Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK 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.

Words cannot accurately convey how much I love this book. I was way late to the Eleanor and Park fangirling party (I first read the book in June). However, I am so there right now. I had heard countless praise about this book so I was extremely excited to read it. Eleanor and Park more than lived up to the hype. I couldn’t put this book down. Rainbow Rowell’s writing is hopeful and heartbreaking and unforgettable. Her characters fly off the page, and you can’t help but relate to them.

Eleanor and Park were both fan-freaking-tastic characters. They were both ridiculously easy to relate to, and I immediately felt a connection towards them. I loved the connection that they had to each other, and to music. Eleanor’s home life sucked, but she prevailed and was fantastic. Park is lovely and sweet and awkward. He tries to rebel and though it totally works on his parents, readers will just fall more in love with him. My favorite thing about these two characters is how they interact with each other. Eleanor and Park was the sweetest, saddest, yet most hopeful novel I have read in a long time. Eleanor and Park’s relationship with each other is unforgettable. It perfectly captures the awkward high school years, where you don’t know if you want to be alone or if you want to share your high school life with someone. I honestly have no complaints about any of the characters. I loved them all so much, even the ones who I disliked (in terms of personality).

I have no idea what to say about this book, besides the fact that you should go out and buy it right this instant. Yes, this book caused tons of hype. Yes, that will probably make a lot of you weary to pick it up. However, the hype is more than worth it. You will never want to forget Eleanor and Park- and you never will. Even months after first reading it, I keep finding myself going back to re-read Rowell’s brilliant prose. Rainbow Rowell has almost instantaneously become one of my favorite authors. Her characters are witty and relatable, and her writing is beautiful. Eleanor and Park is a must-read for everyone.

FTC- Bought.