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Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins


annaandthefrenchkissAnna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Series: Anna and the French Kiss #1
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: August 4, 2011
Publisher: Speak

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

Can Anna find love in the City of Light?
Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she’s less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Etienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he’s taken – and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she’s been waiting for?

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

My Review:

I can’t believe I haven’t wrote a review for one of my favorite books ever, Anna and the French Kiss, yet (because I’m obviously changing that fact now). There are probably thousands of other reviews on Anna and the French Kiss out there in the blogosphere or on goodreads, but I feel like doing my own personal review on it anyway. Hopefully I’ll be able to convey how much I love Anna and the French Kiss.

When I first discovered goodreads and first started stalking book blogs, I’ve heard a lot of good things regarding a book titled Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. It was talked about everywhere. At first, I was interested in it because the book was constantly raved about and praised, but as soon as I saw the cover (remember, this was before the cover design changed), I decided that no thank you, the book was not for me. The old cover of Anna and the French Kiss was just a tad too cheesy for my taste. Anna and the French Kiss was also a contemporary book, a genre that doesn’t get along with me most of the time. However, in the end I gave in and snagged a copy of Anna and the French Kiss from the library. I am so, so glad I did and didn’t regret my decision ever since then.

He closes his eyes. I close mine.
The door flies open, and we startle apart.
Josh enters detention and shrugs. “I ditched pre-calc.” (339)

The character the book is named after, Anna, is just so darn cute. Though Anna can be annoying and downright clueless at times (when she was dealing with the bully Amanda for example), Anna made me laugh with her adorableness. I can also relate to Anna – I have a feeling that if I move to an entirely new country, I would also not speak a word of the country’s language. I also admire Anna, for she is also a lot more forgiving than I can ever be. If Anna’s best friend Bridgette was my best friend and Bridgette did what she did to Anna to me, I would never, ever, forgive her. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that I would be hating Bridgette for life, unlike Anna, who was willing to make some amends.

The highlight of Anna and the French Kiss is the famous, the fabulous, the handsome, Etienne St. Clair. That’s frankly just my opinion though; other people were greatly annoyed by him. Sure, Etienne St. Clair has one glaringly obvious flaw, stringing Anna along with him throughout the entire book and not dumping his girlfriend for her. However, I still love St. Clair despite him wasting a lot of time. I love that St. Clair is short, but instead of being embarrassed by that fact, he owns it. I love that St. Clair gives Anna love poetry and the fact that he watches movies with Anna, knowing that she loves watching movies. I wish I can find a guy that’ll read the same books I’m currently reading along with me.

“Etienne,” he says. “I live one floor up.”
“I live here.” I point dumbly at my room while my mind whirs: French name, English accent, American school. Anna confused. (16)

I’m happy that Stephanie Perkins isn’t afraid to use the c-word or even the f-word in her books. It’s the way real teenagers speak and Stephanie Perkins isn’t afraid to include it in her books. The curse words Stephanie Perkins used in Anna and the French Kiss also feels very natural – it’s not used just because it’s fun.

Anna and the French Kiss gave me such a rush when I read it. In fact, Anna and the French Kiss was so good that I read the entire book in just one day. I was so giddy and bouncy when I finished the book, jumping around and smiling like a fool. My parents gave me weird looks, my sister gave me weird looks, but I could less. The book rush reading Anna and the French Kiss gave me probably lasted for days, which is a record. No other book I’ve read have even gotten close to the feeling Anna and the French Kiss had given me.

“Anna?”
Our foreheads touch. “Yes?”
“Will you please tell me you love me? I’m dying here.” (366-367)

I can also re-read the ending of Anna and the French Kiss over and over again. It’s absolutely perfect; I love everything about it. Every time I re-read that same part, I can feel that dumb, goofy smile appear on my face all over again.

I have to admit, at first, I absolutely hated that Anna and the French Kiss and the other companion books had a cover change because when Isla and the Happily Ever After is finally released, it won’t match any of my Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door hardcovers anymore. However, as time went on, I slowly changed my mind about the cover change. I can actually read Anna and the French Kiss in public now, without much embarrassment (because honestly, the title is still pretty embarrassing) and the cover is really pretty by itself.

I know Anna and the French Kiss has some annoying flaws as I’m sure other reviewers have pointed out, but I still gave it a 5-star rating because it’s still the perfect book, for me. In fact, Anna and the French Kiss is the first book I ever gave a 5-star rating to. The book is that special to me. If you haven’t read Anna and the French Kiss yet, I recommend you to get started on it asap.

five

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 11-17-13 · 37 Comments
Categories: 2011 book, book review Tagged: 5 star

« Stacking the Shelves [58]
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Speak Your Mind

  1. Kayla @ The Thousand Lives says

    11-17-13 at 3:35 PM

    I really wanted to add something of substance here, but I think you summed up everything I would ever want to say about this book! It just makes my heart so light, and like you said, even though the cover is crappy, I’m glad I got over it. And I actually have the paperback with the cover change (the pink one you used up above), so I think mine will fit with Isla?

