For some reason, my first book of the year always ends up being a relatively new Young Adult novel that I've inexplicably overlooked. 2012 is no exception.

As writing a synopsis that doesn't sound trite seems impossible, here's the official one:

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 Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all... including a serious girlfriend.

Oohh, tricky!

Penned by first-time novelist Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss is charming enough but fairly standard YA fare. Stock characters, predictably complicated private lives and love triangles are nothing new, but Perkins injects humour and charm into a concept which could've been dangerously close to encroaching upon 's trademarks.

A fun set of characters and light dialogue keeps things moving at an amicable pace, highlighted by high school hijinks and a little sight-seeing. The relationship between Anna and Etienne is excellently drawn without feeling drawn-out. However, some character traits feel like final draft additions. Anna's allegedly all-consuming love of film is spotty through out, and her and clean freak tendencies often a convenient excuse to end a subplot. Overall, though, there's enough charm and colour to keep this excellent first whack at a first novel above par.

Book #1: ★★★★★

Read More: AVisit From the Goon Squad with Book Talk (Podcast); Link Lust #1