July 2019 First Book in a Series BOTM - Crazy Rich Asians, by Kevin Kwan

[Alaina]

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.

[Jennifer]

Part One (approx 30%) - (view spoiler)[ I'm listening to the audio and am loving it. The voices crack me up. I'm also pleased?? to find that the movie has followed the book pretty closely so far - with some minor exceptions. I do get a little disoriented at times with the changes in POVs. There are more than I thought there would be. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Part Two - (view spoiler)[ And we are off the rails from the movie, but I am loving the differences. I am especially liking the little flashbacks to the characters as kids and how they became friends, etc. (hide spoiler)]
Part Three, Chapter 9 - (view spoiler)[ Aw. I like Charlie and Astrid - I hope we find out why they broke up. I think of all the characters, I like Astrid the best and want to know more about her. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[ Well, good thing she didn't go to China to see the wrong guy. So, will Rachel investigate her real father do you think? And while it sounds like she is giving Nick another chance, it doesn't really solve all those problems that she is worried about - wanting a loving family with none of the drama associated with money.

I was already going to read the next book because I wanted to know what happens with Astrid, but since the book didn't end with the same HEA as the movie, now I want to know how Rachel and Nick work out their problems too and what happens with her real father. When I saw the movie, I thought to myself, what if he turns out to be even wealthier than Nick's family, etc. It doesn't sound like that is quite the option, but I would still like to see her have that moment she was describing about finding the lost piece of herself (good or bad). (hide spoiler)]

[Erica]

Part one chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ so much is going on lol why do some cultures or families think money is the end all be all to being happy? Makes me sad that they have all the money in the world yet cheat on their spouses because they arent truly happy :( (hide spoiler)]

[Erica]

end of part 1 (view spoiler)[ I think I am getting all the characters straight now haha. I like Rachel and Nick together. They are so cute. I have a feeling she is in for an eye opener though when she realizes who he is and what that means. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Ritika]

Just beginning this one and I'm way too excited.

[Ritika]

Update: 37% (view spoiler)[ I've only rarely dealt with books with such a huge number of important characters. But I think I have the story straight now and I'm loving it! (hide spoiler)]

[Ritika]

Part 2 done. (view spoiler)[ Ah, I can't wait to find out what Eleanor is up to. But frankly, I don't get what the hell is Fransesca's problem? Like, just let the girl live for once! But of course, money...ah! (hide spoiler)]

[Ritika]

Part 3; Chapter 12 done. (view spoiler)[I highly doubt Michael has a mistress. I mean, not only does this not make any sense at all, it would also be too foolish for him. Plus, with the way he is acting around and with the way he broke up with Astrid, it really sounds like that is not the case. (hide spoiler)]

[Ritika]

Cristina wrote: "Chapter 21 [spoilers removed]"

Agreed! I can't wait to read the next part. It's gonna be so interesting! :D

[Erica]

End of Part 2
(view spoiler)[ okay these people are crazy lol Also I cannot stand Michael! ugh I wish she wasnt so stuck on being with him to keep up appearances. Also Nick's mom is just trying to cause issues. Like Rachel clearly isnt with him for his money when she had no idea that he had any until she went to meet his family. (hide spoiler)]

[Erica]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ okay so much has happened that I dont remember in the movie lol Micheal faked the whole thing to make it easier for Astrid? He must actually truly love her to be doing that. Then Nick's mom is an absolute psycho like who acts like that. I was not a big fan of the drama all these "better than everyone" they acted (hide spoiler)]