‘ONE PARIS SUMMER’: AN ARMCHAIR PARISIAN JOURNEY
STORY: Sophie Brooks is annoyed. Her summer has been hijacked by the agreement between her mother and father. Now that they’re divorced and living on separate continents, Sophie and her brother Eric are shipped off to Paris for the summer. The purpose of this trip is to inspire bonding with their father (who walked out on them the year before) and to see him marry his fiancée. As a part of the package deal, Sophie must deal with an evil new stepsister determined to undermine her as well as the heartbreak of a first love. one paris summer
One Paris Summer, by Denis Grover Swank
Contemporary novels are my happy place. Contemporary YA novels are even better (because I know what they are). Throw in an armchair adventure, and I’m a goner. This novel introduces me to a new author and with it, a host of complex and interesting characters. Among them is Sophie (whose eyes we read the story through in first person prose); Eric (Sophie’s slightly annoying – in a loveable way, elder brother); Camille (the pseudo evil stepsister); and Mathias (the cute French boy). As the lives of these characters collide, trouble follows.
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‘ONE PARIS SUMMER’: AN ARMCHAIR PARISIAN JOURNEY #bookarchives #YALit Share on XThe story is overall, lighthearted and pleasant, but it does deal in some issues that are, nonetheless, tough to read about. One of which being the ill treatment of Sophie by her stepsister and even her brother. As the story begins, I admire how protective of Sophie Eric is. But as he tries to fit into the hip world Camille is a part of, he does (in smaller ways than she) succumb to peer pressure. Because of this, there’s a bad taste a time or two when experiencing Eric keeping silent when he should have silenced the torment without hesitation. Some readers may find this book difficult to read without wanting to scream at the characters, and believe me, I experienced this.
Sophie is far from perfect, and she was even on my bad side a time or two (because of her choices or attitude), but she didn’t deserve what was thrown at her. This does explore the evil stepsister trope, which means the villain of the story annoys us while we root for Sophie. Sophie reexamining her passion and what she wants makes this a coming of age story in more ways than one. Beyond this, the exploration of Paris is magical. I loved the walks through the Parisian streets as experienced through Sophie’s eyes or the climb of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Everything is written as if the author adds a sprinkle of magical stardust for that final “finishing touch” to complete it.
There’s some swoony romance and emotional healing to complete what winds up being a wonderful story. Needless to say, I’d revisit this Paris anytime.
About the Book:
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Publisher: Blink
Source: Publisher Provided
Publication Date: 2016
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance, Young Adult
Rating: 4 out of 5
Content: several instances of “crude” language – p*ssed being a favorite, throughout the novel though nothing graphic. Innuendo is present for a good portion of the novel including talk of having sex, and an instance when a boy tries to make out with a girl against her will.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Apologies to the publisher and author for the delay in publishing this review.
Review text is © Copyright 2011-2016 Rissi JC and first appeared on Finding Wonderland (Dreaming Under the Same Moon), RissiWrites.com
I'll add this to my booklist. This book reminds me of Anna and the French Kiss. I love destination books.
Very astute comparison, Carlyn. It definitely has an AATFK vibe. Both are fun reads – and me too! LOVE destination novels. They're the best because we get to travel places from our favorite reading spot. :) Thanks so much for visiting. Glad to chat with you.