    Now I just need to read Lola and the Boy Next Door and I’ll be all caught up with everyone!
    Kayla @ The Thousand Lives recently posted…Seven Oddball Terms I’ve Come Up With Since Starting BloggingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 7:39 PM

      Yay! :D
      That has to mean that I did the book justice with my review of it right? ;D
      Yours will definitely fit with Isla, only the format of it, paperback vs. hardcover won’t (and I personally HATE that).
      Ohh, you will LOVE Lola too Kayla! Enjoy it! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Susan T. says

    11-17-13 at 6:11 PM

    This is so not my usual genre but you have convinced me to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 7:46 PM

      I usually don’t like contemporary books either, but you have definitely GOT to give this one a try Susan! I promise you, you will LOVE it. <3
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Chiara @ Books For A Delicate Eternity says

    11-17-13 at 6:59 PM

    I love this review. I love it when bloggers can really fall in love with a book, and I think you conveyed that really well!
    I read AATFK when it was released, way back in ye olde 2010. When it had that really cheesy cover *shudder* To be honest, I don’t really remember loving it, as everyone seems to now. I was surprised when I saw this book suddenly popping up EVERYWHERE on the blogosphere, because nothing had really struck out at me when I was reading it.
    I do remember thinking that St.Clair, while swoon worthy, was a jerk, and that Anna was kind of dumb for allowing herself to be treated like that. But, I kind of want to re-read it, because I trust the opinion of bloggers who have loved it (like you), and I guess my reading preferences could have changed from when I was about 16.
    Anyway, I do so love this review, Kelly! :D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:07 PM

      Yay, thank you Chiara! :D
      Ha ha, I’m glad my love for Anna and the French Kiss shines through. I’ll definitely be keeping this one with me forever for the rest of my life. <3
      Ha ha, the old cover is DEFINITELY cheesy. I was always so embarrassed to be caught reading it.
      Yeah, St. Clair was a jerk, but if I was in his position, I would kind of sort of act the way he did too. I mean, you aren't sure if your best friend returns your feelings, so why not cling to your ex-girlfriend just in case so you won't be alone, especially since you're already alone with the way your dad treats you? Ha ha, that sounds so twisted. :P
      I hope you'll enjoy this one a lot more when you get a chance to re-read it Chiara!
      Aww, thank you! <3
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Hillary R. says

    11-17-13 at 8:09 PM

    After reading you’re review for “Anna and the French Kiss” I was totally caught off guard by you’re five watermelon rating. I couldn’t believe my eyes! You are definitely right that this is you’re first five star rating. I’m sure other books were close but not that close. They’re usually 4’s or 4.5’s. I’m glad you enjoyed the book though. I feel that if you could enjoy this one than maybe I can too. And I feel exactly like you did with the first cover. I remember seeing it a few times and even with some raving reviews I was still like “no thank you” too. ‘Now though, I do like the cover. So pretty. I like how it catches my eyes pretty quickly. Kind of memorable too. Hopefully I get to read this one soon! Sounds like a great book :D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:11 PM

      Actually, I think I rated only three books five stars ever since I started blogging. :P
      But yeah, Anna and the French Kiss DEFINITELY deserves to get a 5-star rating.
      A cover change sure changes your mind about whether or not you want to read a book huh? ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Aly @ My Heart Hearts Books says

    11-18-13 at 7:17 PM

    I loved Anna, I remember the first time reading it, falling in love with the story. It’s one of those stories that you can reread over and over again. I was lucky enough to go to Paris and recreate the events of the story and it was magnificent. Reading you review just brings up all those good memories. Love you review <3
    Aly @ My Heart Hearts Books recently posted…Crash Into You (Review)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:15 PM

      I can re-read Anna and the French Kiss over and over again and again and again. <3
      I SO envy you. I want Anna and the French Kiss to guide me throughout Paris! And maybe I'll trip over a cute guy along the way. ;D
      I'm glad reading my review bought up all the good memories Aly! I wish I can reminisce about Paris too. ;D
      And thank you! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Kayla Graham says

    11-18-13 at 11:45 PM

    You know I haven’t read Anna and the French Kiss yet. But I have read Lola and the Boy Next Door and I absolutely loved everything about it. Stephanie Perkins is indeed a genius! You make me want to go buy a copy and devour it at this very moment. Thanks for your awesome gushing review!

