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2019 Monthly Challenge
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June Group Read Discussion: Crazy Rich Asians
Hi! Welcome to the June discussion of Crazy Rich Asians. My name is Amanda, and I will be the discussion leader for the month. I’m so excited for us all to get started. While I encourage an organic discussion, for the sake of posing questions, my plan is simple… I’ve divided the book up into “sections”; each Monday I will post questions pertaining to the set of chapters for that week. I’ll chime in with my thoughts- or additional questions- as comments are made.
To kick things off, let’s start with some pre-reading questions:
1) Assuming you are reading this simply because it is the selected monthly read, are you looking forward to the book? Is it something you normally would have picked up? Or, is it out of your “comfort zone”?
2) Do you plan to complete the (3-book) series?
3) Have you seen the movie?
Happy reading!
Note: for those that are curious, the following are my outlined “sections”: (“P” represents “part”)
W1 questions: Monday June 3 / Chapters P1.1-P1.14
W2 questions: Monday June 10 / Chapters P1.15-P2.10
W3 questions: Monday June 17 / Chapters P2.11-P3.6
W4 questions: Monday June 24 / Chapters P3.7-P3.20
Amanda wrote: "Hi! Welcome to the June discussion of Crazy Rich Asians. My name is Amanda, and I will be the discussion leader for the month. I’m so excited for us all to get started. While I en..."
I'll go first...
1) Prior to this year, this is not a book I would have selected. Maybe the hype created by the movie would have steered me in that direction, but most likely not.
2) I'm not sure if I will read the other books. To be determined. ;)
3) I have not seen the movie, but will be watching it after the month ends.
I actually had all three purchased before I knew the first book would be June’s read. So I’m happy to start the series. My plan is to read all three and then watch the movie. I haven’t seen the movie yet. :)
1) I've been wanting to read this since first hearing about it!2) If this first book is good, I definitely plan on finishing the series!
3) I haven't seen the movie (I'm one of those "Gotta read the book first" people) I look forward to watching it after reading the first book though!
3. Yes, and I absolutely loved it.1. Whenever I see (and like) a movie based on a book I try to eventually read the book. By having it as the monthly read it pushes me to read it sooner rather than later.
2. As long as I like the 1st book, I'll read the rest in the series.... eventually.
1) I wanted to read this book. So many people I knew, read it and loved it.2) I don't know if I will read more. I think it was fine the way it ended.
3) Haven't seen the movie.
Becky wrote: "I actually had all three purchased before I knew the first book would be June’s read. So I’m happy to start the series. My plan is to read all three and then watch the movie. I haven’t seen the mov..."That's a fun coincidence. That's nice how that worked out.
♛Primadonna♛ wrote: "1) I've been wanting to read this since first hearing about it!2) If this first book is good, I definitely plan on finishing the series!
3) I haven't seen the movie (I'm one of those "Gotta read..."
I'm definitely with you on reading before watching.
Kendra wrote: "3. Yes, and I absolutely loved it.1. Whenever I see (and like) a movie based on a book I try to eventually read the book. By having it as the monthly read it pushes me to read it sooner rather th..."
That's interesting. Do you find that you seek out movies that you know were book adaptations, and then build your TBR list from there?
AF wrote: "1) I wanted to read this book. So many people I knew, read it and loved it.2) I don't know if I will read more. I think it was fine the way it ended.
3) Haven't seen the movie."
So, you've finished the (1st) book and don't feel the need to read books 2 and 3? I feel like I'll be in the same boat as you. ;)
Amanda wrote: "Kendra wrote: "3. Yes, and I absolutely loved it.1. Whenever I see (and like) a movie based on a book I try to eventually read the book. By having it as the monthly read it pushes me to read it s..."
No, I pick movies based on plot or the people involved. But if I love the movie, and there's a book I make a point to read it. If the movie looks only so-so and I'm trying to decide whether or not I'll see it, sometimes I'll read the book first to try and decide. Often I'm harder on movies when I've read the book first.
Kendra wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Kendra wrote: "3. Yes, and I absolutely loved it.1. Whenever I see (and like) a movie based on a book I try to eventually read the book. By having it as the monthly read it pushes ..."
I totally get that. I definitely find that I judge a movie a bit more when I've read the book prior to watching it.
Happy Monday all!As promised, I have some week one questions. The following questions are pertaining to Part One chapters 1 through 14.
1) As of today, where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it?
2) What are your (initial) thoughts on Eleanor? Do you feel she is simply protective of her family? Or do you find that she is being overly paranoid (possibly even a bit "crazy")?
3) Rachel's friend (view spoiler) Did you find that interesting?
4) Do you feel Nick should have opened up more (about his family and status) to Rachel?
