Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - Book Review

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4 out of 5 stars

When Nicholas Young hears that his grandmother, Su Yi, is on her deathbed, he rushes to be by her bedside—but he's not alone. The entire Shang-Young clan has convened from all corners of the globe to stake claim to their matriarch's massive fortune. With each family member vying to inherit Tyersall Park—a trophy estate on sixty-four prime acres in the heart of Singapore—Nicholas' childhood home turns into a hotbed of backbiting and intrigue. As Su Yi's relatives fight over heirlooms, Astrid Leong is at the center of her own storm, desperately in love with her old sweetheart Charlie Wu but tormented by her ex-husband—a man hell-bent on destroying Astrid's reputation and relationship. Meanwhile, Kitty Pong, married to China's second richest man, Jack Bing, still feels upstaged by her new stepdaughter, famous fashionista Colette Bing.

Welcome to another review blog (I promise as this blog gets going we will definitely have some more fun things included) but until then... you know how this goes. 3 dislikes and likes as well as a spoiler review below (with a huge advance notice). 

Dislikes:

1. This book didn't really give me any dislikes as far as writing style or the flow of the book. I listened to all 3 books on audio and the person who narrates the book is spectacular. So the only complaints I really had was characters and their arc. Let's start with Peik Lin Cheng, I love her ending arc by the way but I felt it was so abrupt. She was their for so few chapters, so when they ending came around, while I did actually hope for it to happen, it felt so out of left field. Would have definitely wanted more of her throughout the story!!

2. Colette Bing - ugh.... this girl my goodness there was just nothing redeemable about her.. but my biggest complaint is that you don't see her true end arc until the epilogue! I wanted... no needed that in your face conclusion!! But I guess since she already had a beat down in China Rich Girlfriend Kevin Kwan decided for a more subtle ending.

3. Elanor Yong.... ugh... I am not even going to comment more than that. If you read the book you know exactly what part I am talking about. Who in their right mind even does that.. just beyond comprehension.

Which brings me to my likes:

1. The Narrator. I started my Crazy Rich Asian's venture with the movie and then decided, despite it not being a genre I read all that much, that I'd read the books. But I didn't know how much the book overlapped with the movie so I decided to pick up the audiobook.. got hooked and continued on that path.Can I just say Lydia Hook who did the second and third book narration is incredible!! She dips in and out of accents, switches between sexes without hesitation it kept me completely immersed in the books!

2. Getting more of Oliver and Su Yi's back story was the best part of this book. Just loved learning more about Oliver and how his life differs from the main family and how that plays to the way he his. Su Yi's life was worth reading about, who she truly is and how she became that way was vital to really connecting with her character and I think it provided the perfect arc for her life. I also have to mention Astrid as she is my favourite character. I am glad they allowed Astrid to grow significantly in this story!

3.The ending and epilogue. While I did complain a bit about the ending above I will say I was pleasantly satisfied with how it all came together. I don't have any complaints of stories left unfinished or needing more of anyone's story (although I wouldn't complain about a novella or two). All my questions were answered and I was left feeling fulfilled.

All in all.. great story, fantastic conclusion to a well thought out and written novel series. I loved dipping into the cultures and experiencing the craziness that is rich Asians! But what did you think? I'd love to hear from you so be sure to post your comments below.. did you read this book? Is it on your TBR list? Did this conclusion to the series leave you fulfilled or did you need more?? Let me know in the comments below!

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SPOILERS

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Colette and Kitty Bing had to be my least favourite part of this story. No not from a writing stand point as the characters were written quite realistic if even in a extreme sort of way. I mean Kitty's character arc in book 2 was SO good! I loved her trying to find herself, seeking help, realizing she needed to find her own way and cementing her own future how she wanted (even if it wasn't in the purest of ways). But this book just had her petty.... didn't like it at all... I mean why wouldn't a father take care of his children. Would you really trust him with your child if he couldn't take care of his first?? And Colette, I mean I get that your stupid doting parents let you get away with everything but LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES WOMAN... oh I so wanted her to fall out from her feet all over again but as I said subtle comeuppance is still comeuppance!! 

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