Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins Book Review

Anna was 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. So she's less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris-until she meets Etienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Etienne has it all . . . including a serious girlfriend. But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? Stephanie Perkins keeps the romantic tension crackling and the attraction high in a debut guaranteed to make toes tingle and hearts melt. 

-Amazon 

This book. 

I must say that I spent awhile feeling a bit unenthusiastic. I had a case of 'judging the book by it's cover and title,' but that was insanely wrong of me. For some reason I believed it may be one of those highly cliched works of growing cheese, but I take my hat off to this novel. Bravo, Mrs. Perkins, because Anna and The French Kiss has my heart fluttering!

I was drawn in by Anna, who has been forced by her parents (I wish my parents would have forced me) to go to the School of America in Paris, France. There she meets some awesome new friends, including the beautiful Etienne St. Clair who becomes her fascination and best friend. I fell in love with Anna because she is humorous and filled with the right amount of teenage angst. She's in love with classic films, and I thought this added a wonderful layer to her character, and a great deal of wonderful passages about popping in to various cinemas around Paris. This novel also chronicles Anna's growth as a person, with being away from home for the first time, the ups and downs of language/custom barriers, and how to deal with falling in love for the first time.

Etienne. What more can I possibly say about him that hasn't already been said? The accent, the disheveled hair, the frustration, the honorable intentions... what is not to love, really? Honestly, I enjoyed experiencing him, and his interactions with Anna and their friends. Unlike a lot of romances that cram in loads of cheesy scenes and rushed sentiments, Etienne and Anna's romance grows over the course of the novel. They are drawn to each other from the very beginning, but to watch as they grow to become best friends, and perhaps more, was very satisfying. Etienne is such a regular guy, and he is a departure from the idealistic stereotype that we may think of British guys (though he has all of that great stuff as well!). He's honest, loyal, flirtatious, imperfect, and very sincere. He's very intelligent, and enamored by History. But he also has a quite heavy sub-story with his family that gives this novel great depth. I'll admit that the back and forth of their romance frustrated me at times, but it was nevertheless realistically portrayed. I could relate to their trials.

I also had loads of fun with Perkins' cast of supporting characters, Meredith and Rashmi being my favorites. Meredith seems so cool, nice, artistic, and Rashmi is a great friend, yet hilarious in terms of her discomfort with showing her emotions.

Perkins' awesome talent, aside from great characterization, is bringing Paris to life. If you haven't gone abroad, it will inspire you to jump out there and get on the plane. I loved every passage detailing Paris at spring time, the wonderful school lunches (which put our cardboard pizzas to shame), pastries, impromptu trips to Notre Dame, the legendary Shakespeare and Co., Creperies, etc. Paris is truly one of the cities of dreams, and Perkins' brings it to life brilliantly through Anna.

Anna and The French Kiss grabbed my heart and tugged so hard I couldn't resist. I loved the romance, the humor, the scenery, the tension, and the sincerity brimming through it. It's a romance, but its more than that. It's the story of a girl who discovers herself and what home is in Paris. This writer is not to miss, and as soon as I'm through I'm off to read Lola and The Boy Next Door! I'm also looking forward to Isla and The Happily Ever After!

I give Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 5 out of 5 cups of chocolat chaud.

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

-Amazon

I was very excited to dig into the world of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin after discovering that in this futuristic world, chocolate is contraband. Who can imagine it? Add a dose of mafia involvement and you've got one awesome novel.

Because of its premise, All These Things I've Done sets itself apart in a genre saturated in star-crossed romances and inexplicably supernatural occurences (not that I'm opposed to those themes), and I couldn't help but admire Zevin's imagination.  There aren't many crime novels showcased in young adult fiction at the moment (to my knowledge), and I found this utterly intriguing.

Anya Balanchine finds herself in a challenging position, as she is, pretty much, the guardian of her sister, Natty, sickly brother Leo, and her grandmother. She carries a great load on her shoulders,  and is forced to oblige outside forces, as well as members of her family who could pose a threat to them at any given moment. Anya is a love/hate character; you either jump into her POV loving her sarcasm, indifference, and growth over time, or you find her to be sarcastic and indifferent emotionally. I loved that she is incredibly strong-willed, courageous, and protective over those she loves.  Anya can also be a bit selfish at times which caused me to want to shake her, nevertheless, I found her seeming indifference to be believable of her character, and a bit refreshing in an idealistic genre. Anya's voice is clever, sarcastic, and witty, adding a great tone to the novel.