1) I've read chapters 1 - 14. I'm debating trying to space this read out and only read the "assigned" chapters. I never did this back when I was in school - Either I loved the book and raced through it, or I didn't really like it, so I made sure I read it fast to get it over with. Either way I then would struggle to remember what had or hadn't happened yet if the rest of the class was still on ch. X. 2) I have seen the movie, so I feel like I have a bit more sympathy for Eleanor than I might have if I had read the book first. I get that the world she operates in is very different and status and public perception are far more important to her. Plus, by some of the things written about his blood relatives and their choices, maybe her worries are not as paranoid as you might think.
3) I see it as more of a literary device then anything - a way to keep Rachel in the dark for just a little longer about Nick's family.
4) Yes! I get wanting to know that the person your with is not just in it for the money, and then worrying about how things will change once that info is revealed, but he should have told her before taking her on a trip to meet his family. Even when they're packing to leave he keeps dodging Rachel's questions.
1). I read the book last weekend as an audio book from the library. Didn't even realise until now it was the June discussion book2). I've reserved book 2 from the library - still on wait list
3). Haven't seen the movie but want to now.
Kendra wrote: "1) I've read chapters 1 - 14. I'm debating trying to space this read out and only read the "assigned" chapters. I never did this back when I was in school - Either I loved the book and raced throug..."I completely agree with you; Nick should have told her more when she was asking him all of those questions. I don't think it's a trust thing with him, so I have to wonder... does he just not fully realize how "different" he is...?
Solenn Canny wrote: "1). I read the book last weekend as an audio book from the library. Didn't even realise until now it was the June discussion book2). I've reserved book 2 from the library - still on wait list
3). ..."
Nice! I like to see that you enjoyed the book enough to continue with the series.
Amanda wrote: "Kendra wrote: "1) I've read chapters 1 - 14. I'm debating trying to space this read out and only read the "assigned" chapters. I never did this back when I was in school - Either I loved the book a..."Or is it that he doesn't want to admit to himself just how 'different' he is?
1) I actually finished this book a while ago. I read it as an audiobook and LOVED it. It was such fun listening.2) Eleanor is overbearing. I think that's the right word. Not crazy, or protective, just a busy body that has to have her own way.
3) I thought this was a huge disconnect in the book. How could she not?
4) This is a definite yes. He should definitely have opened up about his family and status. I think he's a bit of a loser for so thinking so little of Rachel and not telling her. Poor girl!!
Pre-read questions1. I wasn't actually planning to read this, as I'd already found something for the "wedding" prompt, but in the end it fitted with another challenge I'm doing, so I gave it a go (I'll use it for "book about a family"). But no, I wouldn't normally have picked it up
2) Maybe. I did enjoy this one, and I would like to know what happens to Nick and Rachel.
3) No, and I probably won't, as I enjoyed the book and wouldn't want to spoil it.
Week one questions
1) I like to read a book straight off, rather than in bits, so I've actually read straight through. I actually enjoyed it more than I expected. I'd expected the "crazy rich" bit to just be too much - and it was. But I liked Nick and Rachel, and several of the supporting characters, even though I would have cheerfully strangled quite a fiew of them (Eddie, Bernard...)
I also had a chuckle at some of the author's sarcastic footnotes.
2) Very overbearing and inflexible. And that annoyed me more as the book went on.
3) I'm actually a bit surprised that the Youngs managed to remain so anonymous. It didn't seem quite plausible.
4) Definitely. For all he claims to care about her, dropping her into that situation with no warning seemed cruel. That said, I still liked him as a character, as he was one of the more down to earth ones.
Trish wrote: "Pre-read questions1. I wasn't actually planning to read this, as I'd already found something for the "wedding" prompt, but in the end it fitted with another challenge I'm doing, so I gave it a go..."
Haha. I'm definitely with you on that. Eddie and Bernard annoy me every time they pop back in(to the story-line).
Happy Monday all!As promised, I have some week two questions. The following pertain to Part One Chapter 15 through Part Two Chapter 10.
1) Where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it thus far?
2) What are your thoughts on the bachelor and/or bachelorette party festivities? What would you have done in that (either of them, really) situation?
3) When Rachel was at Peik Lin’s, and her and her family found out Rachel was going to be attending Colin and Araminta’s wedding, (view spoiler) ?
4) It seems a number of characters are “friends” because of family pressure ((view spoiler)). Cultural-tradition aside, how do you feel about this? Is it fair to either party? Or, is it one thing to simply be nice and another to actually create and build a friendship?
5) How do you feel you are doing with the Asian terminology? Do you feel you are struggling with the pronunciation? Are you looking up the words and how to properly say them? Or, just referring to footnotes? Do you like that the (terminology) is included in the conversation, or do you find it just slows you down?
Happy reading!
This is my first time doing the monthly read--I didn't realize there were weekly questions!Week 1:
1) It's not out of my comfort zone but it's also not my typical read, if that makes any sense. I had wanted to read it and actually chose it for my "book by an author from Asia, Africa, etc." (I already read a book with a wedding in it).
