is starting to get clued in as to just how rich Nick's family is, totally blind sided, but there seems to be genuine love between them and Rachel seems to want to impress his family, but still be genuine. I think she is defenitely wowed by the luxury - like winning the jack pot. I don't think she made assumptiins that were wrong, I just think Nick has not shown himself completely to her and she is learning a lot now.
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
I did have sympathy for Astrid's husband, I think it is an example of how challenging it might be for someone marrying in to the family. On the other hand I am a little concerned about Astrid and her dealing with her marrital issues. She needs to addresse this head on. Communication is in order and clearly there is a disconnect between the couple.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
I think there are huge differences between how her mother raised her, as an American (different culture, different class), and how Nick has been raised. I think family values are going to clash. I also think Peik Lin's family are like eccentric self made rich people who enjoy their wealth, but also are much less rich than the Youngs and don't come from old money. I think they are on a different playing field alltogether. Mayvhelp Rachel some, but Rachel is up against a very powerful family empire that will be much more gaurded with the people they let in to the family.
Discussion Questions for Day 1Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
It's definitely about racism. I laughed at them buying the hotel and telling the manager to leave the premises. I think because they're crazy rich it wasn't a big deal to buy a hotel and tell the man to get out. I liked that they stood up for themselves without making a huge scene and making things worse.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
It does seem to be at odds and a double standard. Mothers can be weird about who marries their son though.
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
He does seem down to earth and maybe he doesn't see that money would change his relationship ( I agree I don't think the money will change anything) and that his family is just family and a bit eccentric. But I agree with Astrid on preparing Rachel for what she's walking into. Not preparing her is a bad idea.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
At first I thought it was strange her friend was rich and hadn't heard of them. But Paik Lin's statement at the end of the chapter about Nick's family being richer than God says a lot about social circles and just how private the Young family is. I think Rachel is in too much shock to think further than "What is going on?!"
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
I only sympathize with him that the family treats him like a servant and that his wife goes on whatever trip she wants and spends an untold amount of money. However, cheating is never ok. As for how Astrid handled it and her inner dialogue, that may have more to do with their culture....she does compare him to other men in the family and maybe thats why she can justify it as normal.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
Rachel and her mom are super cute. I don't know if her relationship with Peik Lin will help or not. She's not in the same league as Nick's family.
Discussion Questions for Day 1Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
--I loved how this was resolved. I have not personally experienced racism, but the times I have been on the receiving end of misogyny, or just bad manners, made me cheer. Racism is so stupid, and seeing it at the beginning of the book puts direct context to the fact that the protagonists of this book are not WASPs. Perfect way to introduce a culture cash that may permeate the book. We’ll see.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
--In our next encounter with Eleanor, she seems very much the matriarch of her family. I don’t think the more experienced Eleanor would have let the hotel manager get away with his crap. Also the fact that she is a practicing christian in a society that frowns on that is a show of strength.
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
--He does seem like a nice guy. But, he also seems to be someone who is used to things going well for him, and perhaps not very perceptive. He absolutely should have given Rachel a heads up about his family. He is used to them, and wasn’t looking at them from a date’s point of view.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
--I’m not that surprised that Rachel didn’t know about Nick’s family’s wealth. I would be hard pressed to name very many wealthy families in this country. I don’t get the impression that it is something that she pays too much attention to. I do think she genuinely has deep feelings for Nick, and the wealth may end up being a barrier to their happiness, either because his family doesn’t approve of her, or because she is too intimidated by it.
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
--That’s a couple that need some marriage counseling. Her trip to Paris made me envious- if I ever win the lottery, I will go to Italy to get a bunch of shoe hand made for me personally- and her first conversation with Nick made me like her a lot. However, she needs a bit of reality to enter her life. I generally have no sympathy for cheating spouses, but I can kind of see why he strayed. Not sure if I am going to give him any of my sympathy yet.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
--It is touching how close mom and daughter are. I don’t think it will give any deep insight into Nick’s family. Just very different upbringings. Same with her friend. Neither mom nor Peik Lin are from dynasties. It seems to be a different type of animal.
Discussion Questions for Day 1Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
First, a disclosure that I first read this book about a year ago and finished rereading it today. I also saw the movie in between the two readings. I liked the book both times (although I liked the movie the best) and will try to give the reactions I had after reading it the first time.
I think the author was trying to set the scene with just how wealthy Eleanor's family really was. Anyone who can buy a beautiful 5 star hotel is quite wealthy, obviously. I think the author was also showing how smart and spunky Eleanor was. I loved how the issue was resolved and it gave us a peek into the humor that would be forthcoming in the book.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
It was at odds with how we first saw Eleanor, as she showed her own racism towards either an ABC or a Taiwanese girlfriend for her son. I saw her as being a concerned mother, who wants what she thinks is best for her son. There is some foreshadowing that Rachel might have a hard time when meeting Nick's mom.
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I really like Nick at this point. I love how he's so carefree and really seems to adore Rachel. I do think he should have prepared Rachel some by giving her some background information on his family. Rachel is a bit of a worrier and it may have relieved some of her anxiety to have time to prepare.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
Yes, I was very surprised that Peik Lin had no knowledge of the Young family when they were both wealthy and from the same area. As Rachel pulls up to Nick's house she's probably thinking, "What in the world???"
