Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1)

by Stephanie Perkins

[rakesandrogues]

Review posted at Muggle-Born.net

First of all, what's with all the good books I'm reading lately? To find a five-star book is practically a miracle and to read two in the same week is just impossible! I can't believe I'm saying it, but ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, is a book worth its five-star rating - my second one this week and the nth 5-star rating the book has received. There was just so much hype about this book that I thought it was too good to be true. I read a handful of reviews all saying the same thing and I had to see for myself just how fantastic this book was. I was not disappointed.

One of the reasons that I enjoyed this book so much was because Anna was just so easy to relate to. I saw myself in her shoes so many times throughout the book. Despite the fact that she is in high school, her experience of being alone for the first time reflected a bit of my hesitations when I finally moved into my dorm at college. (Minus the language barrier, of course.) I couldn't help but feel that Anna is just like me while reading.

And don't let me get started on the romance. Banter, tension, the most romantic city in the world... The romance had a great build-up; it was very well developed which made it realistic. This book has everything I want in a great romance. Etienne St. Claire is definitely one of my favorite fictional male characters. What's not to love about him? He has a British accent for crying out loud!

Furthermore, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS has given me an appreciation for Paris. It was never one of my contenders for a study abroad program but that has changed. I want to see for myself the culinary delights as described in the book. Paris sounds like a magical city and I want to visit and learn more about the culture.

Stephanie Perkins is such a great writer. Her writing is fun and addictive. Once you start, you just have to devour the book like a yummy macaroon. ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to hop on the next plane to Paris. She's definitely one of the best new voices in YA and I cannot wait for her next book.