2) Nah
3) Not yet, but I think I'll enjoy this much more in a movie format than I did as a book (which is a travesty, I know!).
Week 2:
1) I finished it last night. It was okay.
2) I found her to be a rich woman with too much time/money on her hands, terrible friends, and extremely misplaced priorities. Was she shaped by the world she's in? Sure. Does that make me sympathize with her? Not really.
3) Not really--they pointed out early on how secretive the family was. They also quickly established that Peik Lin's family was "new money," so it made sense.
4) 1000%
Week 3:
1) I'm done.
2) I guess I'm not into rich people culture. Even when reading about it, where I expected to feel some kind of voyeuristic fascination, I just hated it. I would have felt extremely overwhelmed and probably would have reacted like Rachel. I would have been disgusted by the extravagance and competition. I would have told my boyfriend about the fish thing, though. I liked how the bachelor party went down--it definitely made me like Nick and his friends a lot more that they weren't into the "dog fighting, drugs, and prostitutes" scene.
3) No. Again, it had been established that this wedding was a huge deal in Singapore.
4) Of course it's unfair! I can understand maintaining civility and teaching your kids to be polite, but forcing your children to spend time with toxic people for the sake of business just shows how little you care about your kids. When your family comes second to money? No, thanks. There's a great episode of The Nanny (yeah, I love that show) where they try to force Grace to be friends with a bratty, entitled kid in her class so Mr. Sheffield can get a good review for his new play, and the whole point of the episode was about how terrible that can be for your kids. Also, you're teaching your kids to pander instead of teaching them self-respect. (In case you couldn't tell, this book didn't sit super well with me.)
5) Oh, it never occurred to me to try and say the words out loud. I know next-to-nothing about Chinese dialect pronunciations. I did enjoy the inclusion of it, though--it helped maintain the authenticity. I just referred to the footnotes, though. If somebody were to say any of them to me (other than "alamack!"), I would have no idea what they were saying haha.
Mod
I read this 3 years ago and honestly do not remember how I initially learned of its existence. And although "rich people" do not generally interest me, I was drawn to try this one out. I was not disappointed! The only thing that disappointed me was wanting to know more about the people once the book ended. Now I need to read the other two in this trilogy! (I do not know if he has plans to continue the series beyond the three installments currently published or not...) I found it to be a delightful read!
2) Do you plan to complete the (3-book) series?
Definitely!
3) Have you seen the movie?
I have. My best friend insisted we see the movie and as I suspected, I was a bit disappointed as I felt the "romance" was overblown and exaggerated to some degree. Though I may well be in the minority with that opinion. (I have yet to read the already-posted replies above. But I will!) BTW, my best friend wanted us to board a flight and head to Singapore immediately! lol
Mod
1. Whenever I see (and like) a movie based on a book I try to eventually read the book. By having it as the monthly read it pushes ..."
Oh, Kendra, you echo my thoughts exactly. I NEVER used to watch a movie until I had read the book. Then I watched several movies adapted from books without having read the book first, instead I read the book after watching the movie. I have learned that I am often much more critical of the movie if I have read the book first... I almost think that for my own sense of enjoyment I might benefit from reading the book after watching the movie... If that makes sense! :)
Mod
1) As of today, where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it?
Read it 3 years ago.
2) What are your (initial) thoughts on Eleanor? Do you feel she is simply protective of her family? Or do you find that she is being overly paranoid (possibly even a bit "crazy")?
Oh, Eleanor was a bitch! But...I could easily see how she had developed into the adult she had become. It was innate, biologically inherited via the gene pool, but perhaps even more pertinent was that she had known nothing else. She had obviously been raised with this superior/elitist attitude, and it is typically difficult for us to overcome such ingrained behaviors! Eventually I could empathize with her a bit, but only after she proved herself capable of changing, at least somewhat, enough to actually welcome Rachel and show some kindness, generosity, and acceptance.
3) Rachel's friend (view spoiler) Did you find that interesting?
I totally overlooked that when I read it, but yeah, now that you mention it, that was rather stupid. I can only assume she felt Rachel would be able to handle it? IDK... At least she did manage to help Rachel in the aftermath!
4) Do you feel Nick should have opened up more (about his family and status) to Rachel?
Oh, definitely! But then I considered...to me, at least, this felt like a "typical male" behavior--being oblivious to the backbiting two-faced females of his (and many other) family. He just struck me as "clueless," plus I can kinda understand his reticence to inform Rachel, but...it was very cruel in the end! I felt so sorry for Rachel! I probably would have reacted in much the same way as she did at the same age. Though certainly not now! :)
Mod
1) Where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it thus far?
Read it 3 years ago.
2) What are your thoughts on the bachelor and/or bachelorette party festivities? What would you have done in that (either of them, really) situation?
