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mdemanatee's review
3.0
China Rich Girlfriend is the sequel to 2013's Crazy Rich Asians, and a pleasant surprise for this reader who had no clue a sequel was in the works. This go-around we return to some of our favorite characters from the first novel, while meeting a new cast of characters as well. The novel skips a few years into the future, bringing us to Rachel and Nick's wedding. Thanks to some meddling from Nick's mother, even though they're still estranged, Rachel is given the chance to meet her dad. He just happens to be a part of the Chinese big money, and readers are treated to even higher stakes in terms of crazy spending.
This reminded me in a lot of ways of those fanfics where Harry suddenly inherits a huge sum of money, or comes into his inheritance. And then we read chapters and chapters of his spending his money in Diagon Alley. Or wielding his influence, or what have you. This novel had a lot of throwing money around. Except I have a strong emotional tie to Harry. I'm like, "yes you lived in a cupboard under the stairs for eleven years you buy all that chocolate." But I didn't have that same emotional attachment to characters in this novel. And while I recognize Kwan is making a commentary on that culture, even the characters that were my in weren't really pushing the story far enough by themselves. While in the first novel I remember the crazy spending and opulence as the world complicating Rachel and Nick's journey, this time the world seemed to gobble up the journey in many ways. I almost became desensitized to the opulence because it seemed ridiculous at many points. From the record-setting art auction at the beginning of the novel, to the whirlwind shopping trip to Paris, and everything surrounding. Even as I'm sure there are many people that live like that.
One thing I loved about this novel was that it didn't rely on relationship drama between Rachel and Nick. Sure, there was some of that in the first novel, although it was all completely understandable. But this time they were always a strong, united front. And they had a maturity, even when facing the immense opulence of other characters in the novel, that helped ground everything.
While I loved being reacquainted with Rachel and Nick, they weren't the characters that had the most compelling story for me this go-around (with the last 20% of the novel as an exception). Rather, this time I was pulled into Astrid's journey as she struggled with a bad marriage. It wasn't over the top. But it was honest. And it was heartbreaking to watch a proud, strong women slowly diminish herself to fit her husband's perceived needs. And it was empowering to fight for her, and watch her fight for herself. Astrid brought a humanity and vulnerability that a lot of the rest of the characters in the novel lacked. She made it about more than just absurd people doing absurd things. I also enjoyed getting to know Rachel's brother, and would have liked to spend some more in-depth character time with him.
Overall, while this did not eclipse Crazy Rich Asians for me, it was a solid sequel. And a very enjoyable summer read. Everything ties up nicely in China Rich Girlfriend, but I see plenty of opportunities in where we left characters for this series to continue. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
This reminded me in a lot of ways of those fanfics where Harry suddenly inherits a huge sum of money, or comes into his inheritance. And then we read chapters and chapters of his spending his money in Diagon Alley. Or wielding his influence, or what have you. This novel had a lot of throwing money around. Except I have a strong emotional tie to Harry. I'm like, "yes you lived in a cupboard under the stairs for eleven years you buy all that chocolate." But I didn't have that same emotional attachment to characters in this novel. And while I recognize Kwan is making a commentary on that culture, even the characters that were my in weren't really pushing the story far enough by themselves. While in the first novel I remember the crazy spending and opulence as the world complicating Rachel and Nick's journey, this time the world seemed to gobble up the journey in many ways. I almost became desensitized to the opulence because it seemed ridiculous at many points. From the record-setting art auction at the beginning of the novel, to the whirlwind shopping trip to Paris, and everything surrounding. Even as I'm sure there are many people that live like that.
One thing I loved about this novel was that it didn't rely on relationship drama between Rachel and Nick. Sure, there was some of that in the first novel, although it was all completely understandable. But this time they were always a strong, united front. And they had a maturity, even when facing the immense opulence of other characters in the novel, that helped ground everything.
While I loved being reacquainted with Rachel and Nick, they weren't the characters that had the most compelling story for me this go-around (with the last 20% of the novel as an exception). Rather, this time I was pulled into Astrid's journey as she struggled with a bad marriage. It wasn't over the top. But it was honest. And it was heartbreaking to watch a proud, strong women slowly diminish herself to fit her husband's perceived needs. And it was empowering to fight for her, and watch her fight for herself. Astrid brought a humanity and vulnerability that a lot of the rest of the characters in the novel lacked. She made it about more than just absurd people doing absurd things. I also enjoyed getting to know Rachel's brother, and would have liked to spend some more in-depth character time with him.
