This week's book has a special history with me and my sisters. My older sister Claudia read this book years and years ago, and convinced my younger sister Debra to read it soon after. Once Debra read it, she tried to get me to read it, but I kept saying no. Honestly, I didn't have a reason other than I didn't want to make Debra happy (I used to be a mean older sister). Finally, after years of pleading with me, I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Romance
Setting: Present day Paris
Published: 2010
Pages: 372
Okay so do you remember in my very first post how I said I love romance books? Well, I've been trying to stay away from them as long as possible so that I could enjoy a wider range of books, but alas, the heart wants what the heart wants. And my heard wanted a cliche romance novel, so here we are.
It's been a while since I've read a book that makes me squeal when something super cute happens and keeps me up until 2 am (much to the dismay of my roommate) to finish it. I actually have photograph evidence, thanks to said roommate.
Now, onto the book. I will try to convince you to read this as Debra tried to convince me, although my argument will be more compelling than hers ("you just HAVE to read it, common!!").
The book starts off with Anna Ophilant, a senior from Atlanta who had just gotten life changing news; she was to spend her senior year of high school in Paris at the School of America in Paris (SOAP for short). Now to me, this seems like a dream come true, but unfortunately for Anna, this is the worst possible news. She is about to start to date a new guy who she has been crushing on all summer, and her and her best friend have plans to have the best year yet, that is, until her father tells her she is off to Paris.
Side note about her father- he is Nicholas Sparks. Which I think is hysterical. Now, it is never really says he is, but it is implied. I wasn't sure at first, but when I brought it up to my sister, she confirmed my suspicion. It really made the book entertaining and interesting.
Now, back to Paris. Anna is terrified and totally alone, but come on, she's is Paris without her parents. Basically my dream (and the dream of most people, I imagine). She quickly befriends her neighbor Meredith, who has a group of talented and interesting friends that welcome Anna into their little group. Among them is Étienne St. Clair, the absurdly attractive English student who is perfect in literary every way- except that he has a girlfriend. But did I mention the British part? The accent?? *swoon*
It's the pretty classic boy meets girl situation, but boy and girl are in Paris. So it makes everything better and even more romantic. Anna quickly falls for Étienne (not surprising, I fell in love with him too) but since he has a girlfriend, she just remains his friend. But between the lovely trips around Paris and the flirtatious interactions between the two, their relationship is anything but platonic.
It was cliche, cheesy, and sickeningly sweet, but totally wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick and fluffy read that will make them perfectly happy. If you do read it, let me know, I am dying to talk about it. I've just about talked Debra's ear off about it, and as pleased as she is that I've finally read it, I think she is getting sick of hearing about it.
So go, dear readers, and fall in love with Paris (and maybe an English boy along the way).
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
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| Via amazon.com |
Setting: Present day Paris
Published: 2010
Pages: 372
Okay so do you remember in my very first post how I said I love romance books? Well, I've been trying to stay away from them as long as possible so that I could enjoy a wider range of books, but alas, the heart wants what the heart wants. And my heard wanted a cliche romance novel, so here we are.
It's been a while since I've read a book that makes me squeal when something super cute happens and keeps me up until 2 am (much to the dismay of my roommate) to finish it. I actually have photograph evidence, thanks to said roommate.
Now, onto the book. I will try to convince you to read this as Debra tried to convince me, although my argument will be more compelling than hers ("you just HAVE to read it, common!!").
The book starts off with Anna Ophilant, a senior from Atlanta who had just gotten life changing news; she was to spend her senior year of high school in Paris at the School of America in Paris (SOAP for short). Now to me, this seems like a dream come true, but unfortunately for Anna, this is the worst possible news. She is about to start to date a new guy who she has been crushing on all summer, and her and her best friend have plans to have the best year yet, that is, until her father tells her she is off to Paris.
Side note about her father- he is Nicholas Sparks. Which I think is hysterical. Now, it is never really says he is, but it is implied. I wasn't sure at first, but when I brought it up to my sister, she confirmed my suspicion. It really made the book entertaining and interesting.
Now, back to Paris. Anna is terrified and totally alone, but come on, she's is Paris without her parents. Basically my dream (and the dream of most people, I imagine). She quickly befriends her neighbor Meredith, who has a group of talented and interesting friends that welcome Anna into their little group. Among them is Étienne St. Clair, the absurdly attractive English student who is perfect in literary every way- except that he has a girlfriend. But did I mention the British part? The accent?? *swoon*
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| Me at 1AM finishing the book, the caption has been blurred for posterity (complements of my roommate) |
It was cliche, cheesy, and sickeningly sweet, but totally wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick and fluffy read that will make them perfectly happy. If you do read it, let me know, I am dying to talk about it. I've just about talked Debra's ear off about it, and as pleased as she is that I've finally read it, I think she is getting sick of hearing about it.
So go, dear readers, and fall in love with Paris (and maybe an English boy along the way).
I totally have a soft spot for romance novels too. Sadly, I haven't really had time to read much for fun, but I'll definitely be checking this book out over the summer!
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