I cannot imagine staying. I get that Nick and Colin felt they must at least try to attend, but I can't imagine actually doing so. I am uncertain what I would have done had I been in Rachel's position. Murdering them all in the dead of night would probably be my first thought! ;) I believe I would have extricated myself immediately, if at all possible. Now, in my sixties, my immediate thought is, "Life is too short to waste any more of my time with these people." I admired her courage...and wanted to throttle Nick for putting her in that situation!
3) When Rachel was at Peik Lin’s, and her and her family found out Rachel was going to be attending Colin and Araminta’s wedding, (view spoiler) ?
Honestly, to the best of my memory, weren't they impressed? I don't remember much, except that Peik Lin was concerned about Rachel's lack of elitist clothing, etc.
4) It seems a number of characters are “friends” because of family pressure ((view spoiler)). Cultural-tradition aside, how do you feel about this? Is it fair to either party? Or, is it one thing to simply be nice and another to actually create and build a friendship?
IMHO, that is pure BS! I always encouraged my children to at least be wary of those who were "rich." So many times such people use other people for their own gain...period. I have just found that those who are wealthy tend to be insincere in their interpersonal relationships. I never feel I can trust them. Though, granted my direct exposure to wealthy people has been extremely limited. I remember at the age of 16 I was invited by the wealthiest person in our high school (Her family was still probably NOT considered wealthy outside of our little small rural community.) to attend an intimate little birthday party with her clique of "friends." My mother was THRILLED! Oh, she was soooo excited that I would be included in this socially elite 'club'. (You can see my mother and I were 2 completely different people.) I was determined to give it my best shot, though I suspected this would NOT be an enjoyable experience for me... Neither boys nor clothing much interested me and I assumed that was all these girls could talk about. Oh, boy, was I ever correct. I was back home in an hour from leaving: 15 minute drive each way and a whole 30 minutes at the party that I'm sure lasted another hour or more after I departed. After the first 15 minutes at her house my thought was, "I have a really good book I could be reading. Or I could work on my knitting project. Anything other than staying here!" I was so bored... What was so funny was that she invited me to another couple such gatherings of her elite clique to be held at her house and I refused both times, offering excuses of prior engagements, both lies as I recall. I could never figure out why she (or any of her cronies) pursued me at all. Wasn't it obvious I wasn't interested? Ah, well, live and learn! Predictably, my mother was quite upset with me! (She was into all the social crap when she was young...had a "coming out" party and everything. Not "coming out" as it might be construed today! ;) lol A social "coming out" when she turned 16...) But I informed her I would not waste my time being bored with people who could discuss nothing more than boys, who was sleeping with whom, and clothes. I was still sewing most of my own clothing after all! :)
5) How do you feel you are doing with the Asian terminology? Do you feel you are struggling with the pronunciation? Are you looking up the words and how to properly say them? Or, just referring to footnotes? Do you like that the (terminology) is included in the conversation, or do you find it just slows you down?
I always appreciate the inclusion of "non-English" terms! It adds to my knowledge and understanding of that language and culture, etc. I do usually try to learn the correct pronunciation.
I happened to find this group when just reading discussions. I am on Part 3; it was a library book read and I never finished the book.1) Assuming you are reading this simply because it is the selected monthly read, are you looking forward to the book? Is it something you normally would have picked up? Or, is it out of your “comfort zone”?
It was library book club read.
2) Do you plan to complete the (3-book) series?
No.
3) Have you seen the movie?
No. My granddaughter told me yesterday she had seen it and liked it. I may.
1) Where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it thus far?
Page 350. Part 3. Not really.
2) What are your thoughts on the bachelor and/or bachelorette party festivities? What would you have done in that (either of them, really) situation?
They need to grow up. Did not care for some of the language.
3) When Rachel was at Peik Lin’s, and her and her family found out Rachel was going to be attending Colin and Araminta’s wedding, (view spoiler) ?
I think they were surprised she was not from a wealthy family.
4) It seems a number of characters are “friends” because of family pressure ((view spoiler)). Cultural-tradition aside, how do you feel about this? Is it fair to either party? Or, is it one thing to simply be nice and another to actually create and build a friendship?
I have not found "true" friends yet.
5) How do you feel you are doing with the Asian terminology? Do you feel you are struggling with the pronunciation? Are you looking up the words and how to properly say them? Or, just referring to footnotes? Do you like that the (terminology) is included in the conversation, or do you find it just slows you down?
I do like the footnotes. That and a little history helps the book. I have been to parts of China and found Singapore very different than other areas . Also times have changed since I was there. I only met regular people and found them sincere.
1) Where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it thus far? I've finished part 2. I'm not enjoying it as much as I expected to. I really love the movie, but I'm finding the book a little irritating.
2) What are your thoughts on the bachelor and/or bachelorette party festivities? What would you have done in that (either of them, really) situation?
