Anna and the French Kiss

angelay - This book was so good! It's really romantic, sweet and cute, but it's so much more than that. The book was also funny and unique. Instead of a simple sweet little romance, this book has quick witted, intense humor and its characters are simply out of this world. Anna, the protagonist, has the strongest voice, and all her actions and dialogue just showcases her personality even better, even when she has flaws and insecurities. I learned that you don't have to be perfect to be a hero. There were so many things that I loved in the book. For one, the plot - Anna and St.Clair start out as friends. Anna has feelings for a co-worker back at home in the States while St.Clair has a girlfriend that is much older than he is. The author doesn't rush the plot like some other authors do, instead she lets the whole story build up slowly, and that's what I really like about this book.

Starred review from January 2, 2012
Kim Mai Guest delivers a pitch-perfect performance in the audio version of this confectionery romance about Anna Oliphant, an Atlanta high school student whose parents suddenly decide to send her to a posh Paris boarding school for her senior year. Although Anna initially resists her year abroad, she soon becomes intoxicated with the city, its food, its movie theaters, and—most of all—fellow student Etienne St. Clair. Guest’s narration is enchanting, hitting all the marks in her portrayal of Anna: sighing impatiently at her author father (who is a spot-on parody of novelist Nicholas Sparks), squealing with convincing excitement at the attentions of male suitors, gurgling with revulsion when one of them vomits on her after a night of binge drinking. Additionally, her rendition of the school’s requisite “mean girl,” the air-headed Amanda, is equally enjoyable. Guest enhances this standard teen romance with her sparkling performance. A Speak paperback.

Starred review from November 1, 2010
Since her father's Nicholas Sparks–like novels have been turned into blockbuster movies and he now has the means (and status) to give her culture, Anna Oliphant finds herself uprooted from her Atlanta home to become the newest senior at the School of America in Paris. Her seemingly enviable situation is offset by her inability to speak French, her fear of venturing off school property and a possible romantic interest back home. But then the young film critic meets gorgeous, heart-stopping classmate Ãtienne St. Clair, who has a sexy British accent and offers to show her around Paris—and who also has a serious girlfriend at a local university. Perkins's debut surpasses the usual chick-lit fare with smart dialogue, fresh characters and plenty of tingly interactions, all set amid pastries, parks and walks along the Seine in arguably the most romantic city in the world. Sarah Dessen fans will welcome another author who gracefully combines love and realism, as Anna's story is as much about finding and accepting herself as it is about finding love. Très charmante. (Chick lit. 13 & up)

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December 1, 2010

Gr 9 Up-Anna Oliphant has big plans for her senior year in Atlanta: hang out with her best friend, Bridgette, and flirt with her coworker at the Royal Midtown 14 multiplex. So she is none too happy when her father sends her off to boarding school in Paris. However, things begin to look up when she meets Etienne St. Clair, a gorgeous guy-with a girlfriend. As he and Anna become closer friends, things get infinitely more complicated. Will Anna get her French kiss? Or are some things just not meant to be? Perkins has written a delightful debut novel with refreshingly witty characters. There is strong language and mention of sexual topics that make the book more appropriate for older teens. The chapters are concise, and the steady pacing leading up to the "will they or won't they?" moments will capture even reluctant readers. Teens will feel like they are strolling through the City of Lights in this starry-eyed story of finding love when you least expect it.-Kimberly Castle, Medina County District Library, OH

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2010
Grades 9-12 Anna is not happy about spending senior year at a Paris boarding school, away from her Atlanta home, best friend Bridgette, and crush Toph. Adapting isnt easy, but she soon finds friends and starts enjoying French life, especially its many cinemas; she is an aspiring film critic. Complications arise, though, when she develops feelings for cuteand takenclassmate Etienne, even though she remains interested in Toph. Her return home for the holidays brings both surprises, betrayals, unexpected support, and a new perspective on what matters in lifeand love. Featuring vivid descriptions of Parisian culture and places, and a cast of diverse, multifaceted characters, including adults, this lively title incorporates plenty of issues that will resonate with teens, from mean girls to the quest for confidence and the complexities of relationships in all their forms. Despite its length and predictable crossed-signal plot twists, Perkins debut, narrated in Annas likable, introspective voice, is an absorbing and enjoyable read that highlights how home can refer to someone, not just somewhere.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)