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Book Review of Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park
Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 350 more book reviews


I almost decided to not read this book after the first chapter because of the strong language throughout, but it calmed down and wasn't in it as much as I continued to read it. I am glad I continued because I became hooked and wanted to learn more and more about Eleanor and Park.

The year is 1986. Park, an Irish-Korean-American is riding a school bus when a not so well dressed Danish-Scottish-American large girl named Eleanor needed a place to sit, and thus the relationship between them begins (extremely silently). I loved how much development was in this book!

The relationship between these two is really wonderful and genuine. I like how it brings back that "first love" experience to mind. The whole time I read this I felt sorry for Eleanor, who obviously wants no pity from anyone. She is real while shy. She has something worth smiling about when everything around her is falling apart.

Park is reserved and a bit of a Mama's boy who loves music and comics. He is sensitive and also tough at once.

My only problem about this entire story is when Park is said to have been wearing a Fugazi shirt. WRONG. Fugazi was known for not selling merch and had no shirts, especially in 1986/1987 which is when they had just began. Other than that, the history seemed to be a bit on par, though I am sure things could have slipped by me.

My only question now is: Who did that thing to Eleanor that happened in the gym locker room near the end of the story?

There are many thoughts that are running through my head but I am not a spoiler spiller (even though I like spoilers myself).

It is rare for me to close a book at the end of reading it and have a huge smile on my face because it was both sad yet happy in the end.