Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park

by Rainbow Rowell

'Reminded me not just what it's like to be young and in love, but what it's like to be young and in love with a book' John Green, author of The Fault in our Stars

Eleanor is the new girl in town, and she's never felt more alone. All mismatched clothes, mad red hair and chaotic home life, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Then she takes the seat on the bus next to Park. Quiet, careful and - in Eleanor's eyes - impossibly cool, Park's worked out that flying under the radar is the best way to get by.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall in love. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're 16, and you have nothing and everything to lose.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is funny, sad, shocking and true - an exquisite nostalgia trip for anyone who has never forgotten their first love.

Reviewed by nightingalereads on

3 of 5 stars

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I'm so glad I bought this book! I loved Eleanor and Park; they were so unique and life-like and captivating that I found myself wishing I could be like them. I finally decided to read this book when I saw that John Green had recommended it and it definitely lived up to my expectations. There wasn't a whole lot of strong supporting character roles but, honestly, with Eleanor and Park for protagonists, you didn't really feel the need for many. Both narrators suck you into their shared world while still letting you see their individual perspectives. Each of their personalities are distinct and clearly defined, unlike some books I've read where the narration of multiple characters seems to blend together into one indistinguishable person. The writing was beautiful and the plot never left me bored or impatient. My only complaint would have to be the ending, which I thought was abrupt and totally unsatisfying. Not sure if this book is going to have a sequel (it didn't really seem like it), but I was completely unprepared to say goodbye to the characters. Overall, though, it was an great book! I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 24 March, 2013: Finished reading
  • 24 March, 2013: Reviewed