Good Enough For The “Crazy Rich Asians”, by Kevin Kwan

Crazy Rich AsiansFor those, like me, who have never heard about the Asian rich, the novel by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians, will be a real eye opener. It is presented with a lot of humor and drama, so according to many readers, it is a true page turner. The whole story is based around one of the most prestigious heirs in a wealthy Chinese family who brings home his American-born Chinese girlfriend to attend the wedding of the season.

Rachel Chu, who is an ABC girl, agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend and his family. She is expecting a normal family atmosphere, of which she is familiar. What she finds upon her arrival in Singapore is not in any way normal. She finds that her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, is a member of one of Singapore’s wealthiest families. He is one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors. His family home looks like a palace, travels in planes more than cars, with more wealth than can be imagined. The problem for Rachel is that nobody, including Nick’s mother, thinks Rachel is good enough for Nick.

There are many characters in Kwan’s book to be remembered. His choice to cover this accurate phenomenon in Asia through humor, contributes to the enjoyable, quick read. This culture in Asia has been described as
” uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw dropping opulence”. “Crazy Rich Asians is an insider’s look at the Asian Jet-Set…….a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money……between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese. A humorous depiction of what it is like to be young, in love, and crazy rich!

Film adaptation, which is directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh was released on August 15th.

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Put on the kill list….”Paradox”, by Catherine Coulter

ParadoxFor those readers who enjoy the genre of murder/mystery, the latest work by author Catherine Coulter, Paradox, is just the right choice for your next read. She writes her novels in series form, always leaving just enough suspense at the conclusion to warrant another book.
For FBI agents Sherlock and Savage find themselves on the kill list of an escaped mental patient. The FBI pair, who are also husband and wife, have caught many criminals and have solved many cases, but it is a game changer when their own lives are at stake. As they were sleeping in their rural Maryland home one night, Sherlock heard a noise coming from their five year old son’s room. She raced in to catch an intruder hovering over the boy, holding a knife. He escaped when she pursued him. Thus, they knew they were now on the “kill” list. And they had no intention of letting that happen.

In the same area, Chief Ty Christie observed a murder from her deck, overlooking the local lake where she lived. She saw an altercation, then a body being pushed out of the boat into the lake. Chief Christie immediately has the lake dragged to locate the body she observed being murdered. And the divers did find the freshly murdered body, but also found many other bones. They had found the dumping site used by the escaped mental patient. They knew his name, but finding him would be a certain challenge. So, Sherlock and Savich were called in to help, not knowing how connected they would be to the investigation. They were also going to request the help of Agent Porto, an old friend of Savich.. The bones were found in close proximity to an old mansion that was known to be haunted. It had stood empty for years, but they found one bedroom that was fully furnished and had been recently lived in. At one point Savich had a “premonition” and followed it upstairs where he found his old friend Agent Porto, who has been locked in a closet and left to die. The team is shocked…

…I guess Agent Porto will not be assisting in finding the killer.

Paradox is the twenty-second in the series of novels by author Coulter. It is a fast paced mystery with twists and turns that the reader will not see coming. It is definitely a race with a psycho killer who would like nothing more than adding Sherlock and Savich bones to his collection.

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What More is Behind the Royal Command….”Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars), by Timothy Zahn

Thrawn AlliancesAs the Star Wars saga continues, Thrawn #2, written by author, Timothy Zahn proves to be yet another hit among the several novels that comprise Star Wars. When you read the words, “I have sensed a disturbance in the Force”, pondered by Emperor Palpatine, you know that trouble is once again brewing for the Empire. The Emperor is so concerned, that he pairs Thrawn and Vader for the crucial mission. What they do not know is what more is behind the royal command. But, as in the past, these two join forces hesitantly, finding out what dangers lie ahead as they go.

There are two working stories being told in Thrawn #2. The first is the one about Anakin and Thrawn’s interaction during The Clone Wars, and then, Vader and Thrawn’s teaming up during the finale of Star Wars…… they were working on two halves of the same mystery decades apart. Anakin and Vader quickly learn that Thrawn is always right.

There is Padme, who has her get it done attitude, Thrawn, is most noted for his intellect and powers of deduction, and Darth Vader was the mixed bag…..a fierce warrior on one hand, then not so impressive on the other. Anakin was very impulsive and brash. But somehow, this eclectic group managed to get their missions accomplished.

Readers might enjoy knowing that Disney’s new Star Wars theme park, which opens in 2019, features Batuu and the Blacksburg Outpost, both featured in this novel…….Thrawn #2.

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6 Things Audiobooks Can Do That Books Can’t

Audiobooks Can Do

There are so many advantages to an audiobooks download. Not only are they an increasingly popular way to enjoy books, there are a few other reasons why they are amazing. Here are 6 reasons why audiobooks are the best way to consume books!

1. Multi-Tasking
Audiobooks are great for finishing a book while completing other tasks around your home or office. You can enjoy having a book read to you while you work on another mindless task, such as washing dishes, going for a jog, or sitting in traffic. So make laundry fun, with an audiobooks download.

2. Provide Company
In a world that is full of people, we can sometimes still feel alone. This is where audiobooks can be a great companion. Need someone to accompany you on a long road trip? Audiobooks are great to take with you! Need a soothing voice to help you fall asleep? There are audiobooks for that too.

3. Make Reading Accessible for Everyone
The wide range of books that are available in audio format is incredible. Everyone regardless of their reading ability, eyesight, or physical or mental ability deserves the chances to escape into the worlds created by books. Audiobooks allow everyone to enjoy a good book!

4. Help Reluctant Readers Learn to Love Reading
Anyone who struggles to read, may not have had the privilege of experiencing the joys that can be found in books. Sometimes listening to books instead of reading them is the ticket to get them exposed to the joys of reading and the secrets that are contained within books.

5. Fit in Your Pocket
Audiobooks can be downloaded to your smartphone or an MP3 player, meaning that they can easily fit in your pocket and take it everywhere with you. You’ll never have to worry about not having your book with you, as they will be in your pocket!

6. Read in the Dark
Power out? Trying to sleep? No problem, audiobooks allow you to still enjoy your favorite books! Audiobooks can be consumed and enjoyed anywhere, at any time.

AudiobooksNow is a great place to find your favorite audiobooks. Enjoy your favorite pastime without having to carve out time to sit down with a print book. Always take your book with you and never be left in suspense.