First off, I think that only people who are close to the bride and groom should attend the bachelor/bachelorette parties. Second, it's supposed to be up to the maid of honour/ best man to plan the things because their supposed to know the groom/bride best and therefore be able to plan the party that they would like best because the party is supposed to be about them. If Nick had planed the party, Colin could have politely declined Bernard's offer to host the party. And if I had been in Rachel's place, I would have told Nick flat out what had happened.
3) When Rachel was at Peik Lin’s, and her and her family found out Rachel was going to be attending Colin and Araminta’s wedding, did their reaction to the news surprise you?
Not really.
4) It seems a number of characters are “friends” because of family pressure ((view spoiler)). Cultural-tradition aside, how do you feel about this? Is it fair to either party? Or, is it one thing to simply be nice and another to actually create and build a friendship?
I think it happens in various cultures - when you're little, your end up hanging out with the kids of your parents friends or co-workers and you become friends out of necessity more so then anything. And having your parents tell you to not be mean or selfish with their bosses kids, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to be best friends. And then when you get older, if you have to work/do business with people you don't really like, it's just better all around to try and be nice and polite to them. But I think if you force your kids to be friends with people they absolutely hate, it can end up damaging your relationship with them.
5) How do you feel you are doing with the Asian terminology? Do you feel you are struggling with the pronunciation? Are you looking up the words and how to properly say them? Or, just referring to footnotes? Do you like that the (terminology) is included in the conversation, or do you find it just slows you down?
I love the footnotes and the inclusion of the terminology and background, but I don't have any need to be able to pronounce them properly.
Kendra wrote: "1) Where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it thus far? I've finished part 2. I'm not enjoying it as much as I expected to. I really love the movie, but I'm finding the book a littl..."
In regards to the bachelor/bachelorette parties, I completely agree that BM/MOH should have been solely responsible for the event(s). Bernard was clearly planning an event to cater to *his* interests. And, I understand Rachel being invited because it was the nice thing to do, but it put her in an awkward situation that I feel can/should have been avoided.
Happy Monday!The following questions pertain to Part Two Chapter 11 through Part Three Chapter Six.
1) Where are you at with the book, and what are your thoughts thus far? Are you enjoying it?
2) When Nick’s grandmother and Rachel were in the garden, (view spoiler). Had Nick not interrupted their conversation, what do you feel the outcome would have been?
3) Peik Lin has been such a great friend to Rachel, so nice and always so helpful. Where do you feel this is going (in the storyline)?
4) What are your thoughts on Astrid and Michael’s relationship? Do you feel sympathetic? If so, towards whom?
5) What do you think Eleanor Learned in Shenzhen? And, do you see her (view spoiler)?
Happy reading!
The following questions pertain to Part Two Chapter 11 through Part Three Chapter Six. 1) Where are you at with the book, and what are your thoughts thus far? Are you enjoying it?
I am finished. I was reading before I found this discussion group. I really did not like the book.
2) When Nick’s grandmother and Rachel were in the garden, (view spoiler). Had Nick not interrupted their conversation, what do you feel the outcome would have been?
Not sure.
3) Peik Lin has been such a great friend to Rachel, so nice and always so helpful. Where do you feel this is going (in the storyline)?
I am finding a "true" friend in Peik Lin. I did like her.
4) What are your thoughts on Astrid and Michael’s relationship? Do you feel sympathetic? If so, towards whom?
Confusing.
5) What do you think Eleanor Learned in Shenzhen? And, do you see her [ playing the “Shenzhen card” (hide spoiler)]?
I do not remember this part of the book.
1) Where are you at with the book, and what are your thoughts thus far? Are you enjoying it? I've read up to the end of Part 3, ch. 6. I'm not enjoying the book that much. I'm finding a lot of my favourite things from the movie weren't in the book. But it is still interesting for me to compare the 2.
2) When Nick’s grandmother and Rachel were in the garden, (view spoiler). Had Nick not interrupted their conversation, what do you feel the outcome would have been?
I got the impression that she might have been about to give a tentative approval, but that she saw the interruption as a sign that Rachel wasn't right for Nick.
3) Peik Lin has been such a great friend to Rachel, so nice and always so helpful. Where do you feel this is going (in the storyline)?
I get the feeling that she's a true friend.
4) What are your thoughts on Astrid and Michael’s relationship? Do you feel sympathetic? If so, towards whom?
I'm not as sympathetic towards Astrid as I was to the movie version. In the book, it comes off as if Michael ended up with her because he felt that he was supposed to want her, while she wanted him because he wasn't like anyone she had dated before. I also find myself relating to Michael most of all the characters in the book, even though he's barely in the book - just in terms of his attitude to the "crazy rich Asian" lifestyle.
5) What do you think Eleanor Learned in Shenzhen? And, do you see her (view spoiler)?
Given I have seen the movie, I'm pretty sure what the info is, and that she will definitely use it.