Goodwin Delacroix, or Win, is a brilliant character. I loved his wit and tenderness with Anya. He is persistent, even in the midst of Anya's brush-offs, and you have to give a guy like this some credit! He and Anya have an interesting romance to follow, but I will say that there were moments that I felt a bit disconnected from them. Perhaps, this is also because Anya is discovering this form of love for the first time. I loved that Anya's crime family connections, and Win's political family connections  gave the novel a kind of Romeo and Juliet feel. As this series progresses, I can't even predict what could happen between these two, as Zevin has created such an intricate story-line.

I LOVED Leo, for his innocence, and desire to protect his family. He can be heartbreaking because the world looks down on him. He means such good that he'll slip right into your heart even when he makes undoubtably wrong decisions. Natty is wise beyond her years, and Scarlet, Anya's best friend, is fun and loyal to Anya and her family. Yuji Ono, an heir of a japanese chocolate mafia family is truly the enigma of the entire shebang. I'm most excited to see how he factors in the series, because I have a feeling that he will play a monumental part in this saga. While reading, I found myself drawn to the ins and outs of the Balanchine family, and wanted to discover who decided to produce black market chocolate, how deeply their ties run throughout the world, and who would be the next member to rise up and cause internal discord.

Zevin has created a wonderful futuristic New York. As a New Yorker, I love juxtaposing the present city, with her portrayal. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has become a night club, Coney Island is abandoned, save a rebellious few who pull strings from time to time, The Statue of Liberty is now a detention center (how fitting)...pure genius.

Bare in Mind: All These Things I've Done contains scenes depicting slight violence and slight sensuality.

Overall, I find All These Things I've Done to be a peculiar little novel that may not be for everyone, but is too intriguing to pass on. I believe that it will have a 'cult' like following because of its uniqueness. The novel reads a bit slow at times, but carries you through to a satisfyingly pulsing end. Its' allure really cannot be explained, but I think everyone should experience it for themselves. I'm so excited to start on the next in the Birthright series, Because It Is My Blood.

I give All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin 4 out of 5 cups of rich Mayan Chocolate. 

My chocolate bar of choice during this experience: Vosges Red Fire Exotic Chocolate Bar.

Top Ten Tuesdays: Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday's is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

Rapture by Lauren Kate: I know that I'm not the only one looking forward to finally having unanswered questions about Luce and Daniel answered, and seeing a spectacular ending in this war of epic proportions.

Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: I think this title has delightfully surprised readers out there. I'll admit I definitely judged this novel by it's title, but according to countless recommendations, as well as a stellar one from John Green, it has landed a spot on my TBR list. My cousin Ashley, who is a cheese detector read the first page of this novel, and decided that she loved the main characters voice, and is now excited to read it. Who doesn't love Paris?

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green: This title is actually representative of all of John Green's work in that I've decided to read everything he's ever written this summer. I can't wait to go on an adventure with this poor guy who's had bad breaks with girls named Katherine. 

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky: The wonderful Nova Ren Suma, author of Imaginary Girls, hosted a giveaway on her blog, which I am so excited to say that I've won. This novel focuses on a young woman trying to put the pieces of her life back together whilst staying in her technologically desolate grandmothers house with a copy of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, and an old fashioned typewriter. Just the mention of an old typewriter caught my fancy, but with an added dash of Sylvia Plath it must be an awesome read.

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli: Of course, I can't let one Top Ten Tuesday pass without a Stargirl mention. Though I've read Stargirl cover to cover, I haven't taken the time to read through the sequel, Love, Stargirl. This beauty is written in Stargirl's point of view, and I couldn't imagine going through summer without a bit whimsy.

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin: After taking in the genius that is Haruki Murakami, I wanted to find more Asian novelists to soak in. I glimpsed this after perusing GoodReads for recommendations and thought that it would be a fabulous mystery to add to my summer reading list. I'm excited to discover the many secrets the characters uncover about their mother after she goes missing in a crowded Korean train station.

Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal: I had a fabulous experience reading the first installment of this series, Shades of Milk and Honey. Kowal's writing is so beautiful, calming, and smooth as warm milk, that I had to include it. I fell in love with Jane and Vincent, and would totally follow them through whatever journey their gift of glamours will open them up to.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: This novel is one that after seeing so many wonderful recommendations around the blogosphere, I felt I had to read it myself. I love the thought of a mysterious circus appearing out of nowhere, and the lyrical writing that will no doubt describe this world.

Between Seasons by Aida Brassington: I'm most excited to begin this novel about a man who's passed away, and the woman who can sense his presence when she moves into his old house. This love story sets out to be heartfelt, haunting, and emotional.

The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long: This seems the perfect ending to what will be (God Willing) an awesome summer. I discovered this novel whilst perusing GoodReads. First I fell in love with the title which is a painfully gorgeous concept. The next is its world where people can be swallowed by trees. I smell a great story, ladies and gents.

What's on your summer TBR list

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry Book Review

Releases on July 31st 2012 by Harlequin Teen.

 No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible. Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

 -Amazon

Pushing the Limits is an awesome debut novel by Katie McGarry! I had a feeling whilst reading the synopsis that I would not be able to put it down, and I wasn't disappointed. Once I started, I fell in love with Echo and Noah. It's everything I adore about YA realistic fiction.

Echo is wonderfully portrayed as a young woman whose life is turned upside down when she experiences a horrific event resulting in scarred arms, but cannot remember the event. Throughout Pushing the Limits, Echo deals with confusion and resentment towards her father and stepmother who protect her from her mother, and want so badly for her to return to her 'normal' self. Her father can seem extremely overbearing in his attempt to push her back into normalcy. On top of all of this, Echo is chosen to tutor Noah, who's known for being a stoner playboy, but is hard to resist.

Noah, more than his stoner reputation, is truly a wonderful character. Having experienced trauma all his own, he lives life with a chip on his shoulder, and wants more than anything to care for his brothers, and have a family again. When he meets Echo, he's automatically attracted to her, but wonders if she is merely one of the populars who cannot possibly relate to what he's experienced.

McGarry paints such a heartwrenching and realistic tale of these two haunted teens that come together after finding the one person who gets it! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed going on this journey with Echo and Noah. The romance between them is passionate, honest, and entertaining. They challenge one another, and blend so well, that I would follow their journey wherever it went. The most profound thing about these two is that they accept each other in the midst of all of the ugly that tends to be more intimidating for those around them. 

McGarry has a talent for creating multidimensional major and minor characters that now have a special place in my heart. Noah's friends, Beth and Isaiah, are beautiful as they have also endured harsh realities, and I definitely wanted to delve into their back and future stories. I loved that Echo is a talented artist, and is able to create such beauty in the midst of all the confusion. Noah has such a sincere love for his brothers that he got my heart immediately. McGarry is unafraid to touch on issues of mental illness and how it may or may not relate to art/heredity, and the rawness of feeling abandoned. These facets will definitely be relatable and drawing.

Bare in mind: Pushing the Limit contains profanity, sexual content, and what can be disturbing scenarios.

Pushing the Limits is a great love story with all of the right elements: passion, heartbreak, and mystery. If you love Simone Elkeles, you will LOVE reading Pushing the Limits. Those of you who, like myself, was intrigued by Beth, will be excited to know that she will have her own story called, Dare You To! I'll definitely be on the look out for more exciting stories by Katie McGarry.

I want to give huge thanks to HarlequinTeen for allowing me to have an Advance Reader Copy!

I give Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth Book Review

This review may contain spoilers for Divergent, and slight spoilers for Insurgent (though key plot twists/scenes, etc, are not divulged.)

 One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. 

-Amazon

Insurgent is one of the best novels I've read this year. I started this novel with hopes of feeling more excited about it than I did Divergent, and I was not disappointed. I was proved wrong, and it felt great!

In this latest installment, Tris (Beatrice) is left to deal with the aftermath of the death of her parents. She, Tobias (Four), and others roam through a world that seems to be ripe with unrest and hidden secrets. I loved this unveiled world that Roth has created within Insurgent. This world is raw, and horrible, but no less intriguing. It's very fitting that this world is set in the chilly city of Chicago, slick, cold, and rough on all sides. Every faction seems to succumb to madness one by one, and now Tris and Four have to question the foundations that they base their, and their families, existences on. 

