Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss

By: Stephanie Perkins

Published By: Dutton

Publication Date: December 2010

Page Count: 372

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Young Adult - Contemporary 

Yes, I know I'm a little late to this party. I have had this book for ages and everyone I know whose read it raves about it. I cannot believe it took me so long to finally read it. Sadly, I kept pushing this in side in favor of reading books that authors and publishers sent me. Once I knocked out some of those requests, I felt like it was time I read something I wanted to read and this was the treat I selected. It was just what I needed - such a perfect contemporary romance - to combat the stress of work and real life. This is one of those novels I wish that I could live in; I certainly will be rereading it in the future when I start to miss Anna and St. Clair.

Anna is a girl after my own heart. She's southern (she's even a Georgia girl like me), she's quirky, and she's hilarious. By page 5, I already adored Anna and couldn't wait to spend more time with her. She has a wit that kept me in stitches and the girl is not afraid to tell it like it is. I appreciated her candor. Underneath her slight OCD and self doubt, she has a heart of gold. Her tone and musings are eerily similar to my own. I felt like she was my long lost personality twin. Also, I felt more connected to Anna during her argument with Bridge. I suppose most of us girls have stories where a friend wronged us and a boy was to blame. However, in spite of her flaws, Anna does grow and mature throughout the novel. It was intriguing to watch as her definition of friendship, home, and love evolved.

In addition to Anna, I also adored St. Clair. *swoon* Seriously, how could you not love this fictional boy? Anna had it right when she stated, "Seriously, I don't know any American girl who can resist an English accent" (pg. 15). That right there was the moment I found him immensely appealing and his attractiveness continued to grow as I got to know him better. In the author's note, Stephanie Perkins commented on asking her husband countless time if the boy was hot enough and I can reply to her inquiry with a resounding YES. St. Clair is a book boy you must get to know. He is a complex and wonderful package. I loved that there was more substance to him than just a pretty face. It also didn't hurt that he is a history nerd - we gravitate toward our own kind.

The romance in this one is sweet and made me anxious. Perkins certainly makes you wait to learn if things are going to work out between these two. I loved the delicious tension that swirls between Anna and St. Clair. 

Lastly, I loved the setting of this one. I have always been attracted to books featuring a boarding school.  I have no idea why - perhaps because I always thought it would be fun to attend one. Not only does this one have the boarding school, but it is in Paris. Who wouldn't want to spend a year of high school in a magical European city? I was jealous of Anna's experiences and enjoyed living vicariously through her. In all honesty, Paris has never been one of those "Must See" cities for me, but after reading this book I think I need to add it to my list. I want to walk the same streets as Anna and St. Clair and see the sites they saw. I already know what I would wish for on the star!

I'm not usually a connoisseur of YA contemporary romance, but novels like this one make me think I should give more of them a try. This novel left me perplexed: I wasn't sure if I should devour it quickly because I was enjoying it so much or if I needed to slow down and savor it. In the end, I read it fairly quickly, but as I mentioned before, it is one I would reread without hesitation. I'm sure I can savor it the second time - especially now that I know what will happen.

One Last Gripe:  I really really wanted Amanda's nose to be broken.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I enjoyed Stephanie Perkins' writing style and adored her characters.

First Sentence: Here is everything I know about France: Madeline and Amelie and Moulin Rouge.

Favorite Character: Anna, no St. Clair, no Anna... Can I pick them both?

Least Favorite Character: Dave 

Summary:

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. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?