December 29, 2010

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Hardcover, 372 pages
Published December 2nd 2010
www.StephaniePerkins.com

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?


Imagine you're seventeen, and about to start your senior year of high school. You have a loyal best friend, your own car and a budding crush on a cute guy in a band. Life is pretty good, until your parents inform you they are sending you to boarding school in Paris, France. Not only do think it will broaden your horizons, but also teach you to be responsible and independent. Well, if it was me I would jump at the chance to live in the most romantic city in the world. But I've always been a fan of Paris. Anna on the other hand, is not so thrilled at the idea of leaving everyone and everything behind for nine months. After all, a lot can happen in almost a year's time...

During her first week at her new school, Anna makes some friends. One of them happens to be the very attractive, very unavailable Etienne St. Claire. Not only is this gorgeous boy with the French name American, but he also speaks with an English accent. St. Claire as everyone refers to him, quickly becomes close with Anna. He helps her with her French and acts as her Parisian tour guide. As time passes Anna starts to develop feelings for St. Claire and even though it seems like he returns those feelings, his girlfriend is still a factor. But who said love was ever convenient?

I'm not sure how to talk about this book without sounding like a gushing teenager. I had a hunch I would like this story, especially since it takes place in Paris. But it was one of those books that once it had me, it really had me. Anna and St. Claire had a very sweet friendship, they were there for one another no matter what. They had a chemistry that was undeniable, and with each page I turned I hoped I was getting closer to them finally being together. St. Claire is the kind guy that every girl wants to find. He's cute, worldly, charming and above all genuine. I wanted to jump into Anna's shoes just so I could be there with him. When she would describe leaning over and smelling his hair or the sensation she got when their legs touched in a dark movie theater, I could almost feel what she was feeling.

I loved this book so much because it was different then anything else I've read. No vampires, or werewolves, or other supernatural beings. Just a girl in love with a boy. If it were made into a movie I would see it over and over again. Stephanie Perkins is a cool, fresh new author and I will be eager to read anything she writes!




16 comments:

  1. I have read so many good book reviews on this one that I am reading this book next. Your review just makes me want to read it ASAP!

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  2. Okay, that's it. *adds this book to Wish List* There it's done. ^_^ Seriously from the sound of it, I think I'll definitely enjoy it.. If you haven't read it yet, might I suggest DASH & LILY'S BOOK OF DARES by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan...recent YA release along the same lines...happy reading! ^_^

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  3. I'm so glad this review makes you want to read the book. I'm always excited when I come across a great book, and just want to tell everyone about it. Thanks for the recommendation in return, I will certainly look that one up!

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  4. I've heard so many awesome things about this book! I must read it! I love the way you described it as "just a girl in love with a boy" -- so incredibly sweet!

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  5. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was a great story and Etienne was so cute with his Napoleon shirt and bawdy behavior. I also adored the French chef in the SOAP kitchen who laughs at Anna's attempts to speak French... :]

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  6. I want to read this book so badly! Great review, by the way! I just started my book blog tonight, http://909reviews.blogger.com
    I only have one review so far, but I'm putting up more tomorrow! I'm so glad I found this blog!
    -Angel

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  7. I read this book in the beginning of the year and I love it! Etienne sound like a perfect dreamy guy! I love the story line. This book is so sweet!!!

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  8. I LOVED this book! I can't wait to read Lola and the boy next door :)

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  9. This book is at the top of my TBR pile! I cannot wait to read it! I heard so many things about it! I Love ANNA & ETIENNE!

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  10. I loved this book, it wasn't nearly as cheesy as I anticipated and I loved the main character :)

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  11. oh how i want to read this book! The review makes it so much more amazing!

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  12. The review really make me wanna read this book!

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  13. Can't wait to buy my own copy! Your review definitely make me wanna read this more!

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  14. I loved this book! Stephanie Perkins is my hero for creating Etienne<3

    Loved your review!

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  15. I loved your review! I definitely agree with everything you said.

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  16. I guess we are on the same wave length because when I finished reading this book, I was immediately trying to decide who I would want to play the characters. I could so see this book as a movie and like you, I would watch it over and over again. It could be the next You've Got Mail or Pretty Woman. It was totally original and totally worth the read. Thank you for a wonderful review and I will be reading more of your reviews.

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