Thursday, January 6, 2011

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Release: December 2nd, 2010
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
My Summary:
Sent away to a Parisian boarding school for the year might sound amazing to some teens, but for Anna, it most definitely is not. Leaving her best friend behind, as well as an almost-boyfriend, Anna's stuck on a whole other continent with no one she knows.

But when she meets a group friends, she slips into their clique easily. But out of them all, it's Etienne St. Clair that she bonds with the most. The totally hot, hilarious Etienne St. Clair...who happens to have a girlfriend.

But as time passes, Anna's life grows more hectic, her friendships more troubled and she can't deny the truth of her relationships any longer...A fun, flirty and unforgettable debut, Anna and the  French Kiss is wonderful from start to finish. 
Review: Narrated by the ever-amusing Anna, Anna and the French Kiss does not cease to entertain and inspire. Perkins manages to write fully dimensional characters, not just with her protagonist Anna but with them all. Even with the City of Lights, Perkins paints a picture with her words that almost makes you feel as if you're standing right with Anna in the middle of Paris (oh, how I wish I could go to Paris now...darn you, Stephanie Perkins!).

Filled with a sweet romance that isn't overdone or dramatized, Anna and the French Kiss is truly fabulous. I know some people who immediately set this one aside just for the unusual name, but if you do that you are missing out. This book has substance, it has realism to the characters and the relationships. For contemporary lovers, its an easy book to jump in and relate with because life isn't perfect for Anna. There are ups and downs, and Anna is such a wonderful protagonist to follow through the story.

So it all boils down to this: Do you enjoy contemporary novels? What about a bit of realistic romance? Paris? Witty and hilarious main characters? Really cute boy BFF's? If you answered "YES!" to any of those, then Anna and the French Kiss is perfect for you.

Highlights: Perkins has the right amount of of amusement in her writing, but she can pull off the serious moments just as easily. While there are some more serious moments, this is a fairly light story (emotionally, I mean), so it will definitely be a fun read for anyone who loves YA, boys, France, accents, and so much more.

Lowlights: Hmm, I did want to shake some sense into a few certain characters, but it's not that big of a deal.

Rating:   



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15 comments:

  1. AdrianaJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Only 5 star ratings for this book! I seriously have to read Anna and the French Kiss already. I'm definitely going to be getting this book next. Thanks for the review. :D

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  2. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    This looks like an interesting read, I might have to get it. Thanks for a fantastic review.

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  3. Alex Bennett from Electrifying ReviewsJanuary 6, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    I NEED this book!

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  4. brandileigh2003January 6, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    I have been wanting to read this one. Good to hear you liked it.

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  5. Carrie at In the Hammock BlogJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    i cannot wait to read this one!! i am as soon as i read some review books!

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  6. NinaJanuary 7, 2011 at 3:14 AM

    I really want to read this book. And I said Yes to almost all of those questions. So I quess this will be a perfect read. :)

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  7. Melissa (i swim for oceans)January 7, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    I swear...everyone loves this! I trust your opinion, so I guess I'm going to have to get it after all. Great review, Lea!

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  8. Lisa_spsJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    I loved this book it's great! I can't believe that I wasn't going to read it because the title sounded a cheesy.

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  9. Alyssa KirkJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I don't do a lot of contemporary but with such a glowing review, I can't wait to read this one!

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  10. MeredithJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    This book makes me so happy! Glad you liked it.

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  11. Jenny N.January 7, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Everyone's been raving about this book so I guess I should start it soon and see what the fuss is about.

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  12. Patricia's ParticularityJanuary 8, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    This has been on my Wishlist for some time. Great Review!

    Also, you have an award waiting for you at my Blog: http://patriciasparticularity.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-am-loved.html

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  13. RowenaJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I really enjoyed this book as well. I adored both St. Claire and Anna and I think I know who you wanted to shake some sense into but I agree, it wasn't that big a deal (though I wanted to strangle them too).

    Great review!

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  14. NatJune 22, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    I liked but didn't love this one. I wanted to slap St Clair!

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    Great review! I gotta read this like right now!
    Leigh | Little Book Star

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