Thursday, December 30, 2010

Anna and the French Kiss

Hello world. I have been MIA for far too long. I apologize my lovelies. I apologize Internet.

But that is not important. There is NOTHING more important right now than Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins which I finished, literally fifteen minutes ago. I was so excited about how amazing it was that I simply had to tell someone. So why not everyone?

I am a huge fan of YA literature. Some people say it's not as refined, that it's for an immature audience but I think that is completely false. YA allows characters to deeply explore the concepts of self-identity and love more than any other genre I know, which is why I love it so much.

Anna and the French Kiss tells the story of Anna Oliphant and the senior year in Paris forced upon her by her miserably fake author father. However, things get interesting as soon as Etienne St. Clair gets involved - the wonderful amazing British American fluent in French heartthrob who despite all his wonder happens to have a very serious girlfriend. One cannot help but be instantly taken in by Etienne. He's witty and clever. That is one of the most remarkable bits of this book. Anna and Etienne, all the characters really, are portrayed so honestly and realistically. It makes them very, very likable. Plus, Anna's head is an absolutely wonderful place to inhabit. She is funny and self-deprecating in a way any girl can relate to. Her anguish and the entire "does he like me" question is agonizing and developed just right. People don't just magically fall in love, even if chemistry is there. It occurs over time and exposure. It just happens. It can't be helped. Even if the guy ends up being your best friend.

Go read this book. It is funny and romantic and uplifting. I simply adore everything about it.


I shall try to update this lovely contraption more frequently. Go read Anna and the Last Kiss in the meantime.

See you around,
Jordan