Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn’t stick out more if she tried.
Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book – he thinks he’s made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor… never to Eleanor.
Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you’re young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.
My Thoughts;
I read this book while I was on holiday and I couldn’t put it down. It is so beautifully told in alternating chapters between Park and Eleanor, starting the day Eleanor gets on the bus for her first day in her new school. It’s not a great experience for her and all Park wants to do is stay invisible but there’s a space next to him so in the end he tells her quite harshly to just sit down there. In their own very different ways they are different from the rest of the kids and slowly a connection starts between them. It’s slow and endearing.
It’s not all sweetness and light though. The differences for Eleanor are quite harsh. This book deals with the tough subject of domestic violence in the home and in contrast, Park’s home is warm and welcoming. His mother who is Korean is absolutely adorable and has his father under her thumb which is brilliant to see as he is a great hulking strong man, who happens to adore the woman he married.
It’s a book about relationships. relationships between teenagers, families, and the relationship you must have with yourself. It’s a wonderful book to read. It tore my heart out at the end and I’m now going to read more by Rainbow Rowell.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Oh, this sounds like such a lovely look at connections and relationships. And I like the premise too – different people, both ‘oddballs’ in their ways, who find each other. Glad you enjoyed it so much.
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s exactly how they were portrayed Margot, as the oddballs and outsiders of their world, and that being how they were initially drawn together. It was beautifully drawn. Difficult subjects covered so gently but heartbreakingly. I loved it. š
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, this sounds like a good, lighthearted novel somewhat along the lines of “Love Story” in terms of falling in love and cherishing the relationship.
Rebecca Bradley says
It really is wonderful Prashant, but in an awkward teenage sort of way as well. And you’re right if my memory serves me right about Love Story. I do love a book that takes a little piece of your heart with you when you finish it š
Jacqui Murray says
Sounds wonderful. Great for YA readers.
Rebecca Bradley says
Definitely! It’s my next go to read after crime. I need to remember I’m supposed to be widening my reading experience š
Keishon says
I’ve heard wonderful things about this writer. I own this one and a few of her other books (that I’ve caught on sale). Good to know you enjoyed it!
Rebecca Bradley says
You should read those books. I hope you enjoy them. Let me know what you think.