Convenience Big Store: Why the Houston author of 'Crazy Rich Asians' has new book, but no sequel

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Constance Wu as Rachel and Henry Golding as Nick in 'Crazy Rich Asians.' MUST CREDIT: Sanja Bucko, Warner Bros. Pictures

Why isn't a 'Crazy Rich Asians' sequel out yet? Author Kevin Kwan shrugs

When the blockbuster movie, "Crazy Rich Asians" premiered in 2018, I hosted a red-carpet screening at the Regal Edwards Greenway Cinema and invited colleagues and friends. Some of them were Asian, and they invited their friends. You might say we had a large group of Houston's crazy rich Asians in attendance in head-to-toe Dior or Chanel.

Everyone loved the movie, a delightful and entertaining adaptation of Kevin Kwan's best-selling book. If you didn't know Kwan was born in Singapore and his family moved to Clear Lake when he was 11. So he claims Houston as home, too.

The movie, and the popularity of his "Crazy Rich Asians" book trilogy, proved to Hollywood that a romantic comedy with an all-Asian cast can be a huge hit, grossing nearly $250 million worldwide.

But fans like me wonder if we will ever see a sequel. Kwan was recently in Houston and addressed the issue. Sort of.

Read my column here.

Do you have a story to share or know of one that needs to be told? Share it with us here.

Joy Sewing, Columnist

Joy.Sewing@houstonchronicle.com

Worth your time

United by Design's Chelsea Benoit, Preston Gaines, sitting and Anthony Rose in their gallery on Thursday, May 30, 2024 in Houston.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Open by appointment, word-of-mouth only: secret art galleries Houstonians may not know about.

In recent years, a number of Houston transplants with aspirations to shatter the art world's aloof reputation have opened under-the-radar galleries.

They don't advertise, they're by appointment only and their existence is primarily spread via word of mouth.

Once visitors get through the door, the relaxed vibe may surprise them, writes Chronicle arts writer Amber Elliott.

Mail Bag

I wrote a column about how "stay woke," a famed social-justice slogan, is celebrating 100 years and, surprisingly, has Houston roots. Here's what a reader said:

I enjoyed reading your article regarding my grandfather, C. F. Richardson, Sr. Thanks for sharing his wisdom and his steadfast dedication to a better life for all. ... Also, our family has shared many historic newspaper articles with the African American Library at Gregory School about him and his Houston Informer and Houston Defender newspapers." - Leon A. Richardson, Jr.