CRAZY RICH ASIANS

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan - This is the first novel about the Asian families depicted in China Rich Girl, so if you read the two books in order, you'll have the background details of what happened with Nick's mother, more of the story of Tyersall Park, and the back story of Astrid, Michael and Charlie. It's really good, full of fun tidbits, wild conversations between the characters and lots of Asian slang. An over the top event at the center of the novel does not disappoint with its descriptions of the clothes, rooms and general ambiance of the party. Keep in mind, these people aren't rich, they are crazy rich!

CHINA RICH GIRLFRIEND

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan - I'm smiling as I write this, because China Rich Girlfriend was such a fun book to read. There are a ton of characters and story lines and between the lines it's Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous which was a favorite show back in the day. It's the jet setter life complete with generations, old money, new money, shopping and name-dropping nouveaux asian style and often tongue in cheek. It's witty and amusing, yet sweet all the way through.

WILD * BAD WORDS

Wild - The movie was just as good as the book. It's the condensed version, though, so if you really want the meat of the story, read the book first. Reece Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed on her trek through the Pacific Crest Trail, and nails it. The DVD has extra footage of interviews with the real Cheryl who is now a wife and mother living in Oregon. She was able to relive parts of her trip as the movie was filmed.  In the very first scene, when Cheryl gets out of the truck, the woman behind the wheel is the real Cheryl. I would have loved to know this at the beginning of the movie because there's a sweet double meaning behind her words.

Bad Words - This movie is hilarious. Jason Bateman plays a grown man who enters kids' spelling bees. He's very unpleasant to say the least, but it's so sharp and funny, and his supporting actor so sweet, that you cannot help but be drawn in. It twists when you think it might turn, and goes to levels of inappropriateness that you don't think will really go down. Its an edgy movie with a modern new story.