
(third book in the Anna and the French Kiss companion trilogy)
Synopsis: From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.
Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.
Alright... review time!! If given the option, I would give this book hundreds upon thousands of stars. In the past year or two, I have read a lot of contemporary romance books. Out of all of them, I have never read any that even compare to Stephanie Perkins writing. She is so unbelievably talented. She somehow is able to have the perfect combination of romance, comedy, and deep soul searching in all her books and it absolutely takes my breathe away. While reading Isla, I laughed, screamed, cried, giggled, and fangirled... I basically experienced every emotion possible. I applaud Miss. Perkins for that. If you haven't read her books.... you really need to sort out your priorities. :)
**Do not read past this point if you have not read this incredible book. You will be SPOILED**
Isla and Josh..... I honestly did not expect to love these characters as much as I did.
Isla: Wow.... I think I have to say that she is my favourite girl to read about from the series. It had nothing to do with that fact that she was a better person or because she was funnier or anything like that. It was because I could relate the most to her out of all of them. Like myself, Isla reads a lot and loves to learn. She's at the top of all of her class and because of that she puts a lot pressure on herself. People always think that being the smartest kid in the class is easy and that they have it a lot easier. Sometimes thats not the case. Its hard to always have people judging you, always expecting your best and if, God forbid, you mess up once, they will never let you forget it. I loved that fact that Isla was quiet about her successes and that she was more reserved. Truthfully though, I think the main reason I really connected with her was because of her insecurities. She looked at herself and questioned why she was special. Why anyone would love her. What her purpose was. She was in a really place and she was able to pull herself out of it and I really look up to her for that.
Josh: This dude was FREAKIN ADORABLE. Like why can't I go to school with guys like this? Gahhhh. I think one of the main things I look for in male characters (and guys in everyday life) is someone who has a passion. Not just someone who enjoys sitting on the couch and has a passion for alcohol shopping, but someone who has a passion for something that can alter your opinion on the world. Examples: literature, cinematography, nature, photography and in Josh's case, art. Yes, his sexy grin, flirtatious charm and jokes were amazing and had me giggling and dying inside but I think it was those moments when Josh saw beautiful architecture or talked about a book that I really fell in love with him. The effect that his mural in the tree house had on Isla was beautiful and the way Josh traveled to his own place and got in his "art zone" was gorgeous. His love for the magic of art made me fall in love with him.
I absolutely LOVED the setting, plot twists and especially, the dialogue! All the characters are freaking hilarious and just amazing. And that ending..... just slayed me! Josh's graphic novel both broke my heart and mended it all at the same time. Also, when Anna, Etienne, Lola, Cricket, Meredith, Isla and Josh all go together at the end of the book.... BEST ENDING EVER! The proposal. I in no way, shape, or form saw that coming! Beautiful and in my opinion, a genius way to give readers the closure we needed!
I seriously can't get over this book and I highly doubt that I ever will. Perkin's writing is always something that I can come back to for a pick me up and I will definitely be rereading this book in the near future! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Happy reading nerds and sound off in the comments with you opinions and perspective on this masterpiece of a novel! :)