Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Book Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell




Book Description

February 26, 2013
Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.”—John Green, The New York Times 

Book Review
Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we’re 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.

I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love—and just how hard it pulled you under.




My Thoughts

My favorite YA book of 2013 so far.

Hands Down!

I don't even like romance or love story themes.

But, I loved this book. The characters, Eleanor and Park, made this book happen.

I will not write about any part of this book so it is not spoiled. But I will share a few things that made this awesome.

1. Set in 1986 which just was so great to see things without technology and such. Made me realize the power of mixtapes and really putting time into gifts and presents. This is lost these days.

2. I loved how real Eleanor was. She never changes into something she is not. She was real all the way through.

3. Park is a typical boy who goes through so many thoughts and ideas.

The author did a fantastic job showcasing both angles without overdoing it and making for unnecessary reading. I laughed out loud, I cheered, I was angry, and I loved just how honest the whole book was from relationships, friends, bullying, and life.

Rainbow Rowell, in addition to having an awesome names, dropped some lines in this book that reminded of a John Green feel. I even tweeted John Green to tell him he should write a book with her. I think it would be AWESOMESAUCE!


A few of my favorite lines that just stood out to me above the rest(no spoilers)

"The only thing she didn't like to think about, about Park, was what he could possibly see in her."

"And you look like a protagonist."

"She didn't know there were things worse than selfish."

If you have not read this book and you read YA, then get this book NOW! Read it and then contact me to tell me your thoughts. I loved this book and think it will be up for many awards. I think this one will be tough to knock off my Favorite List. I just don't see it happening.

A great novel by a great author who I cannot wait to read what she has in store next.

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