Eleanor & Park

by: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Dates Read: April 21-28
Pages: 325
Source: own it

Why did I read it?
This book was the talk of the town when it came out in 2013.  They said it was one of the best YA romances of all time.  I can't stand to read books in hype like that so I waited 7 years until I found it in a thrift store for $2. 

Eleanor has just moved back in with her mom after a year of living elsewhere because her stepdad kicked her out.  Her stepdad is decent to her four younger siblings, but hates her and does not hide it.  They all share a two bedroom house and living there is like walking on egg shells for Eleanor.  Park lives in a wealthy neighbourhood and is a bit of a loner.  His parents met in Vietnam during the war and he holds just enough status to not be bullied because of his race, but not enough to be popular.  When he sees Eleanor for the first time he pities her.  However, when she gets on the bus on that first day there is no where but beside him to sit.  

Eleanor is different.  She wears weird clothes and doesn't fit in.  They start reading comic books together on the bus.  Then Park shares his music with her.  They become friends.  Then they become more.  Except Eleanor can't let her family know because she knows her stepdad would kill her for it.  

This was a good book.  It followed real characters with real stories.  It gave you an opportunity to glimpse just a little into the darkness in which some young people live.  A life that you don't notice until someone finally breaks and shares what it is like.  Since working with kids and youth in similar situations has been my job for seven years, I enjoy reading stories like this.  It's more insight.  It's more affirmation that sometimes you just can't tell until someone is brave enough to open their mouths.  It's proof that it is not as easy as just leaving.  I feel these are important stories for people to read, especially if they never experienced something like this in their lives (which I hope they didn't but the reality is that it's all around us).  

The writing was overall very good.  It switches perspectives from Eleanor to Park so you know what is happening in both of their heads as they experience love for the first time.  It also helps us understand why a boy like Park would love a girl like Eleanor and vice versa.  It was very nice.  However, I had to constantly remind myself that these are 16 year olds.  First I would find myself frustrated.  A reaction or a feeling or a thought would be too big or too dumb and then I'd remember they are 16 and this is how 16 year olds think.  Maybe that's just what happens when you read teen novels in your late 20s.  Nevertheless, this just proves the good writing even further.   

Rating: 4/5
There were times I knew it was time to stop reading, but couldn't stop so kept on anyway.  I would say that's the sign of a good book.  

Recommendation: Honestly, a good read. I do think it should be a more mature reader, maybe 16 at the youngest, but an important read.