Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan 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.

So what else happens?

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.

I laughed, I cried, I wanted to go to Singapore and hang out with some of these people as if it was a reality show. I didn’t know about this book until the movie came out, so as usual I had to read it before I saw the film, and I am so happy that I did. Rachel goes through a huge transformation in this book and I personally find it interesting to watch. Of course several of the other characters have their own transformations as well, but Rachel is my favorite.

I dove in and wrapped myself up in the history of the family. Can you imagine being able to trace your lineage that far? To have that much passion for your family history. There were a few places where the story drags out a little bit. However, for me they were just little moments and as a whole the book is fantastic. I really enjoyed this one and invite you to as well.

My Star Rating: