Top 10 Books Like Crazy Rich Asians: Your Next Page-Turning Obsession

Nov 07, 2024 28 mins read

Looking for books like Crazy Rich Asians? Discover the top 10 novels that explore themes of wealth, family drama, and love. Dive into these must-read stories today!

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If you loved Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, you're likely seeking books filled with drama, family tension, and lavish lifestyles. While Kwan's trilogy gave us a world of wealth and scandal in Singapore, there are plenty of other books like Crazy Rich Asians that offer the same thrilling combination of humor, romance, and social intrigue. Here's a curated list of the top 10 books that capture the same sparkle, charm, and depth. These novels will take you on thrilling journeys filled with love, wealth, and unforgettable drama!

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1. The Wangs vs. the World by Jade Chang

If you were captivated by Crazy Rich Asians for its portrayal of complicated familial ties entangled with extreme wealth, The Wangs vs. the World is the perfect follow-up. Jade Chang’s novel centers on Charles Wang, a self-made millionaire who built his fortune from the ground up in the cosmetics industry. 

However, when he loses everything, Charles has to reconcile with his past failures and gather his estranged family for a road trip across America. What starts as a journey of financial recovery soon turns into a heartwarming tale of personal rediscovery, family bonds, and the immigrant experience. The book combines humor and depth, exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the American Dream through a fresh, diverse lens.

2. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan

The Crazy Rich Asians trilogy continues to dazzle readers with its opulent settings and fascinating family dynamics in China Rich Girlfriend and concludes with Rich People Problems. If you’ve enjoyed the first novel, these sequels offer even more depth into the glamorous and cutthroat world of Singapore’s ultra-elite. 

Rich People Problems takes the drama to new heights as family feuds come to a head with shocking revelations. The series peels back the layers of the Asian upper class, tackling themes like loyalty, love, and ambition—often with a satirical edge. 
Kevin Kwan’s humor and biting social commentary make this an irresistible conclusion to the trilogy. It’s a must-read if you're seeking books like Crazy Rich Asians that offer a satirical yet insightful take on wealth and power.

3. Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

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What happens when Pride and Prejudice meets Crazy Rich Asians with a Muslim twist? You get Uzma Jalaluddin’s Ayesha At Last, a modern, romantic comedy with a deep cultural backdrop. Set in Toronto, the story follows Ayesha, a woman torn between her aspirations of becoming a poet and her family’s more traditional expectations that she settle down and marry. 

Enter Khalid, a conservative and devout Muslim, whose rigid views and personality immediately clash with Ayesha’s independent spirit. Their interactions—both frustrating and humorous—unfold in a way that mirrors the classic tensions between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. With themes of faith, love, and cultural identity, this novel delivers a delightful modern spin on a literary favorite while staying true to its romantic core.

4. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

In The Nest, Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney masterfully captures the complexity of family dynamics and the corrosive effect of money on relationships. The story revolves around four adult siblings who are all banking on a hefty inheritance—the nest—to solve their individual problems.

However, when one sibling jeopardizes the fund, tensions rise, and long-buried family secrets come to the surface. Sweeney examines how the pursuit of wealth can lead to desperation, as each sibling faces their own personal struggles and re-evaluates their relationships with one another. 

This is a thought-provoking and often poignant story that questions what truly holds a family together when financial security is no longer guaranteed. If you’re intrigued by how wealth impacts personal lives, this book fits well among books like Crazy Rich Asians.

5. The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory

While The Wedding Party doesn’t delve into the lives of the ultra-wealthy, it offers a lighthearted, romantic plot that fans of Crazy Rich Asians will enjoy. The story centers around Maddie and Theo, two characters who have always disliked each other but are forced to come together for their mutual best friend's wedding.

As they plan and prepare for the big day, their animosity starts to shift. With witty dialogue, charming moments, and undeniable chemistry, sparks begin to fly between the two, making this an irresistible read. It’s a fun exploration of love, making this an enjoyable and lighthearted addition to your list of Crazy Rich Asians.

6. The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong, The Expatriates is a gripping novel that follows the lives of three American women living in the city's expatriate community. Each of the women grapples with personal tragedies and struggles as they navigate life in a foreign country. 

Lee beautifully portrays the complexities of expat life, cultural isolation, and emotional entanglements that come with being far from home. The Expatriates offers a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and relationships, making it a great choice for books similar to Crazy Rich Asians.

7. American Royals by Katharine McGee

What if the United States had a royal family? American Royals offers readers a unique and imaginative take on this alternate history. The novel focuses on Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter and heir to the American throne, along with her siblings and friends. Beatrice grapples with the pressures of living up to royal expectations while balancing her own personal desires and ambitions. 

Meanwhile, her siblings have their own set of struggles with fame, love, and duty. American Royals masterfully combines intrigue, romance, and the challenges of living life under constant public scrutiny, making it a delightful, modern twist on monarchy tales. If you’re searching for Crazy Rich Asians, this modern twist on monarchy tales is a perfect fit.

8. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Although Big Little Lies is set in Australia, it shares a similar focus on the secretive lives of the affluent, much like Crazy Rich Asians. The novel centers around a group of mothers whose seemingly perfect suburban lives begin to unravel after a mysterious and tragic death at a school event. 

As secrets, lies, and scandals slowly come to light, the story explores issues of friendship, marriage, parenting, and betrayal. With its suspenseful plot and dark humor, Big Little Lies uncovers the hidden cracks beneath the surface of a privileged community. It’s a compelling, emotionally charged read that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

9. The Majesties by Tiffany Tsao

For readers seeking a dark, intense narrative woven into the fabric of the ultra-rich, The Majesties by Tiffany Tsao is an absolute must-read. Set in the opulent world of a wealthy Chinese-Indonesian family, this psychological thriller delves into the complicated bond between two sisters.

After one sister poisons their entire family, the story peels back layers of intrigue to reveal the chilling motivations behind her drastic act. This novel is a gripping addition to the list of Crazy Rich Asians, with its mix of affluence and intrigue.

10. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Though The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo doesn’t center on Asian culture, it offers a captivating glimpse into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of Hollywood. 

Through a series of exclusive interviews, the legendary and enigmatic actress Evelyn Hugo reflects on her rise to fame, the price she paid for stardom, and the seven husbands who defined different stages of her life. With its mix of intrigue, romance, and complex characters, this novel is a fascinating read for anyone looking for books similar to Crazy Rich Asians.

Final Thoughts: Top 10 Books Like Crazy Rich Asians

If Crazy Rich Asians gave you a taste of the lives of the rich, glamorous, and dysfunctional, these books like Crazy Rich Asians are sure to satisfy your craving for more. From family dramas to romantic entanglements, and from cultural clashes to secrets beneath the surface, each novel offers a fresh take on what it means to navigate wealth, status, and identity.