Publisher: Dutton, 339 pages
Publication Date: August 14, 2014
From Goodreads:
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.
Our Review:
We heartily agree that Isla and the Happily Ever After was our favorite book in the Anna and the French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins. There is so much to enjoy about this book but we wanted to focus on just a few of our favorite aspects.
Without a doubt Josh is possibly one of our favorite young adult male romantic characters. We love his backstory, his artistic ability, his attitude toward his senior year, his tattoo, and the way he observes and knows Isla. Through her writing Stephanie Perkins found a way to let us know Josh as well as Isla even though the book is only written from Isla'a point of view. We love Josh!!!
We very much appreciated that there was no actual love triangle but there was the specter of past relationships specifically in the rabbit metaphor. We can't say more but you will also hate the rabbits!
We also appreciated how frank and healthy the sexual relationships are between the characters. We believe it's important that actual young adult readers get some discussion of sex between teenagers and when the discussion is positive and involves safe sex we couldn't ask for more. It's not fade to black so you actually know what happens, but it doesn't go on and on like a New Adult novel.
The dialogue between the characters was realistic and hilarious. Stephanie Perkins has a great ear for dialogue.
Isla is such a relatable character. She's adorably awkward. She's a good student, loves to read about adventures but is very shy and has had a crush on Josh for so long it's hard for her to believe that he could like her. This felt real. Reading about them getting to know each other and falling in love…we both smiled so much in this book. There are so many awww moments. There are so many laugh out loud moments. The ultimate feel good book…READ IT!!!!!
Posted by: Pam and Sheri
I didn't really read this review. Kinda skimmed it because I haven't read the series yet. But I really want to! I've heard such awesome things about these books! I'm really glad that you loved it!
ReplyDeleteI want to get a copy of this book so bad. *sigh* Soon I hope!
ReplyDeleteI really need to buy this one soon! I LOVED Anna and Lola and I'm so this one is every bit as amazing :)
ReplyDeleteI just got this from the library! (I didn't buy it only because I'm waiting for the paperback since my Anna and Lola are paperback). My best friend already started reading it and was like "I can't stop smiling!!" so I really can't wait to start reading it for myself. I am glad to heart that you ladies loved Josh and the romance. And I'm also glad to see a healthy and safe approach to sex in YA. I think it's important too!
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting on the library for this one. I'm so glad you guys loved it! I have loved the dialogue between her characters in all her books and there is always fantastic chemistry. I'm looking forward to reading Isla and Josh's story! :)
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Wishful Endings