UHCL alum, best-selling author Kevin Kwan releases new novel

July 1, 2020 | UHCL Staff

University of Houston-Clear Lake alumnus and best-selling author of “Crazy Rich Asians” Kevin Kwan is celebrating the release of his latest novel, "Sex and Vanity."

The story is an homage to E.M. Forster's “A Room with a View” that follows Lucie Churchill, daughter of an American-born Chinese mother and a New Yorker father. When former love George Zao unexpectedly comes back into her life at the same time she becomes engaged, Lucie finds herself caught between two cultures as she confronts her feelings for him.

In celebration of its release, the book was featured on "Good Morning America" as the July Book Club pick.

Kwan said his years at UHCL were some of the most formative of his life and career.

“I had several professors who were incredibly important to me,” he said in a 2018 interview with UHCL.“Gloria Morris, who taught humanities and fine arts, was a profound influence on my life. She championed my writing talent. I didn’t even know I could write until I came to UHCL.” 

Kwan’s novel “Crazy Rich Asians” went on to sell 1.5 million copies, boosted by the 2018 feature film adaptation that earned $239 million at the global box office. In 2018, Kwan was named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people.

Learn more about how Kwan’s UHCL experience allowed him to flourish creatively and the impact it had on his career.