Tris and Four's relationship is all the more realistic in this novel, and I think I loved them more here than in Divergent. I also loved that Roth made Insurgent less about Tris' romance with Four, and more about ones' own journey towards the truth. Tris does not hang on to Four's every word, she challenges him, and is independent enough to form her own conclusions. On the other side, I loved Four's sincere characterization. He is not this dreamboat who seems to have all of his ducks in a row. This novel makes you question who he really is, and whether he is holding quite sensitive information from Tris. Four also deals with the trauma he experienced at the hand of his father. The fact that he is imperfect, trying to figure everything out,  made me appreciate him all the more.

There were many frustrating moments throughout the novel where I wanted to yell and shake both of them. Tris, many times, throws herself into situations that cause Four to then act overly protective and dramatic. But it all worked together very nicely. I find Tris to be a really well done protagonist. She practically matures with each chapter, and experiences such hard lessons that I could not help but sympathize with her erratic behavior. She is strong in the midst of her weaknesses, thus ranking her amongst the best YA characters.

This novel is very much in grand scale. There is quite an ambitious plot, filled with many players that I wanted to follow to see where they stood in the end. During the last half of the novel, I literally grabbed on to it, filled with tension, and excitement at what was happening. I ended the novel, feeling exhilarated at it's poignant message about humanity, and the secrets that were exposed. Of course, it ends on a finicky cliffhanger that made me wish I could zip through to the future to pick up the next installment.

 Insurgent has all the excitement, adventure, mystery, and romance you need, Ladies and Gents. Please (not that I have to tell you) pick it up!

Bare in Mind: Insurgent contains violence, and slight profanity.

 I give Insurgent by Veronica Roth 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

ArmChair BEA: Introductions

This year's BEA has kicked off with a bang, and I can't tell you how bummed I was that I wouldn't be able to attend. Especially with all of my favorite fellow book bloggers attending. Nevertheless, the ladies at Armchair has given bloggers an awesome opportunity to experience the community, and sights of BEA without being there. Awesome, right?

Introduction

1. My name is Britta Kirk, I'm 26, and I live in grand old New York City. I've recently finished an MA in Creative Writing in Wales, United Kingdom, and I love love love Young Adult Fiction! I've been blogging for almost a year, and I can't tell you how much I've loved every minute of it. It seems now like a well fitting, worn pair of jeans!

2. I'm currently reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth (Great, right!!!), and I'm loving it so far. My favorite novel of 2012 is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It was such a delight, and I've made up my mind to read everything he's ever written!

3. One non book related thing that my readers may not know about me is that I play the ukulele, and post covers, soon to be original songs, on Youtube. Here's a peek:

4. My favorite feature on my blog are my Sartorial Lit posts. Sartorial Lit is a feature that seeks to translate some of my favorite novels into fashion. Although, I don't have many posts under that feature yet, the few I've done have been a blast!

5. Where do I see my blog in five years? That's an awesome question! I hope that my blog will be in place to request interviews and galleys of authors in various categories (Bestsellers/Indie/SelfPub). I would love to be able to request highly anticipated galleys/ARCs. I would love to discipline this craft to the point where I can work full-time on Novel Days. More importantly, I would love to have a great community set up here at Novel Days.

6.  I have a group of 3 posts that I put together for The Hollow Series by Jessica Verday, reviewing the whole series, fragrances factoring highly in the novel, and how to put together your own Hollow themed event. I had a blast putting them together, and it was my first full week event here at Novel Days!

7. If I could have dinner with one author, it would be Jack Kerouac. I find him to be so introspective and sincere. I'm sure I would learn awesome things about writing and life. If I could have dinner with one character it would be Augustus Waters from The Fault and Our Stars (and Hazel), because I know they would be crazy fun to hang out with, and glean from.

8. The literary location that I would love to visit is the Delphic amusement park from Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. Who wouldn't want to visit a mysterious amusement park run by angels?

9. Unfortunately, I haven't really jumped into the blogging community has I should have. I love participating through meme's, but this is the first time I've thought to truly jump in, and I'm excited at the many bloggers I'll have a chance to meet through opportunities like this!

10. My reading tastes haven't really changed since I started blogging. I find that my passions have been fueled to the 10th power :-).

I look forward to the week to come, friends!