Eleanor & Park

Rainbow Rowell
Star Rating
★★★★★
Reviewer's Rating
Jul 17, 2015

Eleanor and Park at first glance seem to be two different people, but after Park saves Eleanor from the horrors of the bus one day, they discover how much they complete each other. They find themselves in love, knowing that it probably won't last, but hoping beyond reason that it will. 

This book was such an immersive read. The earnest narration and intricate plot really sucked me in, and I found that after the first couple of chapters, I couldn't put it down. What is amazing about this book is that it's written in such a relatable tone, so that even though I haven't personally experienced the dysfunctional family life that Eleanor had or the small-town setting, I felt like it was enough to just follow Eleanor's and Park's descriptions of their lives. And though the technology described in Eleanor and Park is more from my parents' generation than my own, I was entirely familiar with the feelings of awe and excitement that come with hearing punk rock.

On the subject of music - I was rather impressed by the cover. Though it has a simplistic design compared to other books, it's an intentional simplicity that sort of brings to mind nostalgia and contentment. It so perfectly reflects on the book's contents, with the implication that music, among other things, is what first connected Eleanor and Park. Overall, Eleanor and Park is a wonderful book, the perfect mix of suspense, romance, and nerdiness. It's a book with a bit of something for everyone. 

Eleanor and Park reminded me a little bit of The Fault in Our Stars, with the whole teens-with-problematic-lives-in-love situation. I think that the book is great for anyone who is in middle school or older; it's an insightful read that's at the same time not too complicated for people without so much life experience yet. 

Written by
Michelle from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC

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