    Kayla Graham
    http://www.kaylainc.net
    Kayla Graham recently posted…For Those of You Wondering What Happened To Me.My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:17 PM

      If you love Lola, you’ll definitely love Anna too Kayla, probably a lot more than you liked Lola. ;D
      YES, BUY THIS ONE! It is SO worth your money.
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Frannie Panglossa says

    11-22-13 at 2:32 PM

    This book sounds awesome!! *__*
    I have to read it! <3
    Frannie Panglossa recently posted…RECENSIONE: “Angelfall” (Penryn and The End Days #1) di Susan EeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:20 PM

      You HAVE TO read this one Frannie! It’s AMAZING.
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Kelley says

    11-24-13 at 5:11 PM

    I absolutely adored Anna and the French Kiss and enjoyed reading your review of it. I loved Lola and the Boy Next Door even more and I can’t wait to get my hands on Isla!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:24 PM

      Ha ha, I prefer Anna over Lola, but I’m super glad you loved them both Kelley! :D<3
      I can't wait for Isla too, I've been waiting for it since FOREVER.
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Christine says

    11-25-13 at 8:10 PM

    I recently read this one and loved it too! I can definitely understand where people would have issues with the book, but surprisingly enough, even seeing those things as I read, it didn’t bother me. Like you said, it was perfect for me. A perfect YA contemporary, the kind you re-read on lazy days :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      11-26-13 at 8:27 PM

      Yay, I’m glad you loved this one as much as I did Christine! Seriously, Anna and the French Kiss is the PERFECT book, right? ;D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Bookish Things I Am Thankful ForMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Camii Ailen says

    11-30-13 at 11:05 AM

    I love this book! Beautiful review!!

    Reply
  11. Vivien says

    12-04-13 at 6:43 PM

    I absolutely LOVED this book. I didn’t think I would. It was absolutely surprising!! Cannot wait for Isla!!

    Reply
  12. Sandra @Sandra's World of Books says

    12-05-13 at 6:55 AM

    I bought this book! I am waiting for it to arrive because I am so excited to finally read it! Thanks for posting this review :)
    Sandra @Sandra’s World of Books recently posted…Dead To You – Lisa McMannMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Joanna V says

    12-17-13 at 8:02 PM

    I can’t believe I haven’t read this yet! I won Lola and the Boy Next Door over the summer and I kind of dragged my feet about reading it. But once I did start, I could not stop. It was just sooooo good! Since then, I’ve been wanting to go back to read Anna and the French Kiss. But since I loved Lola and the Boy Next Door so much, I want to actually buy Anna and the French Kiss. And also Isla and the Happily Ever After. I was totally surprised that it was so relatable. And it’s SO much more than just a romance. Which is great.
    Those quotes are so darn cute. I can’t wait to read this one! The new paperback one, though. To match the Lola and new Isla. Still not a fan of the old cover. That’s why I avoided it for so long. And, you know, that title. Haha!
    Joanna V recently posted…TOUR STOP AND GIVEAWAY: Clan by Realm LovejoyMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Zaira Fernando says

    12-19-13 at 9:02 PM

    I agree about what you said about how Anna can be annoying and clueless (but don’t worry, I loved her character, still). I also very much enjoyed how Anna’s love for movies is showed in the books. I enjoyed this, although probably not as much as how most of the people did. I gave it only 4 out 5 stars unlike most people I know.

    Reply
  15. Fatma Shahin says

    12-20-13 at 9:49 AM

    Aw I love this book! The perfect contemporary<3

    Reply
  16. lillian says

    12-31-13 at 9:27 AM

    I’ve heard lots about this book but it seems so meh. The cover especially does not draw me in.
    But your review, goshing yet coherent, might just make me :D
    I guess 2014 is as good as any time to give this book a chance!
    Thanks for the convincing review! :)

    Reply
  17. Moonlight says

    1-02-14 at 9:13 AM

    I still have not read this book, it has been on my TBR shelf for ages! I must read it soon. I am glad you liked it as I have heard so many great things about it, I’m glad you also found it very funny as that was the first thing that made be want to read this book :0)

    Great review!
    Moonlight recently posted…REVIEW: Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie FriendMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Samantha says

    8-22-14 at 9:52 AM

    I just read this book, and it was amazing!!!
    Samantha recently posted…Lola and the Boy Next DoorMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Josy Herrera says

    12-30-14 at 4:22 PM

    Great review! I’ve had this one on my TBR for so long, but I think i’m going to make it be my first read of 2015. It’s basically everything I would want on a book, or so I’ve heard.

    Reply
  20. Lindsay says

    6-05-16 at 2:04 AM

    I had read this book for three times. And the last time i read after read your review. How nice! I see something new that i could not saw on last 2 times. Btw, great review, Kelly :)

    Reply
  21. Hayley Anderton says

    8-15-16 at 7:04 AM

    I love this book so much. I’ve reread it so many times! Loved this review.

    Reply

Trackbacks

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  4. Taylor Swift + Books = PURE HAPPINESS says:
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  5. Ten Books For Readers Who Like Contemporary says:
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