The following questions pertain to Part Two Chapter 11 through Part Three Chapter Six. 1) Where are you at with the book, and what are your thoughts thus far? Are you enjoying it?
I finished it. I did not enjoy it that much.
2) When Nick’s grandmother and Rachel were in the garden, (view spoiler). Had Nick not interrupted their conversation, what do you feel the outcome would have been?
I got the feeling she was going to say something nice about her but based on what happens later, I really don't know. I don't know that the author has any idea--I think he just put that in for suspense.
3) Peik Lin has been such a great friend to Rachel, so nice and always so helpful. Where do you feel this is going (in the storyline)?
I love Peik Lin! She's a great friend. I could see some hints of jealousy but it seems like she values Rachel more than her rich lifestyle.
4) What are your thoughts on Astrid and Michael’s relationship? Do you feel sympathetic? If so, towards whom?
I felt sympathy for Astrid. She's caught between two worlds and has tried so hard to synthesize them, but now it's all come crashing down around her. I found myself far more interested in her storyline than in anyone else's.
5) What do you think Eleanor Learned in Shenzhen? And, do you see her (view spoiler)?
I had no doubt she learned who Rachel's father was, since the whole "I don't have a father, he died when I was born" thing gets brought up so often. And yeah, I knew that the entire book was building up to that reveal. This book is basically a soap opera, so if she hadn't used it, I would have been mad. I honestly skimmed several chapters near the end just because I was looking for that specific reveal. The aftermath was one of the few parts of this book I actually liked.
Mod
1) Where are you at with the book, and what are your thoughts thus far? Are you enjoying it?
Read it 3 years ago.
2) When Nick’s grandmother and Rachel were in the garden, (view spoiler). Had Nick not interrupted their conversation, what do you feel the outcome would have been?
I initially wondered if she wasn't going to relent and finally be halfway decent, but I doubted that as I continued reading. Perhaps it was just included to add some suspense as Shannon suggested. If so, I guess it worked on me! :)
3) Peik Lin has been such a great friend to Rachel, so nice and always so helpful. Where do you feel this is going (in the storyline)?
I always felt as if Peik Lin would definitely stick by Rachel and be her forever friend, no matter what. She seemed very sincere, unlike virtually everyone else, and as someone mentioned earlier, her family was basically nouveau riche, so perhaps that was at least partially responsible for what appeared to be her genuine concern and friendship-she was not jaded by the snobbish upbringing as the others had been?
4) What are your thoughts on Astrid and Michael’s relationship? Do you feel sympathetic? If so, towards whom?
Oh, boy. I remember feeling very torn between the two of them. I do agree that perhaps one of his biggest attractions for Astrid was the fact that he was "different" and not of that extremist lifestyle. Unfortunately, it seems as if it can be very difficult for two people from completely different backgrounds to maintain a long-term relationship. I can't remember, but I have some vague memory that (view spoiler). But perhaps I'm confusing books? IDK... I do remember his business was basically gone and I felt sorry for him for that, but it rather seemed that they both kept secrets from each other. And I'm not sure either of them was truly happy with the other, though perhaps they were "soul mates" of a sort that was disrupted by the other aspects of their lives.
5) What do you think Eleanor Learned in Shenzhen? And, do you see her (view spoiler)?
She appeared to feel it was important, so I immediately assumed it was nothing good. I was certain it would be disastrous information, and if so, she would definitely use it! I would be shocked if she wasn't just as evil as could be toward Rachel. These are such "typical females"! YUCK!
Kendra wrote: "1) Where are you at with the book, and what are your thoughts thus far? Are you enjoying it? I've read up to the end of Part 3, ch. 6. I'm not enjoying the book that much. I'm finding a lot of my..."
I'm with on you #2. As much as I hate to say it, I feel his grandmother was going to approve and may now be reconsidering.
There are a number of you not enjoying the book. Are you surprised by this? For those of you not liking it, did you go into the book expecting to like it, or did you not have high hopes from the start?
I loved the movie so much, I was expecting to love the book too. I'm finding the movie managed to make the characters more sympathetic (especially Eleanor). Plus the movie managed to add more comic relief which balanced the drama better.
Amanda wrote: "There are a number of you not enjoying the book. Are you surprised by this? For those of you not liking it, did you go into the book expecting to like it, or did you not have high hopes from the st..."I expected it to be a fun, fluffy read, so I was pretty surprised I disliked it as much as I did! I haven't watched the movie but I kept thinking while reading "I bet I'd like watching this more than I like reading it." Probably because we wouldn't have to be immersed in some of the really crappy mind-sets (like Eleanor's) as much.
