Crazy Rich Asians

What makes it funny?

A relative hears that Rachel comes from Northern California and assumes she must know the Gettys. In Kwan's wealthy circles, even small talk requires a billionaire connection. Readers also single out the explanatory footnotes and the extravagant behavior; one audiobook listener was surprised by how funny it was.

The comedy at work

Rachel has to learn the rules that everyone around Nick treats as obvious. Kwan uses her confusion to expose habits of name-dropping, status checking and competitive spending. The relatives can make a polite introduction feel like an examination of her financial credentials.

Try this if…

A prospect for readers who enjoy a romance surrounded by family interference, extravagant clothes and gossip. Some book-group readers loved the lively excess and wanted the sequel; the pleasure depends partly on enjoying time among people who discuss everyone else's standing.

Good to know

The ensemble and gossip divided readers. One felt that little had happened even three-quarters of the way through, while others found it fast and funny. Explanatory footnotes are part of the experience. China Rich Girlfriend follows this book, and Rich People Problems completes the trilogy.