LSSL 5385 book blog ELEANOR & PARK

Rowell, R. (2016). Eleanor & Park. New York: St. Martins Griffin.

It’s evident in this writing that Rainbow Rowell remembers what it’s like to be a teen. Eleanor and Park sixteen year old star-crossed lovers; Park is half Korean with a sweet, seemingly normal family and a warm home life. Eleanor, on the other hand, is redheaded, poor, and from a very broken family with a step-father who is truly evil. However, in the midst of their crazy lives, they find each other on the bus and build this unlikely, heartwarming relationship. He needs her, and she lives for him. Their love is built on a deep friendship with a “nerdy” twist, as they read comics together and share mix tapes, too. They both have their own background problems and home issues, but they come together and share such a sweet bond.

The strength of this book is the back and forth shifts of point of view from Eleanor to Park. Rowell draws us in to really feel the emotions of each character throughout each scenario. It gives us insight into their deep friendship that turns into an almost desperate love for each other, yet we see how different their point of view and perspective is.

I love this book as a summer reading book, and I think it would be great to include on summer reading lists for students, particularly ages 13-17. Another young adult romance book to consider is Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. It’s a little sexier, edgier, and perhaps more mature, and it doesn’t have the “nerdy” love appeal that Eleanor & Park has, but it’s a similar read to consider if you enjoyed this one. This one would also make a great summer read for 9^th, 10^th, or 11^th graders.