Sex and Vanity: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

Thought this would be a “can’t miss” choice, but sadly no. The reader can only be enthralled so long with breathlessly copious descriptions of Capri and the wedding to end all fantabulous weddings without longing for a plot of some kind. You won’t find one here. If you can make yourself care about silly Lucie and stern Charlotte and a six-pack in a white Speedo, I tip my hat to you. For someone who purports to be shining a light on conspicuously over-the-top consumerism and economic inequality, our Kevin himself sounds rather suspiciously entranced with haute couture, Italian footwear, esoteric gastronomy, gigantic gemstones, and well-appointed yachts. Reread Crazy Rich Asians—skip this tedious slog.

I absolutely loved Kevin Kwan’s other books, so I was very excited when I learned that Sex and Vanity was being released. So excited that I bought it in advance of the release date. What a disappointment. The beginning of the book is so slow, and the characters are boring. I couldn’t do it. I could not read this book in its entirety. Worse, I couldn’t even get through the first 10% of the book, it was that bad. It’s rare that I don’t complete a book, even if I don’t necessarily like it, but I just couldn’t continue to read this book.

I don't like to leave negative reviews, but this book has proven to be very disappointing! As I enjoyed all three of the "Crazy Rich Asians" series, I thought this would be an enjoyable read. I find many of the characters to be boring & it is tedious how the author gives a description of everyone's educational background, even down to pre-school or kindergarten! Also, the main character, who seems to dislike pretentious people, then gets engaged to one of the most pretentious characters! I have put my Kindle down & started reading another book, hoping the storyline of this will get better when I return to it. Same your money & try to find it at a library.

There’s not a lot of plot here, and the outcome is predictable, but this book is a hoot. Along with over the top descriptions of how the rich live, the author has a lot of fun playing with pretentiousness. Every character is introduced with their credentials-elementary, middle, high school, college, you get the picture. There are end notes to verify or correct claims made by characters or explain things as needed.I found this to be a great escape during the Corona quarantine, and heaven knows we all need that. I found parts laugh out load funny. And the descriptions of Capri sent me on the trip I’m not taking this summer.

Great book, once again Kevin Kwan creates a world, couldn’t stop reading, the kind of book that have the right mix.

Funny, irreverent, and I loved the two main characters. Loved the opulence, the send ups, and also loved that I saw myself in these crazy rich characters even though they are miles away from me in net asset value. Aren't we all worried about what people think, trying to climb or remain in our societal circles, and a little too vain? Looking forward to a sequel. Or maybe a prequel of Crazy Rich Asians. When Rachel met Nick. Sigh. I will take anything Kevin writes. I've said he is Thackeray reborn and I am not kidding.

What a delightful read. Kevin has a way of describing the scenario that makesthe reader want to join the characters in their adventures. I loved his descriptions of the parties, the clothing and the way he captured the feelings of the characters. A fun and very entertaining adult read.

The perfect summer read. A hilarious satirical view of the rich and richer as they prance through the most elite neighborhoods and clubs wearing fabulous clothes and eating (or not eating) delicious food. The academic resumes were just one peek into the window of this slice of society - and the nyc references to doubles and three guys were spot on.Kwan also expertly captures the subtle racism that others might miss and those elements rang very true to me, which kept the narrative from being overly frothy.I wish it had been two books so we could have enjoyed a longer ending to the story. But romance is romance - especially in Capri!

Absolutely loved reading the Crazy Rich Asian trilogy so was super excited to see that he had written a new book but was definitely disappointed. There were so many times where I was skipping sentences as I felt like so many pretentious names were thrown in and I don’t believe that it added anything to the narrative. Disappointed as I thought the story line could really get somewhere but after I finished the book I felt a little bit like the book itself was rushed and incomplete, definitely left me feeling underwhelmed. Regardless if you’re just looking for a light hearted read during quarantine give it a read but don’t get your hopes up too high if you wanted another Crazy Rich Asian novel.

Kevin Kwan has done it again. I start reading and couldn't stop. Story is captivating and is a page turner. I have also realised what I like about Kevin Kwan's books. He is describing in details places and cousins of different countries, that I find myself constantly checking names and places and putting a mental note to visit some of the places. It is almost like watching a movie so clearly I can see places he is describing. Will buy any other books Kevin Kwan will write without any hesitation.

Wouldn't even bother to read this on a beach.

Kevin Kwan never disappoints you. This book is as good as the previous ones were. Especially for a European a very interesting glimpse into a life I could otherwise never encounter. A good read!

Wow, this was bad. I loved the Crazy Rich Asians series but this read like it was written by a 13 year old. I persevered and finished it but it never got better. Aggressively unlikeable characters and very little in the way of plot. Ughhh I want those reading hours back.