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misswinchester84's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
littlecaryl's review against another edition
3.0
Where Ambition and Morals Collide
Kirsten Chen’s Counterfeit throws readers headfirst into the world of luxury handbag counterfeiting. Ava, a seemingly perfect lawyer, and Winnie, a struggling artist, are old college friends reunited by a wild proposition: sell fake designer bags; the ultimate get-rich-quick scheme. The fast-paced plot keeps readers guessing as they navigate this dangerous and surprising business. But "Counterfeit" is more than just a caper. It's a witty exploration of ambition, identity, and the pressures faced by Asian Americans. Chen uses the world of luxury to expose the dark side of consumerism, leaving readers with something to ponder long after the final page.
Recommended as a fun, fast-paced thriller that doubles as a fun and thought-provoking read.
Kirsten Chen’s Counterfeit throws readers headfirst into the world of luxury handbag counterfeiting. Ava, a seemingly perfect lawyer, and Winnie, a struggling artist, are old college friends reunited by a wild proposition: sell fake designer bags; the ultimate get-rich-quick scheme. The fast-paced plot keeps readers guessing as they navigate this dangerous and surprising business. But "Counterfeit" is more than just a caper. It's a witty exploration of ambition, identity, and the pressures faced by Asian Americans. Chen uses the world of luxury to expose the dark side of consumerism, leaving readers with something to ponder long after the final page.
Recommended as a fun, fast-paced thriller that doubles as a fun and thought-provoking read.
edq16's review against another edition
4.0
I don't want to spoil it. It's truly a "beach read" in almost all the ways you think of one.
sarahbc93_'s review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t know anything about this story before I picked it up and I’m quite glad that I went into it blind because I think I actually appreciated it much more because of the fact that I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about it.
The first part of the book follows a statement being given by Ava to the police detailing her involvement in an illegal business buying and copying fake designer handbags. The premise being that the buyers use credit cards to pay for the expensive handbags, and then a few days later they return to the store to return the bag but they are actually returning a “super fake” that’s indistinguishable from the authentic one, while the real bag is being sold on eBay.
The second part then blows any ideas you may have formed about the characters out of the water and drops you right into the middle of their dodgy dealings. All in all, it was quite a clever way of turning the story on its head. And I’ve learned a little bit about the world of fake designer handbags and how that can then go on and influence other areas that you might not even consider.
The first part of the book follows a statement being given by Ava to the police detailing her involvement in an illegal business buying and copying fake designer handbags. The premise being that the buyers use credit cards to pay for the expensive handbags, and then a few days later they return to the store to return the bag but they are actually returning a “super fake” that’s indistinguishable from the authentic one, while the real bag is being sold on eBay.
The second part then blows any ideas you may have formed about the characters out of the water and drops you right into the middle of their dodgy dealings. All in all, it was quite a clever way of turning the story on its head. And I’ve learned a little bit about the world of fake designer handbags and how that can then go on and influence other areas that you might not even consider.
storiesandstacks's review against another edition
3.0
I found this to be a fun and enjoyable novel but maybe not one that will stand out for me in the year overall. I didn't connect with the characters and while it's a minor thing, the lack of quotation marks in places drove me crazy.
kaitlynpie's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
shelfindulgent_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Hmm... Let me just start by saying that I resisted reading this book for quite awhile. I would pick it up, even start it, get through 1-2 chapters, and then not pick it up again for weeks. This happened a few times before I actually committed to reading it. Initially, I don't think it captured me like I thought it would. I love an underdog plot and set of characters. I love hearing stories about how the little guy stole from a corporation, and potentially got away with it. This book could have been a bit more exciting overall, I think.
Pros:
Pros:
- Love the premise of the book. Anything having to do with a heist, and I am all in.
- I did like the ending.
Cons:
- Some of the characters were annoying to me.
- I don't think I was too fond of the POV, or the way the story was told.
Final thoughts: It was really just ok. I think it maybe could have been better.