Crazy good fun with a smart social sting, Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians reveals New Yorker Rachel Chu's shock when she agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with boyfriend Nicholas Young and learns that he's stratospherically rich. In this follow-up, Rachel is now engaged to Nicholas, who's ready to ditch his entire fortune for her, and has had the shock of her life when she finally discovers her birth father. Crazy Rich Asians buzzed big; lots of promotion, including (no surprise) giveaways on the Hampton Jitney.

Kwan's latest follows in the footsteps of his wildly imaginative Crazy Rich Asians but adds even more conspicuous consumption and over-the-top behavior. Readers will rejoin many of the author's amusingly charming (and some not so) characters and meet some new individuals as well. The book is resplendent with gorgeous description, whether it's various locales' natural beauty or man-made palatial homes, restaurants, and private jets. The dialog is always top-notch. There are many fascinating substories; for example, the lovely Rachel Chu finally finds her birth father. Also, former soap-opera star Kitty Pong—now Kitty Pai—hires Corinna Ko-Tung to "remake" her and becomes most respectable. A sprinkling of footnotes adds local expressions, insightful asides, and Kwan's own snarky personal comments. Among the many laugh-out-loud incidents are examples of the extreme cheapness of some of these ultrawealthy people and tidbits about their staff: "He tried to steal some of his Ah Ma's impeccably trained staff while in Singapore, but those servants were more loyal than the Nazis." The conclusion offers up additional shocks and surprises that will have readers clamoring for more. VERDICT Those who enjoy splendid writing and getting a glimpse at how the other half (probably much less than 50 percent) lives will delight in this book. [See the Q&A with Kwan on p. 65; Prepub Alert, 12/15/14.]—Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL

Here, listeners will happily become reacquainted with down-to-earth Nick Young and his fiancée Rachel Chu. Rachel has never met her biological father, but sets off on a wild adventure in hopes of finding him in time for him to walk her down the aisle. There are many new faces—bad boys and It Girls abound—and plenty of jet-setting adventure as the characters travel to glamorous locations including Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, London, New York, and Los Angeles. Most astonishing is the extreme stinginess of some of the richest people on the planet who look for the cheapest parking garage or "steal" an extra piece of cake from the church's coffee hour. Kwan's (Crazy Rich Asians) well-drawn characters and brilliant writing add to the surreal fun. Clever footnotes clarify unusual words or phrases, with occasional snarkiness adding humor. Narrator Lydia Look uses a very appealing conversational style and deftly captures wide-ranging accents, ages, and personalities. VERDICT A must for those who enjoyed Kwan's first gem, though it'll stand alone for those who are sampling him for the first time. ["Those who enjoy splendid writing and getting a glimpse at how the other half (probably much less than 50 percent) lives will delight in this book"; LJ 5/1/15 starred review of the Doubleday hc.]—Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL