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Writer's pictureElodie A.

Book Review + Questions: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Updated: Mar 9, 2023




Hey, you! 🍜


It's very rare for me to watch a movie and then read the book. It's usually the other way around. And it's even more rare when I like the movie and the book equally! I think the last time this might have happened was with the book Room by Emma Donoghue (click here for the post). Same thing, but a completely different genre.


Our Book Club session this month took place about a week ago. It was in a whole different vibe compared to last month (click here for the post). I have to admit that we have been reading a lot of sad books for Book Club lately, so this was a great change!


This session was interesting because we didn't unanimously like the book. A friendly debate is always good and honestly, we have managed to form a book club where each voice is heard and anyone can be as honest as they want with their opinion.




Anyways ...


Crazy Rich Asians. You'd think that this was all made up. That this was just a big big joke but growing up in Asia, most of us had at least one crazy rich Asian friend.


First birthdays that cost more than most western weddings. Designer bags and shoes. Spontaneous trips to other countries. Constant judgment. Marrying only within your social status. I could go on and on. For an outsider, this might raise a few eyebrows, but it's just the way it is.


This book made me laugh out loud so many times. It's so exaggerated but somehow relatable. It was also very fascinating from a sociocultural perspective. There are so many aspects that are unheard of in Western Countries - for example, the difference between the mainland Chinese and the overseas Chinese. Personally, my husband's grandparents are overseas Chinese. This is very common in the Philippines.


Moreover, the fact that there is a large revolving cast of characters might be a bit intimidating at first, but that didn't really bother me. Each character is so different from one another. From the down-to-earth and timid to the dramatic and ridiculous ones.


But no book is perfect so ...



The downside of this book? Don't read this in the middle of the night and when you're hungry. Reading about Nasi Goreng, Dumplings, Chicken Satay, Chili Crab when you know you can't have any is ..... pure torture!! Consider yourself warned.



Book Cub Questions

  1. Why do you think Nick neglected to prepare Rachel for his family? Do you understand his decision?

  2. Do you think that maybe Nick is ashamed of who he is?

  3. Who was your favorite character?

  4. Who was your least favorite character?

  5. What message do you think this book is trying to convey?

  6. What do you think of the story being told by several different points of view?

  7. Which point of view did you connect with the most and why?

  8. Which point of view did you connect with the least and why?

  9. Did you learn anything about Singapore and its society?

  10. How did chapter 1 set the stage for the rest of the book?

  11. How do you see Nick and Rachel's future?

  12. Would you want to live a super rich lifestyle?


Have you read this book? What about the two sequels - China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems?


xoxo Elodie


✨ Click here if you want to buy this book: https://amzn.to/3yoD5Fl




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