Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Goodreads Description - 
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?

My Review: -

Favourite Quote: "So what do I wish for? Something I'm not sure I want? Someone I'm not sure I need? Or someone I know I can't have?"

J'adore ce livre.  In English - I love this book.  I have been reading one fantastic review after another and trust me Anna and The French Kiss lives up to all the hype.  And now I am going to have to insist that every book lover I know read this book because to me it is the perfect love story.  Here is why:-

Because like true life the path of love never runs smoothly.  Anna and St Clair didn't just instantly get together they had to overcome issues.   I find it much more believable when characters work towards their happily ever after.  It seems like maybe this could happen to you (apart from the whole living in Paris thing - although that would be nice!)

Anna and St. Clair's romance happens slowly and naturally.  It is nice to see a relationship bloom from friendship to a deeper connection.  You can see all the little and big reasons (like great hair - just kidding, sort of) why these two fell in love.

Because Perkins included and wrote with perfect detail all the understated moments like accidentally brushing arms or touching legs that helps you really feel the chemistry between these two. 

One of his legs rests against mine.  Despite the two layers of pants between us, I feel naked and vulnerable.  He shifts again and now my entire leg, from calf to thigh rests against him.  I smell his hair.  Mmm.  NO!

Because of the brilliant writing.  It is hard to describe but it is like the words just disappear and you are just feeling this story.   I am still shocked this is Stephanie Perkins debut novel.  The dialogue was suprisingly funny and witty. 

I mean, really. Who sends their kid to boarding school? It's so Hogwarts. Only mine doesn't have cute boy wizards or magic candy or flying lessons.
I also didn't expect so much depth to the characters.  Anna and St. Clair will capture your heart and you won't want to let go. 

So be prepared to fall in love with St Clair and Anna and of course Paris.   Je l'ai aimé. LISEZ-LE!  (I loved it. READ IT!)

Rating: 5/5

Other rave reviews: Inkcrush Words on Paper and Not Enough Bookshelves (a big thank you to Alexa who I won this book from)

For More Info check out: Stephanie Perkins' website

11 comments:

brandileigh2003 said...

Thanks for the review, I have been wanting to read this one.

Skye (In The Good Books) said...

Great review for a great book. I loved putting my amateur French to work in both :D

Misha said...

I have read some wonderful reviews of this book! :) Thanks for your review! I ordered mine weeks ago and it has still not come !

Steph: Short and Sweet said...

Everybody seems to love this book. I might read it. Thanks for the review :)

Cass said...

Thanks for the review. :) And for linking to my review. I love the little French-y words. I've actually been looking at French dictionaries and maps of France lately. I'm STILL so fascinated with France, even since I was in primary school. Must go there one day... Maybe find my own Etienne. ;) Ooh la la!

Jenny said...

I'm so excited to read this book! Like you, I've read review after review singing its praises and I'm so glad you think it lives up to they hype! Love that their romance progresses at a normal, realistic speed. And those awkward moments filled with tension are my favorite:) Fantastic review Nic!

bibliophile brouhaha said...

I have to say, I have been on the fence about reading this, but I keep hearing such good reviews on it that I am starting to sway a bit. You review is great, Nic! You sucked me in with, "I also didn't expect so much depth to the characters."

-Linds

Miss Page-Turner said...

What a lovely review:)I love a detailed writing style that isn't boring, but just perfect to feel the couple's connection. Now I wish I put that on my xmas wishlist:D

Stasia said...

ANNA's been getting a lot of hype on the blogosphere, so I read it with a bit of trepidation but...I loved it, too! Wholeheartedly agree with your review and happy to have discovered your blog.

Audrey (holes In My brain) said...

ohmigosh, i NEED to read this SOOOON!! Thanks so much for those quotes, they totally made me laugh and want to read the book more! awesome review :)

Alix said...

Excellent review and I am SO glad you loved it, exactly the reaction you hope for when you love a book and give it away :)

You're right the depth of the characters is both surprising and what makes this book stand out.

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