I buddy read this in another group this month and none of us liked it very much. It was a lot darker and unhappier than we thought it would be. Not a fun, lighthearted read. We were all pretty disappointed. I didn't really care for the movie either, I watched it when I finished the book. I bought the trilogy at Target so I might read the second one but I don't have high hopes. (view spoiler)
I did not care for the book. I needed some substance. I am still glad I read it for the library book club read. I will not read the other books.
I finally plan on starting this today! A bit late I know, but I'm sure I can finish in a week. Anyway, here are my answers to the pre-reading questions:1) Assuming you are reading this simply because it is the selected monthly read, are you looking forward to the book? Is it something you normally would have picked up? Or, is it out of your “comfort zone”?
I am really looking forward to reading this! I've heard good things about it, so I might have picked it up eventually, but it wouldn't have been a priority read for me.
2) Do you plan to complete the (3-book) series?
Maybe - it depends how much I like the first books.
3) Have you seen the movie?
No - I remember thinking it looked fun, but never got around to watching it. I'll probably watch it after I finish the book, assuming I enjoy it!
Happy Monday!As the month is coming to a close, I hope you all have been enjoying the month’s selected read, and- more importantly- the discussion.
The following questions pertain to Part Three Chapters 7 through 20:
1) Maybe it was based on all of the other cattiness, but I had this feeling in the back of my mind that she was going to betray Rachel somehow. (view spoiler), but I’m curious if anyone else felt that her (or someone from her family) were going to try to get in the way of Rachel and Nick’s relationship?
2) With the week one questions, I asked for initial thoughts on Eleanor. I’d like to know what your thoughts are now having reached the end “section”.
3) Do you feel the Michael/Astrid saga in any ways mirrors or foreshadows the future of the Rachel/Nick saga?
4) In referring to Francesca and Mandy’s attempts at thwarting Rachel and Nick, do you feel that women (outside of junior high/high school) can actually be that petty, or do you there is some naivete on the author’s part?
5) Specifically to those that have now finished the book, do you plan to complete the series?
Happy (continued) reading!
Amanda wrote: "Happy Monday!As the month is coming to a close, I hope you all have been enjoying the month’s selected read, and- more importantly- the discussion.
The following questions pertain to Part Three ..."
I figure I’ll go ahead and answer my own questions this time, as well.
1) I really underestimated Peik Lin, and did not give her enough credit. I feel a little bad that I was- at some points- just waiting for her to show her true colors. I’m very happy to say that was not the case, and she really is a true friend.
2) I understand that Eleanor thought she was doing what was best for her family, but I think she stooped a little too low.
3) I know that gender-roles definitely play into Michael/Astrid’s relationship and the issues they have, but a part of me sees that the vast differences in wealth and upbringing could hinder the future of Rachel and Nick, as it has the relationship of Michael and Astrid.
4) Gosh, I hope not. I hope the author is just naïve. But, people can surprise you.
5) Initially my answer to this was no, but now I’m intrigued. I think I will continue the series.
1) Maybe it was based on all of the other cattiness, but I had this feeling in the back of my mind that she(You mean Peik Lin?) was going to betray Rachel somehow, but I’m curious if anyone else felt that her (or someone from her family) were going to try to get in the way of Rachel and Nick’s relationship?No, but then again I've seen the movie, and Peik Lin is one of my favourite characters in it. Book Peik Lin isn't as much fun, but I never got the feeling she was not fully on Rachel's side.
2) With the week one questions, I asked for initial thoughts on Eleanor. I’d like to know what your thoughts are now having reached the end “section”.
I think she truly feels that Rachel is a gold digger, but she also seems to e coming from a place where money=happiness which I personally feel is a destructive world outlook.
3) Do you feel the Michael/Astrid saga in any ways mirrors or foreshadows the future of the Rachel/Nick saga?
Yes, and no. In some ways, I think Astrid bowed to her parental pressure and didn't marry Charlie, which led her to rebound with Michael. Where as Nick held out and stuck with Rachel.
4) In referring to Francesca and Mandy’s attempts at thwarting Rachel and Nick, do you feel that women (outside of junior high/high school) can actually be that petty, or do you there is some naivete on the author’s part?
No mean girls do not stop being mean girls when they grow up, they just become mean women. And as the internet and reality TV and politicians keep promoting juvenile and bullying behaviors there are just going to be more and more people who think acting like that is normal and OK.
5) Specifically to those that have now finished the book, do you plan to complete the series?
I do like to be able to compare the books to the movies and I will definitely be watching the sequels but I don't know if I'll be able to bring myself to read the sequels.
1) Maybe it was based on all of the other cattiness, but I had this feeling in the back of my mind that she was going to betray Rachel somehow. (view spoiler), but I’m curious if anyone else felt that her (or someone from her family) were going to try to get in the way of Rachel and Nick’s relationship?I did worry about that with the scene where Peik Lin and her father went to meet with his doctor friend. It was obvious there was a bit of jealousy felt. But I assumed if anything negative happened with Peik Lin, it would be in a later book. It felt like foreshadowing. But by the end of the book, I was pretty convince that wasn't the case. It was another time where it felt like the author was building toward something (like the scene with Nick's grandmother) that never actually became anything.
