I have heard nothing but good about this book, so I thought of give it a try. The first time I got this book to my hand I really liked its outlook, its cover, its quality and all things. I knew that this is a teenage romantic story, but I expected this would be different from other stories that I have read before.
But to my disappointment I didn’t see much difference on the plot from other romance stories. It might be because I’ve read a lot of stuff like this, or watched lots of movies similar to this plot, and it’s something that happens in real life sometimes. So the plot was really predictable to me and it didn’t surprise me or startle me at all. But things I love about this plot - the book takes place in Paris, and the happily ever after ending.
Stephanie Perkins’ characterization is really awesome. Those characters were very realistic. I really enjoyed Anna, the way she thinks and the way she talks is unique and kind of funny, but she’s not a perfect girl. Also I liked that she is a film junkie and wants to be a critic. And Etienne is really an international product, who is American with the French name and English accent. Most guys in romance stories are perfect, physically and mentally both ways. But here Etienne is a good looking short guy who has some problems. He’s a realistic character.
There’s something that bugged me when I was reading the book, Anna complained that her father didn’t give her lot of money like other parents did and she went to movies like every day; and I heard that French movie theaters are very expensive. So I couldn’t figure out how she got money for cinema.
Stephanie Perkins surely is a good writer, though there are not many description, her dialogues are simple, funny and very entertaining. I enjoyed the book and it’s a simple, romantic story. I am sure this would be a good plot for a romantic comedy movie. I know that I am the last person who read this book, but if you haven’t read it yet give it a try.
My Rating: 3 out of 5
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy this one as much as you'd hoped. Like you, I've only read positive reviews of it, but reading your review I can see why it might not have resonated with you. I think it has a lot to do with how familiar with a genre one is--I always find it hard to see dystopian fiction as fresh, for example, since I've read so many of the classics in that genre.
ReplyDeleteGood catch on the price of the cinemas in France!
(Stephanie @ Read in a Single Sitting)
Thank you very much for stopping by this way. I completely agree with you on the point of genre familiarity :)
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