Overall, while this did not eclipse Crazy Rich Asians for me, it was a solid sequel. And a very enjoyable summer read. Everything ties up nicely in China Rich Girlfriend, but I see plenty of opportunities in where we left characters for this series to continue. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
paulieg's review
2.0
This was such a big letdown from the previous book--I'm so bummed!!! I was really looking forward to more fizzy fun and shard-sharp satire with the cast of CRAZY RICH ASIANS, but this installment turned out to be a huge snore. Many, MANY new (and dull) characters are introduced who take up most of the book's three (or four?) storylines, all of which suffer from odd pacing and a lackluster plot. There's some fun to be had in the beginning of the book, but I skimmed the last third.
lulu_loves_conan_gray's review
5.0
This is was SOOO good. I loved it even more than the first!! It was so surprising, funny, and heart-felt! I definitely encourage everyone to continue/start the series!
angienagie's review
4.0
I truly love these books. They might not be the most well written, but they are fun, amusing, and full of excellent characters. Honestly I would die for Astrid.
thefictionaddictionblog's review
5.0
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan, blends lifestyle porn and careful attentions to customs and manners of an Edith Wharton or Candace Bushnell adventure, only set among the hyperwealthy Chinese, instead of hyperwealthy New Yorkers. So, the correct designers outfits are worn to the correct private jewelry showings, but instead of getting a summer house in the wrong side of the Hamptons, new money characters make their New Year’s visits in the wrong order. So good, you guys.
This would be a really fun read, if only for the travelogue and lifestyle porn aspects, but you guys, there is so much snark in this novel. There’s occasional Hokkien and Cantonese insults and snark, with the translation in even snarkier footnotes. When social consultant Corinna Ko-Tung agrees to reinvent Kitty Pong, a reality star with high-class aspirations, she gives her an assignment list of some of my favorite manners novels, with hilariously harsh commentary on how to learn from them.
Full review may contain spoilers
This would be a really fun read, if only for the travelogue and lifestyle porn aspects, but you guys, there is so much snark in this novel. There’s occasional Hokkien and Cantonese insults and snark, with the translation in even snarkier footnotes. When social consultant Corinna Ko-Tung agrees to reinvent Kitty Pong, a reality star with high-class aspirations, she gives her an assignment list of some of my favorite manners novels, with hilariously harsh commentary on how to learn from them.
Full review may contain spoilers
knightedbooks's review
4.0
Enjoyed this sequel. So ready to watch the movie, Crazy Rich Asians. Rachel is still my favorite character. I struggle to keep up with all of the characters but that is okay. Hope the third book in the series is great, too.
idil's review
3.0
it was very funny! funnier than the first i think but thats because i think this one was more gossip-y and over dramatic, some storylines seemed slightly over the top but i mean the entire story revolves around over the top billionaires so i assume it's to be expected, but still.
i kind of hope there is a third book because there are quite a few loose ends that don't make sense.
also i was very disappointed with how collette's character turned out, she was so funny and independent, why was did she suddenly do a 180? plus Michael's character change was also unnecessary and not very believable. i disliked him more than Eddie which is saying something.
i kind of hope there is a third book because there are quite a few loose ends that don't make sense.
alienkeren's review
2.0
WTF did I just read?
It was more like watching a soap opera or telenovela or a sinetron (in Bahasa Indonesia) rather than reading.
What the actual F!
It was more like watching a soap opera or telenovela or a sinetron (in Bahasa Indonesia) rather than reading.
What the actual F!
werds's review
3.0
Not as mind blowing as the first one (of course), but if you're looking for Gossip Girl in China/Hong Kong/Singapore, multiplied by a 1000 and with more exciting surroundings, this is for you.
pendygal80's review
4.0
Well this was a wild ride. There were some interesting story lines in this one to be sure. Rachel and Nick remain the heart of the story and I'm thankful for that. They really are a lovely pair. I continue to adore Astrid but man, her arc with Michael was painful. He turned into such an a$$hole. Blech, I hope we're done with him.
Rachel's newfound family provided an interesting wrinkle. I just felt sorry for Carlton. Between his obvious PTSD and his relationship with his mother, it seemed like he didn't have much of a chance.
I'm so glad I have the last book ready to go because after that ending I can't wait to dive in.
Rachel's newfound family provided an interesting wrinkle. I just felt sorry for Carlton. Between his obvious PTSD and his relationship with his mother, it seemed like he didn't have much of a chance.
I'm so glad I have the last book ready to go because after that ending I can't wait to dive in.