REVIEW

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I got my copy of Anna and The French Kiss from DaniellaBooks of Youtube as a giveaway prize. I finished reading this last month as part of my inadvertently contemporary September wrapup. I actually planned on reading this last August because that’s the month where Stephanie Perkins visited the Philippines and had a signing event. But due to some circumstances, I wasn’t able to get any of her books and so I wasn’t able to go to the event as well. It sucked, I know. But at least, I got my copy for free. Thanks to Daniella! 

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Anyway, I wasn’t expecting so much from this book because I’ve read quite number of contemporary romance novels and I thought maybe it will be another same old story.

The story of Anna and The French Kiss revolves around the 16-year-old girl named Anna, obviously – Anna Oliphant. She was sent by her father into an international American school in Paris, France but she was not thrilled about the idea because she’s already happy with her usual life.

Until she met Étienne St. Claire…

…and they became best friends.

During their friendship, they started to develop a feeling of more-than-friends with each other. But the conflict here is St. Claire (what his friends call him) is already committed to someone else. That’s what they are going to solve.

There’s nothing special with the story. It’s just as what I’ve already expected from the start – the usual romantic novel. But there’s something special with the characters and how Perkins had written the story. You’ll think that just by learning St. Claire’s name, he’ll be one of this dreamy guys just like from other novels. Well, yes and no.

St. Claire is described as charming and smart and everybody loves him and his personality. He’s like a sunshine after the storm. lol.

But he’s not perfect.

The thing here is Perkins don’t write perfect characters and that’s what makes the story seems more realistic.

They have faults and that what makes the story feel so normal and real.

One more good thing is how Perkins highlights other supporting characters, like Rashmi, Josh, Mer, Anna’s best friend, etc. They’re not just mere supporting characters, they have significant parts in the story.

Yes, it’s kinda predictable at some points, but it’s cute and creatively written in so many ways. Perkins creates beautiful chemistry with her characters. There are many parts where it will makes you swoon because of too much adorableness and cuteness.

There’s also a part where Anna became so annoying because of the issues going on around her, but it’s okay. I tried to think, what if I’m the one on her shoes? Maybe I’ll be ever more whine-y about everything. So, I think it’s pretty normal that we tend to act kinda stupid and annoying sometimes. Human nature?

What I love the most is how Stephanie Perkins brought me to Paris.

Even for just a short period of time in my imagination.

The part were the exploration in Paris happened, it was fantastic! It was so beautiful. I just let myself drift over my overflowing imagination of Paris. It’s so sparkly and romantic.

Overall, this is a very simple, light, funny and easy read. If for example you’re on a vacation and you just to relax and feel free, this book is a good company.

It will make you feel so youthful and cheerful.

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