Friday, January 31, 2014

Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: 26th February 2013
Pages: 328
Book Source: own purchase

Synopsis: 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.

My Thoughts:
After hearing so much 'good' about Rainbow Rowell, I started Eleanor & Park with anticipation and just a little apprehension but yay this one lived up to the buzz.  

It took a little time but this awkward, complicated pair wormed their way into my heart and I fell for their slow blossoming love story. 

What's to love:

alternating voices of Eleanor & Park

their dialogue and internal monologue (especially Eleanor's) ~ honest, sarcastic, sad and funny

not a insta-love in sight *sigh* ~ from dislike to comics, mix tapes, friendship and love  

mix tapes and 80's music ~ nostalgia of my teenage years 

and this:
“Eleanor,” he said, just because he liked saying it, “why do you like me?”
“I don’t like you.”
He waited. And waited…
Then he started to laugh. “You’re kind of mean,” he said.
“Don’t laugh. It just encourages me.” 

and this: 
Holding Eleanor's hand was like holding a butterfly. Or a heartbeat. Like holding something complete, and completely alive.  Who knew holding hands could be so sensual

real issues ~ bullying, body image, abuse, neglect

the ending ~ for being not what I expected

What a sweet, funny, sincere, complicated, bittersweet, unexpected ride. Light and shade, light and shade.


Up next ... Attachments or Fangirl?? What do you think?


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18 comments:

  1. Glad to see it lived up to the buzz. They don't always do that. I have Attachments on my shelf and hope to read it soon.

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    1. Can't wait to see what you think Mary, I've heard some good things about Attachments so at the moment I'm leaning towards it.

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  2. Glad to hear you enjoyed Eleanor and Park. I've read positive review about Fan Girl. I haven't read any books by this author yet.

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    1. I think you're in for a treat, Rainbow Rowell's writing is lovely!

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  3. I am listening to Fan Girll and, so far, am liking it! Loved Eleanor and Park.

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    1. Well can't wait to see if Fangirl rates up there with Eleanor & Park!

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  4. Glad you liked this Eleanor & Park…I have it on my wish-list so hope to be able to read it some time soon. I haven't heard of either Attachments or Fangirl but I like the title Fangirl.

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    1. I have both Karen, I just can't decide lol but leaning towards Attachments. Hope you love Eleanor & Park :)

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  5. I haven't read Rainbow yet, but this book looks so good!

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  6. Got nervous there for a sec that you weren't going to appreciate this amazing book but luckily you fell hard too! Personally I preferred Attachments to Fangirl but they're both great reading experiences so you should have a great time no matter what!

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  7. I didn't like this one as much because of the open ending (I like to know everything and have it all wrapped up, ha!) I loved Fangirl!

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