10 Books Like Crazy Rich Asians
Have you finished devouring “Crazy Rich Asians” and craving more stories about opulence, family drama, and romances set against an Asian backdrop?
Well, buckle up, because I’m here to share some incredible reads that will have you just as amazed as this one did!
From laugh-out-loud rom-coms to thought-provoking family sagas, get ready to dive into a world of luxury, tradition, and everything in between with these reads.
Books Like Crazy Rich Asians
1. The Wangs vs. The World by Jade Chang
This novel follows the story of the Wang family, who lose their cosmetics empire and all their wealth during the financial crash. The family embarks on a road trip across America to gather its remaining members and start anew.
Through humor and sharp observations, Jade Chang explores themes of family, identity, and the American Dream.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Wangs vs. The World” deals with themes of wealth, loss, and identity within an Asian family.
Both novels use humor to address serious topics and feature characters who must navigate the complexities of cultural identity and familial expectations against the backdrop of immense wealth.
2. Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
From the author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” this novel is a satirical take on society and its peculiarities, focusing on Lucie Churchill’s dilemma between her attraction to George Zao and her desire to fit in with her elite social circle.
Set in Capri and New York, the story weaves through themes of love, scandal, and societal expectations.
Major Similarities:
Written by Kevin Kwan, “Sex and Vanity” shares the opulent setting and witty social commentary that fans love in “Crazy Rich Asians.”
It explores themes of class, race, and the clash between personal desires and societal pressures, all while wrapped in the glamour and extravagance of the wealthy elite.
3. The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
This contemporary romance starts with a public proposal gone wrong at a Dodgers game, leading Nikole Paterson to meet Carlos Ibarra, who rescues her from the unwanted attention.
What starts as a rebound turns into something deeper as they navigate their relationship amidst personal challenges and societal expectations.
Major Similarities:
Like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Proposal” features strong, relatable characters, a compelling romance, and a plot that deals with societal expectations and family pressures.
Both novels offer insightful commentary on contemporary relationships while providing a healthy dose of humor and heart.
4. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
Another entry in the “Crazy Rich Asians” series, this novel continues the saga of the Young, T’sien, and Shang-Young clans as they deal with their matriarch’s illness and the ensuing family drama over her massive fortune.
The story traverses the globe from Manila to Palawan, showcasing the opulent lives of Asia’s uber-wealthy.
Major Similarities:
As a direct sequel, “Rich People Problems” shares the same universe, richly developed characters, and the theme of family dynamics amidst extreme wealth as “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Readers will find the same mix of humor, drama, and lavish descriptions of wealth that they loved in the original book.
5. Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu
This delightful novel explores the story of Tina Das, who is at a crossroads in her life, as she attends a lavish week-long wedding in Delhi.
Through the lens of a grand Indian wedding, the story delves into themes of love, family, and finding oneself amidst the chaos of expectations and tradition.
Major Similarities:
“Destination Wedding” shares with “Crazy Rich Asians” the setting of an extravagant wedding, the exploration of family dynamics, and the personal growth of the characters against a backdrop of opulent celebrations.
Both books offer a critical yet humorous look at the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations in the context of wealthy societies.
6. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
In this novel, Khai Diep, who believes he’s incapable of emotion, finds his world turned upside down when his mother returns from Vietnam with Esme Tran, a potential bride.
Esme seizes this opportunity to provide a better life for her family, but she didn’t expect to fall for Khai. Through their journey, the book explores themes of love, expectations, and the spectrum of autism.
Major Similarities:
“The Bride Test” shares with “Crazy Rich Asians” the exploration of cultural and familial expectations, as well as the complexities of navigating personal relationships within the context of wealth and tradition.
Both novels offer engaging love stories that challenge the characters’ preconceived notions about themselves and their places in the world.
7. The Crazy Rich Davenports by Sharyn Paul Brant
This novel dives into the lives of the Davenports, a wealthy African-American family in the Hamptons, as they navigate love, secrets, and social standing.
The story blends humor with drama, exploring the dynamics of a family where privilege and expectation meet personal desires and secrets.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Crazy Rich Asians,” this book focuses on a wealthy family’s internal and social dynamics, highlighting the universal themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.
It offers a glimpse into the lives of the ultra-wealthy, with a cultural twist that adds depth and nuance to the narrative.
8. The Imposters by Tom Rachman
Set against the backdrop of London’s high society, this novel follows a group of friends whose lives are intertwined with drama, love, and the pursuit of success.
Through sharp wit and keen observation, Rachman dissects the complexities of friendship and ambition among the elite.
Major Similarities:
Although a fictional title and not directly related to “Crazy Rich Asians,” a book with a similar theme would share its humorous and critical take on the lives of the wealthy and the nuances of their relationships.
It would explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the search for identity within the glittering confines of high society.
9. China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
As a sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians,” this novel continues to follow the lives of Rachel Chu and Nicholas Young as they navigate the world of the ultra-rich in China.
The story introduces new characters and delves deeper into the extravagance and complexity of high society in Asia, with its own set of challenges and intrigues.
Major Similarities:
“China Rich Girlfriend” continues with the rich narrative style, humor, and vivid portrayal of wealth that fans of “Crazy Rich Asians” enjoy.
It delves deeper into the cultural and societal nuances of Asian high society, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and the impact of wealth on personal relationships.
10. The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
This novel tells the poignant story of Margot Lee, who, after her mother Mina Lee’s unexpected death, uncovers her mother’s past as a Korean War orphan and immigrant in America.
Through Margot’s investigation into her mother’s life, the book explores themes of identity, migration, and the complex mother-daughter relationship.
Major Similarities:
While “The Last Story of Mina Lee” is not centered around the opulence of “Crazy Rich Asians,” it shares the exploration of Asian culture, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience.
Both novels offer insightful commentary on identity and the challenges faced by Asian characters in different social contexts, providing readers with a deeper understanding of cultural and personal nuances.
