Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Originality: ♥♥♥♥

Quality of Writing: ♥♥♥♥♥

Character: ♥♥♥♥♥

Setting: ♥♥♥♥♥

Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥

I haven't given a book five stars in such a long time, and I've waited so long to finally enjoy a book as much as I loved AFK (Anna and the French Kiss). Stephanie Perkins reminds me of Sarah Dessen (not in a copy-cat way), but the setting (Paris) sets it apart from other YA novel. I loved the feel of this book being set in a foreign city known for its beauty and history. It highlighted Anna and St.Clair's romance, their love was so strong and so real - at not one time did I feel that it sounded fake or pretentious.

The main focus of romance is stretched over in a series of events that make up an enjoyable reality, but also surrounds a vivid display of pain, desperation, and yearning. Characters are well drawn, including our narrator Anna and her love interest St.Clair (he's British and so am I! I loved the familiarity of his speech.) Perkins writes so well - many times I laughed out loud and the narrative just seemed to flow - each chapter fading into another. In other words, I couldn't put this book down - not until I was satisfied that Anna and St.Clair could finally share their moment of truth.

I want to experience this book all over again and I can't wait to read the next two. I hope they live up to AFK's excellent standard. Overall, this is one of the best YA books I've read in a while. 5 stars all the way.