Heyylloo Blogger World, I am back with another Book Review Post! Today, I will review the book "Anna And The French Kiss," by Stephanie Perkins. For starters, I know that title is pretty cliche. I actually read this book a few years back but recently re-read it. Now back to that corny title, don't let it fool you the book is amazing. I had heard of this book from a Book YouTube Channel once and since then I had been on the lookout for it. The hype for this book is real. It is a lighthearted, fast, contemporary read. It is not very deep, very thoughtful, or very insightful. But it is one of those books that will make you smile and laugh like an idiot through it all. It is very re-readable fun and touches you despite being so contemporary.
P L O T S Y N O P S I S
The book follows the story of Anna Oliphant, a teenage girl from Atlanta, Georgia, who lives with her father who is an author. Her parents are separated and her father is described as negligent and way too wrapped up in his novels for anyone. Anna also described his work to be corny and embarrassing, her dad writes novels that pander to middle aged women and their crazy fantasies. His novels have been turned into movies, which makes it even more mortifying for Anna. On the other hand, Anna wants to be a Film Critic and it is her aspiration, she even works part time at her local cinema. She even has a crush on a guy who works there and they are finally getting close. Her life flips upside down, when her father decides she needs to get out and explore more. He signs her up for SOAP (School Of America In Paris) without her permission.
The story picks up from here as Anna is furious her dad is sending her abroad, making her leave her best friend and almost boyfriend back home. Anna does not like stepping out of her comfort zone and going to a country where they speak a whole new language is daunting to her. Her dad ships her off regardless and the story ensues as Anna struggles to adjust in Paris. She has to get used to living in a cramped dorm, learn how to get by on her broken French, and somehow make friends and get good grades in this whole mess. Anna endures homesickness and does end up making one friend, Meredith. Things start to get crazy when she meets Meredith's friend group which includes an artsy boy named Josh, his girlfriend Rashmi, and a super handsome guy named Etienne.
Anna and Etienne have instant chemistry and easily become friends. It becomes apparent that Anna and Etienne are falling for each other. But two things stand in there way. For one, Etienne already has a girlfriend and she attends a different school, and two, Meredith had a crush on Etienne for years prior to Anna's arrival. This becomes a sticky situation as both sides have a relationship on the line. This also sets up an interesting premise for the plot, where they both can't be open about their feelings and both try to push their feelings away. The story just gets better and better. The memories the two make are so tangible and well written that it will frustrate you, make you laugh, and sigh all at once.
R E V I E W
There are so many events in this book that just make you smile. So many events that will frustrate you. So many events that will feel like surreal memories. The time when Etienne and Anna toured Paris was adorable, the times Anna could not speak French and Etienne took the lead were hilarious, the time when they both partied too hard and ended up in each other's company for the night was memorable, the time when Etienne discovered something tragic about his mom was saddening, and the time they both reconciled with their parents was sentimental. Its all the small things that makes this book amazing. The author is amazing at descriptions and witty humor. Even the least boy crazy girl will fall for Etienne, he is in fact one of the most adored male love interests in YA fiction. And he deserves that title. The book isn't all flowers and sunshine either, as both Anna and Etienne have to come to terms with their broken households. Etienne also suffers in his relationship with his girlfriend who seems to have changed and become more cold towards him. Anna has to deal with Meredith giving her the cold shoulder after she realizes that Etienne is head over heels for Anna.
C O N C L U S I O N
All in all it is a great book! It deals with love, friendship, family, exploration, and just growing out of your comfort zone. If you come across this book give it a try! Look past the cliche title and enjoy it, because it is one heck of a Parisian Romance!
Thanks For Reading!
-ISBAH xoxo
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