Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

China Rich Girlfriend is the worst. I read Crazy Rich Asians because I saw the poster for the movie , and yes, I'm one of those snobs who generally believe that the book is always better than the movie. This was one situation where, as I read, I could see that here was a good idea which could be made great with the right team of screen writers and casting directors. China Rich Girlfriend takes what was horrible about Crazy Rich Asians and amps it up, with the effect of drowning out what was good about the first book. The use of footnotes in the first book was convenient, more like subtitles which allowed the characters to break into their native tongues quite naturally. By the time we get to China Rich, Kevin Kwan uses them as running commentary on the characters and situations. Like watching a movie with that friend who has strong opinions on everything and keeps chattering away as you're trying to immerse yourself in the experience. Also, I'm sure by this time, we get it. The characters are rich. The book degenerates into pages and pages of describing bathrooms and jets and handbags and shoes and cars... I think there is only about 25% of story buried in 75% explanation about how Astrid's style is deceptively simple. How charming! Bracelets from 650 BC and a dress from Zara! How does she do it! But wait! Michael's Ferrari! I'm giving it 2 stars because despite the atrocious writing, one dimensional characters etc. I'm still going to buy the 3rd book. Sigh.