Anna and the French Kiss

Audiobook Review

By: Stephanie Perkins

Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest

Published by: Listening Library 10/2011

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Warm

10hrs and 29 mins

Sample

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Thoughts 

Can a book bring you back to re-live so many emotions you thought forgotten?

 Can a cotton candy book hold your heart captive from beginning to end?

Yes! Anna and the French kiss will do just that!

It has been a long time since I’ve read or listened to a book with my heart, and allowed it take me to a place I wouldn’t willingly go, but Ms. Perkins beautifully takes you back in the most simplistic way, without over the top emotions or unimaginable sacrifices so often part of a great romance, but with realistic feelings the allows the Anna in all of us to re-experience the first time you fell in love, when love felt so good.. It hurt, and its sheer beauty can only be experienced with the absolute and irrevocable surrender of your heart.

Anna and Etienne’s story is one of the most satisfying romances I’ve read or listened to in a long time. There’s nothing spectacular or ambitious in their story, in fact, the summary above pretty much said it all, and there isn’t much that will stand in the way of a contemporary romance, except the miss understandings, and the fear of forfeiting their hearts, when all along they have already done so.

In an ordinary way, but with extraordinary results Ms. Perkins takes us on a lovely but emotional ride that never feels cheesy or overdone, and it reminds us the utter sensuality and tenderness behind a simple kiss.

Every time I approach a book with high expectations, I can’t help but to fear disappointment, but I’ve only been left with a giddy feeling of being 17 again and a totally  melted heart.

After listening to this book, I’m not only in love with love, but I’m also in love with Paris, both exceptionally viewed through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Anna.

Kudos!! To Ms. Perkins for this excellent debut.

4.39  ·  rating details  ·  9,619 ratings  ·  2,979 reviews on Goodreads

Narration

The brilliant performance of Kim M. Guest of Anna’s point view leaves you not doubt of the talented writing behind the character, her perfect approach to Anna’s personality clearly conveyed all her qualities and emotions, and in the process captures your heart.

Her lovely English accent, tone and manner for Atennie brought him to life in just the way you imagined from Anna’s point of view.

 The French accent, gave the book the perfect ambiance,  and it truly makes you experience Paris with all  its romantic glory.

I especially liked the way the emotional undercurrent was kept throughout the entire book.

Ultimately, this was an excellent and worthy delivery of this terrific book.

The Author

Stephanie Perkins

 Voices behind the books

Kim Mai Guest