April Goodard

Rich People Problems (Kevin Kwan)

If you loved being lost in the World of Crazy Rich Asians and exploring the plot twists and turns of China Rich Girlfriend, you will be keen to dive into the last chapter of Kevin Kwan’s trilogy: Rich People Problems. Rejoin this lavish and over-the-top world as the finale takes the reader through the twists and turns of love, hate, reconciliation, and of course, revenge. 

This trilogy, at first read, divulged into the lives of the supposed heir to Tyersall Park fortune, Nicholas Young, and his girlfriend-turned-wife, Rachel Chu. Through the trials and tribulations of Nicholas introducing Rachel to the infamous Young clan, the ultra-private lives of Singapore’s most wealthy families were brought to light. Rich People Problems offers a deeper exploration into the lives of the incredibly lovable (or not so lovable) characters of the first two novels, and brings their stories and intertwining relations to the forefront. 

Su Yi, matriarch of the Young family and owner of one of the vastest and least-known estates on the island of Singapore, lies on, what is presumed to be, her deathbed. As formerly-assumed heir, Nicholas Young has not seen or spoken to his grandmother, Su Yi, in a few years. Family from all around begin to come out of the woodwork, both to pay their final respects to Su Yi, and to find out who will be the sole heir to the grand estate that is Tyersall Park.

With an estate of millions lying in the balance and everyone trying to prove that they’re worthy of it, this “Crazy Rich” world becomes a spectacle of relatives trying to outdo one another in an effort to gain Su Yi’s fortune. As the great race unfolds, there are people in the works trying to halt the return of Nicholas Young to Tyersall Park should he reconcile with his grandmother and then inherit the totality of the fortune. The story takes an even closer look into the extended family of the Youngs through scandal, heartbreak, and triumph and how everyone’s actions will dictate the outcome and the fate of the estate. But maybe, just maybe, Su Yi will go out with a bang.

Presumptions made of the wealthy by the wealthy (or anyone else for that matter) are not always as they appear. If you are looking for a good mid-spring read, Kevin Kwan’s Rich People Problems is a phenomenal option.  

Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel’s Secret War (Hal Vaughan)

The name “Chanel” holds a slew of connotative meanings to almost everyone who is even slightly aware of the fashion world. Often synonymous with terms such as fashion, luxury, and tradition, the House of Chanel is a household name whose designs can be seen on everyone from high-profile celebrities to the average consumer. But who was Chanel, really? Who was the woman whose persona and memory are now seemingly larger than life? How was the empire you see today crafted as such? In the historic narrative Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel’s Secret War, we explore the woman behind the famous name.

With historic accuracy in mind, Sleeping with the Enemy starts with the childhood and humble beginnings of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. The author takes us through what is believed to have been the most accurate depiction of her childhood to how she funded one of her first business endeavors through wealthy gentleman friends. The novel then explains who Chanel was through the roaring 20s of France and how she eventually became the fashion powerhouse of her day. But the story takes a drastic turn with the invasion of France by the Nazis during World War II, and her eventual collaboration with a German Nazi spy.

Was Chanel really the woman of fashion and grace that she is known to be today? Or is a hidden past and shocking evidence of treason going to dishevel everything society knows about the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel?