Anna and the French Kiss has got to be one of the most popular books within the online community. The first time I came across this book is in the blog Una Bella Vita where Betsey listed this book as one of her all time favourites (I think she's gotten rid of the post). And among the booktube community, there has been a lot of hype about it since the companion book, Lola and the Boy Next Door, to it has been released quite recently. So I feel like this will not be the freshest of information but nonetheless, there may be people out there who might find it helpful.
So, this book is about Anna who is sent against her will to a boarding school in Paris because her dad who is a best selling author wants to appear more cultured. She is thus forced to leave her seemingly perfect life and relocate to a part of the world where she would have to make new friends and build a new life on top of learning a whole new language. Once there, she meets a gorgeous English boy and is torn between the cute co worker back home and this new guy. The rest of the book follows Anna through her final year in school steering through an already complicated teen life without the extra headaches bestowed upon her.
I have to be completely honest here and say that this book will not make my favourites list. But if you consider the books on that list (Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, Eragon...) I think it is fair to say that its not because the book is not good but rather that I am fanatically obsessed in stories with other worldly creatures and magical adventures. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read. This book outlines the main problems a teenager goes through such as friendship, love, family and life. It is perfectly relatable to anyone as it portrays teenagers who make mistakes in their decisions and have to learn to get over it and move on.
To me, I liked the development of friendship between Rashmi and Anna the most although it is not one of the main story lines. I also like how Stephanie Perkins writes about loathsome family members and how we can never choose the family we are in. But above all, I completely related to Anna about feeling a little lost with what home really means. When in Paris she counts down the days to when she is finally back home in Atlanta but once home during vacation, everything is not the same and she finds herself longing for Paris. I think most people who have had to leave home for anything especially academic reasons will be able to see the truth in this.
Another point I have to add is that I am glad that I have not been to Paris yet. Because, after reading this book, I am very much intoxicated with Paris and am dying to stand on Point Zero and make a wish. Thank you, Stephanie Perkins.
I will definitely recommend this book to people especially those who likes the romantic/chick lit/young adult genre. I have in mind somebody who I intend to gift this book as a birthday present next month. It is a good book for a light read which contains just enough drama with nothing that goes over the top. As mentioned, expect a trip to Paris soon from me.
You can get a copy The Book Depository or from Amazon.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes, definitely.
How much do I rate this book?
3.5/5
Will I read other works from this author?
Probably
I hope this helps. Thanks for reading :)
