Wednesday 19 March 2014

Anna and the French Kiss



As one of my favourite YA authors, Stephanie Perkins is definitely worth a reread. While eagerly anticipating the long-awaited third book in the series, Isla and the Happily Ever After, I've been drawn back into the world of Anna and the French Kiss.

Despite the seemingly innocuous title of this book, I was persuaded to read it on the recommendation of one of my favourite authors (John Green) and I was not disappointed. Exiled to the School of America in Paris for her senior year, Anna Oliphant is feeling pretty sorry for herself, until she meets Etienne St Clair. I dare anyone not to fall in love with the charming yet all-too-real Etienne and his hilarious group of friends as they learn to take control of their own lives, while exploring the beauty of the city of lights. Although shy at first, Anna's love of film draws her out to explore the cinemas of Paris, while trying not to fall for a boy she knows she can't have. Anna and Etienne are the most realistically drawn couple I've read in a while, and as their love develops so slowly and gradually, with the attendant misunderstandings and hurdles, the reader cannot fail to be swept along with them.


To Read: Unwind, by Neal Shusterman, and Revived, by Cat Patrick.