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
Poor Astrid. She just is in denial when she sees the text. Later I think she's just trying to rationalize everything and using the history of what other men in her family have done to try to alleviate her fears of him possibly not loving her anymore.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
Rachel's relationship with her mom is so real and loving. It may cause her to have a harder time relating to Nick's family, but at the same time, I think Rachel knows not all families are as close as she is with her mom. I'm glad she has Peik Lin with her and I do think that will help her with her interactions with Nick's family, as Peik Lin can help her understand the cultural differences.
Discussion Questions for Day 1Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
It was about racism, but it also seemed to be about stereotypes to me. If they had taken a taxi to the hotel, the manager might have formed a different opinion of them. The solution seemed over the top to me, although it does establish just how wealthy they are.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
The first impression I had of Eleanor was smart, sensible, and controlled. In chapter two, she seemed a bit flighty and overly concerned by gossip. I understand a mother wanting to protect her son. I don't mind her hiring an investigator to check Rachel out; but the over the top stereotyping of different women, the deliberate snub by going out of town, and the jumping to judgement before meeting Rachel and having all the information did not endear her to me at all. I honestly can understand why her husband prefers to stay in Australia.
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
Nicholas seems a bit naive to me. Perhaps his family did too good a job of sheltering him. I think taking Rachel in there with no explanations is a recipe for trouble. He should at least tell her that his family is wealthy and give her a little information about them. I'm not sure Astrid's advice was much better since it was just postponing the meeting.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
It does seem strange to me that a family could be that wealthy and not have at least some name recognition even if all they knew was the family was wealthy and private. In her place, I would probably be in to much shock to have a coherent thought.
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
Honestly, I don't think ignoring a problem has ever solved anything. I found it troubling that she tried to convince herself that his behavior was normal. I also thought a month alone in Paris and lying to her husband about the money she is spending seemed wrong as well. I felt really sorry for him at the lunch. To have to put up with that treatment every week is too much. She should have either talked to her family about the way they were treating him or stopped going to the lunches.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
I love the way her mother supports her and clearly loves her even if she is pushy about her getting married. I'm not sure she's prepared for his mom to antagonistic. I think her friendship with Peik Lin at least gives her a little insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy. I'm not sure she'll be much help in understanding the family since hers seems to be much more open.
Deanna, answering your own questions? That's not fair! Teehee.Good questions, by the way.
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. That first chapter was a really good intro i think. It introducted their wealth but showed that outside asia theres people who havent a clue how ceazy rich they are. I was very happy for the ladies for getting on up on the hotel manager
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I think nick is very loveable and sweet but i think hes being very cruel not talking to rachel first. Hes setting her up for embarrassment or some faux par by not telling her first. He doesnt have to make a big deal about it but he could have at least hinted to it
4.Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
I was suprised but then i think it was explained in the next chapter when nick and colin were sat chatting. Nick said he isnt rich and colin pointed out that nick is the only young and he would inherit off his grandma rather then his parents. Also hes been away in england amd then america for all his life so maybe thats why they havent heard of him and why he doesnt consider himself rich
5.What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
An awkward lunch doesnt make what he did right.
I dont thibk anyone can judge her for how she handled it. Its such an awful thing to happen that theres no good way to deal. If i were her i think id be screaming and kicking him out then and there but shes been brought up to think about things first. She needs to think about her son and also if she starts talking about affairs and it was all a misunderstanding then theres no going back from that
Part 1 has been fun. Lets see whats in part 2 😊
Discussion Questions for Day 1Prologue & Chapters 1-18 (Part 1)
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?
The author was trying to show the racism that faces this community. I thought it was quite accurate with how it ended with her kicking him out. I think I would have done the same.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
I don't really see much difference. You don't get the most accurate impression of someone's character straight away. The prologue may show she has changed?
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I think first impression of him is he is ok but spoilt however doesn't seem afraid to work so I guess he deserves to be spoilt. I think it seems sort of like a Russian roulette but I can't work out yet if he wants it to go badly or good. Yes, he blind sighted her and then her first impression of them and them of her is altered unfairly.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
Not surprised no. I think if you don't grow up in that culture completely even though you are technically from that culture its not a shock you don't know all the rules or all the influential families...
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
No sympathy. I mean its pretty incriminating the things she has found BUT she hasn't had it out with him yet. And family is family, you don't have to like your other halves' family to put up with it occasionally.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
Its nice that her and her mum are so close. I don't think it gives her any help with his family. It just shows her how a family in the same country act, but they arn't as influential as the Young's nor as wealthy
1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?I think the author was trying tp put across a stigma and then have it blown away by the money. I was a bit surpsised that they would even want to buy the hotel after that.
2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?
She seems more affected by society and she is more concerned with controlling people rather than anyone being happy
3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?
I think this comes from old money and being more sheltered from the society gossip. He completely mismanages everything with Rachel, I feel bad for what she is about to get thrust into.
4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?
I think that the fact that Nick doesn't claim the family name and never talks about it, makes me unsurprised that Rachel would have knonw nothing about it. Rachel is probably entirely out of her element.
5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?
I think this happens a lot regardless of money, especially in religious marriages, I think there is such pressure to maintain an image that denial and the desire to ignore issues is a common method of dealign iwth things. I don't have much sympathy for him at this point as this is NOT a new thing. He has allowed the situation to BE this way even after years of marriage. He is not stepping up.
6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?
I think that Rachel has more of friend relationship with her mother, and I think it makes it hard to relate to the controlling society parent relationship. Peik Lin seems more interested in how she can get something for herself out of this situation. I think that if Rachel was away she would make a move on Nick.
Synopsis
Crazy Rich Asians is the outrageously funny debut novel about three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the gossip, backbiting, and scheming that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season.
When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich