Discover New Worlds with 20 Captivating Books Like “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan

“Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan took readers by storm with its intoxicating mix of wealth, family drama, and biting humor. Transporting us across the globe to the opulent world of Singapore’s ultra-rich, the novel introduces us to Rachel Chu, a New Yorker who is unwittingly thrust into the bedazzling world of her billionaire boyfriend’s family and high-society circle.

It’s a story that delights and captivates, with corporate intrigue blending effortlessly with a love story, all wrapped in a rich portrayal of Singaporean culture. For those who are enchanted by this tale and crave more of such refreshingly unique stories, we’ve gathered a list of 20 books that conjure the same charm, wit, and opulence as “Crazy Rich Asians.”

The 20 best books to read if you liked “Crazy Rich Asians”:

1. “China Rich Girlfriend” by Kevin Kwan. 

This sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians” takes Rachel Chu further into the world of China’s super-rich elite, complete with private jets, couture gowns, and multimillion-dollar weddings. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Witty exploration of Asia’s mega-rich, written by the same author. 
• Lavish, keenly detailed portrayal of high society. 
• Engaging narratives of love, power, and cultural identity.

2. “The Nanny Diaries” by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. 

This novel provides a peek into the world of wealthy Manhattan families through the eyes of their nanny – a perfect blend of humor, sarcasm, and revealing social commentary. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Insider’s look into the lives and quirks of the privileged class. 
• Sharp, satirical, and at times, touching narration. 
• Key protagonists navigating through a world of luxury.

3. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty. 

Set in the picturesque, upscale town of Monterey, California, this novel exposes the secrets, power plays, and scandals among a group of competitive parents. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• High-drama encounters and events among the elite. 
• Intricate relationships and feuds within a tight-knit community. 
• Stark yet engaging exploration of societal issues.

4. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 

A profound, moving, and sharply observed novel about love and race, identity and belonging in the USA and Nigeria. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Intricate exploration of cultural identity, race, and class distinctions. 
• Powerful love story underpinning societal commentary. 
• Strong, relatable characters and a visually rich setting.

5. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. 

An immortal classic that delves into the economics of marriage and the societal pressures of 19th century England. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Insight into the customs and expectations of high society. 
• Humorous and satirical critique of social class. 
• Central love story that defies societal expectations and norms.

6. “A Place For Us” by Fatima Farheen Mirza.

 A beautifully composed novel that navigatively family dynamics, cultural tradition, and personal identity. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Cultural exploration and the tension between tradition and personal desires. 
• Family dynamics and generational clashes. 
• A compelling, emotional narrative that depicts complex relationships.

7. “The Bonfire of the Vanities” by Tom Wolfe. 

A dramatic, symbolic critique of ambition, politics, and power in 1980s New York City. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Intense dissection of high society, power, and wealth. 
• Comically exaggerated yet realistic characteristics of the privileged. 
• A fast-paced narrative ornamented with humor and satirical edge.

8. “The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Weisberger. 

A look into the fashion industry, presenting its fabulous glamour cut through with the harsh edges of competition. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• An outsider’s journey in a fast-paced, ostentatious world. 
• Sharp-witted humor and vivid portrayal of characters. 
• Theme of personal transformation in an environment of wealth and success.

9. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

An iconic narrative of wealth, love, and illusion set in the ostentatious Jazz Age. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Exploration of wealth, social class and the dynamics within. 
• A love story strained by society and wealth. 
• Stunning portrayal of grand parties and luxurious living.

10. “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara. 

A novel that maps the complicated relationships between four friends in New York City. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• An intimate look at friendships and relationships amidst societal circles. 
• Intricate exploration of identity, sexuality, and personal growth. 
• Vivid, evocative descriptions of character’s lifestyles and locales.

11. “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer. 

This narrative spans over three decades, following a close-knit group of friends who meet at a summer arts camp. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Richly layered exploration of friendships, careers, and class differences. 
• Extended timeline offering detailed development of characters and their relationships. 
• Humorous and poignant exploration of ambition and success.

12. “Before We Were Strangers” by Renée Carlino. 

A chance encounter reconnects two people years after college, reigniting a romance that never completely died. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• An engaging love story filled with romantic tension. 
• Themes of personal growth, destiny, and the passage of time. 
• Richly drawn characters navigating the complexities of life.

13. “Social Creature” by Tara Isabella Burton. 

A tale of obsession, manipulation, and decadence within the upper echelons of New York City’s social scene. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Insider’s view of a culture of opulence. 
• A vivid, fast-paced narrative filled with unexpected twists. 
• Themes of identity, envy, and the pursuit of wealth.

14. “Crazy Rich Problems” by Kevin Kwan. 

The final novel in the “Crazy Rich Asians” series amplifies the glamour, wit, and family drama readers adored in the first two books. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Same satirical lens on an exceptionally opulent world, written by the same author. 
• Family drama and power struggles against a backdrop of wealth. 
• Complex characters, humor, and sharply drawn cultural observations.

15. “Mrs. Everything” by Jennifer Weiner. 

A multigenerational story of two sisters navigating the rapidly changing landscape of mid-century America. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Family dynamics, relationships, and personal growth across generations. 
• Insight into societal shifts and cultural expectations. 
• Humorous, heartfelt, and sometimes agonizing tensions within a family.

16. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney. 

A story of mutual fascination, friendship, and love between two people who try to stay apart but find they can’t. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Powerful exploration of love, friendship, and identity. 
• Protagonists navigating social dynamics and personal transformation. 
• Intimate examination of relationships and societal pressure.

17. “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh. 

A young woman’s attempt to hibernate from life and its disappointments for a year. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Razor-sharp humor juxtaposed with the exploration of sorrow and disappointment. 
• Insightful narrative of the human condition within the hustle and glamour of New York City. 
• Unconventional character study offering a unique approach to self-discovery.

18. “Prep” by Curtis Sittenfeld. 

A Midwestern girl navigates her way through a prestigious prep school on the East Coast. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Insight into the life of privilege, power, and excess. 
• Themes of class, race, and awkward adolescence. 
• Detailed, often humorous observations of life among the elite.

19. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. 

Aging Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo is ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• An inside look into a world of fame and fortune. 
• Engaging narrative laden with scandal, romance, and ambition. 
• An exploration of identity, love, and the cost of success.

20. “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. 

The intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. 

Elements in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”: 

• Dramatic family sagas in affluent communities. 
• Contrasting cultures, class angst, and complex characters. 
• Exploration of motherhood, transracial adoption, secrets, and art.

By exploring these well-woven narratives, you embark on journeys around the world from the comfort of your reading nook, discovering relationships, cultures, and the rich tapestry of human emotion and ambition. Here’s to finding your next literary fixation that sparks the same thrill as “Crazy Rich Asians.”

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