Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

     

Synopsis:

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 Etienne St. Clair: 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?

Meet the Author:

Author of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door. They have funny bits and kissing, so you should totally read them. If you're into that sort of thing. The final companion is called Isla and the Happily Ever After, and it will be released in 2013.

She has two additional YA novels that will also be published by Dutton—a teen slasher in 2014 and a yet-to-be-named project in 2015.

Website І Twitter І Goodreads

My Review: 

I picked up this book because John Green recommended it in one of his vlogs and I was in the mood for a cute contemporary romance. I read it and I enjoyed it. When I think about it I let out a satisfied sigh.

This book is cute. Some people may not like that, but to be honest I sometimes feel the need to read about a cute love story, specifically one that does not make me gag. I am happy to say that not once did I gag while reading this book. Be warned, this is one of those pretty-rich-kids-with-problems type of story, but in a non-annoying way. There is also some melodrama, but hey this book is about teenagers, drama happens. Anna and the French Kiss is an enjoyable read. It is not at all intense, so it is one of those books that you read when you feel like relaxing. I recommend using this book as a follow up to one of those really intense, heart-wrenching books, you know the kind I am talking about.

The good thing about this book is that since it is solely focused on the romance there is NO awkward insta love. The characters in question are obviously attracted to each other fairly early on, but we get to see their relationship develop. I really liked that. I was utterly convince of their attachment to one another, and yes I can get rather cynical when it comes to romance and whatnot. I sometimes worry that I can be too harsh…well I am proud to say that while I read this book I didn’t roll my eyes, I swear, not once! I really did sit down and just plain enjoyed this book. It’s been a while since I read a pure romance novel and I will not hesitate to try another one soon.

I must mention that I like the writing. When an author sets out to write a novel solely focused on romance, that author is taking a risk. It is very easy to sound cheesy and cliché, but fortunately, I think Stephanie Perkins did a wonderful job of writing a lovely, fun, and realistic contemporary young adult romance novel. It is well done, bravo Miss Perkins, bravo. One of my favorite things about this book is the fact that Anna’s dad writes sappy, unrealistic romance novels that rely too heavily on the fact that at least one of the characters has a terminal disease. I thought that was funny and a bit meta…if you read the book you will know what I mean. 

All in all, this is one of those cute, light reads. I would recommend it if you really like cute stories about people falling in love. I liked it and I am not usually into that into this sort of thing…hmmm, maybe I am and just haven’t embraced that part of me…well! It looks like I have to do some self examination…this requires research! Stand by for more on this breaking news! I will definitely read the companion novel Lola and the Boy Next Door. Characters from this novel make a cameo and that has me really excited!

Now before I end this review I must come out and say that while I enjoyed reading this book I regret to inform you that Mr. Etienne St. Clare has not been accepted into my Hall of Book Boyfriends. It is nothing personal. Not everyone can make the cut. Etienne is super cute, nice, and sweet, but he just didn’t make me feel all the warm fuzzies. Mr. St. Clare, please do not distress, you appear in the sequel so you will have a second chance!