2) With the week one questions, I asked for initial thoughts on Eleanor. I’d like to know what your thoughts are now having reached the end “section”.
If anything, I disliked her more by the end. They had this whole scene where all the moms are talking about how they've driven their kids away from them by meddling but that doesn't stop her. And she never once thinks to have an actual conversation with her son or even her husband, who obviously likes Rachel. I kept hoping for something redeeming, especially since she had a bit of "outsider" to her background (since Nick's grandmother never approved of her) but then where would we get ~drama~?
3) Do you feel the Michael/Astrid saga in any ways mirrors or foreshadows the future of the Rachel/Nick saga?
Not really. I think it's more a view into the danger of NOT communicating about such things with your SO. So if Rachel and Nick hadn't opened up communication, then it is possible they could have fallen into the same trap. But the fact that they plan to stay in the states and that Nick had already made the shift to not living a super fancy life (it says a lot that Rachel had zero clue that he was anything other than a poor professor), I didn't really think there were many parallels to their respective trajectories.
4) In referring to Francesca and Mandy’s attempts at thwarting Rachel and Nick, do you feel that women (outside of junior high/high school) can actually be that petty, or do you there is some naivete on the author’s part?
Unfortunately, I've known women that petty personally. Like Kendra, they're usually women who never matured past a certain stage.
5) Specifically to those that have now finished the book, do you plan to complete the series?
Nope. I went and read their synopses on wikipedia. That was enough for me.
Ok, I've read up to Part 1 Ch. 14, so here are my answers to that set of questions:1) As of today, where are you at with the book? And, are you enjoying it?
I am enjoying the book so far. It's been fun seeing snippets of the various characters' lives. I'm looking forward to all the drama I'm sure will start now Nick and Rachel are in Singapore.
2) What are your (initial) thoughts on Eleanor? Do you feel she is simply protective of her family? Or do you find that she is being overly paranoid (possibly even a bit "crazy")?
As other people have said, she seems very overbearing, although I understand her being cautious about the people her children are involved with given their status.
3) Rachel's friend (view spoiler) Did you find that interesting?
I found this a bit odd. Has the friend ever actually met Nick or just heard about him from Rachel? Maybe as Nick has been away from Singapore for so long and seems to keep quite a low profile she didn't make the connection... She might be more aware of the other members of his family.
4) Do you feel Nick should have opened up more (about his family and status) to Rachel?
Absolutely yes! I understand when they first started dating he might not have said anything because he wanted to make sure she was interested in him and not his money, but at this point he should be completely open with her.
Mod
1) Maybe it was based on all of the other cattiness, but I had this feeling in the back of my mind that she was going to betray Rachel somehow. (view spoiler), but I’m curious if anyone else felt that her (or someone from her family) were going to try to get in the way of Rachel and Nick’s relationship?
I admit I was a bit hesitant about Peik Lin as well, but overcame doubts rather early on. I believe I only hesitated because I feared she was undoubtedly just like all the others!
2) With the week one questions, I asked for initial thoughts on Eleanor. I’d like to know what your thoughts are now having reached the end “section”.
Not sure what others might consider a spoiler, so... :) (view spoiler)
3) Do you feel the Michael/Astrid saga in any ways mirrors or foreshadows the future of the Rachel/Nick saga?
I never did. I always felt that what Nick and Rachel had was a true bond. I'm not sure that was necessarily true for Michael and Astrid, especially since Astrid did not give up her lifestyle, she just chose to hide it from Michael. Nick, on the other hand, was living on what he made (as far as we know) and was (hopefully) not living another "hidden" life of elitism! Though I feel as if it was easier for Nick to reject the elitist lifestyle since he totally removed himself from that region of the world and basically began anew.
4) In referring to Francesca and Mandy’s attempts at thwarting Rachel and Nick, do you feel that women (outside of junior high/high school) can actually be that petty, or do you there is some naivete on the author’s part?
No, I don't feel it. Unfortunately, I know it can be true. Females can be vicious! At any age! I had very few close female friends until I reached my 30's. I found the majority of females with whom I had contact to be too much like these women!
5) Specifically to those who have now finished the book, do you plan to complete the series?
I plan to do so. Just not sure when I'll get the time! Though this discussion has made me want to do so even more...
I actually much preferred the book to the movie. I felt the book was a much more complex and realistic depiction than the movie which I felt was too "romancy," overlooking some of the complexities of characterization in the book. Though I enjoyed both.
Mod
I so agree with your analysis of the internet, REALITY TV, and many current politicians "promoting juvenile and bullying behaviors"! So glad I do not have TV in my house. I don't intend to ever have it again either. After almost 20 years I like a quiet, calm household. :)
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