Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

Published: Dutton, 2010
Pages: 372

Anna Oliphant wouldn't normally say no to a year in Paris, but when her dad insists that she attend boarding school she does not want to go.  A new country, new friends, this is not how Anna expected to spend her senior year of high school.  When she meets Etienne St. Clair, his perfect hair and British accent grab Anna's attention immediately.  The only thing wrong with the picture is St. Clair's serious girlfriend.  Dreams can come true in the city of love, but will Anna's?

It's been a while since I've pick up a book and finished it in one or two sittings, but this story hooked me from the start.  The incredible setting, Paris - the film capitol of the world, took life in this story.  Anna's discovery of the city through famous monuments felt like mine.  It heightened my desire to travel.

The characters was captivating; the beautiful, intelligent Anna, the charismatic, confident St. Clair, and the rest of the cast, Rashmi, Josh, and Meredith.  The friendship dynamics in this group of friends are realistic and unbelievably entertaining.  I really enjoyed reading about these characters, as if they were my own friends.

Miscommunication is one of the central reasons for all the conflict in this story, and let's be honest miscommunication is the key to a lot of real life conflict, especially in High school. Stephanie Perkins nails the high school life and relationships extraordinary.  Her writing is captivating, enthusiastic and absolutely adorable. With this book she has become a part of my author auto-buy club.  I look forward to reading Lola and the Boy Next Door and her other coming books!

Stars: 4/5

Praise:

"Very sly. Very Funny. Very romantic.  You should date this book."
              -- Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes

"Smart and sensual, Anna and the French Kiss is everything your heart is longing for.  You'll want to live inside this story forever."
               -- Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of the Wake Trilogy