Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Bonjour!
What are the 3 parts of the brain and their sub-parts?
Ooooh, I know! (*raises hand enthusiastically*)
Yes, I’m doing biology right now. Or at least, trying to.

I don’t really find the most interesting of subjects (no offence to people who like it). Which is why I’m here, writing this down instead of studying hard.
All right, enough biology. It’s time to read something much more interesting, so go ahead!
Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Title: Eleanor and Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Page count: 333

Synopsis:

Eleanor Douglas is your ordinary smart girl. Except she isn’t. She lives in a tiny, cramped two bedroom flat with her mother, her siblings and her abusive step-father Richie.
She doesn’t own a toothbrush, or clothing in her size, which is why she has to resort to wearing large, secondhand clothes which she patches in bright colours. Add this to strange clothing combinations, weird ribbons in her hair, a large body size and a school, and you get a perfect mix of trouble.

Park Sheridan is a perfectly ordinary boy (no, he really is). His father is tall and masculine and believes that both his sons should learn taekwondo. His mother is a small Asian woman who believes that such fighting is barbaric and one should concentrate on always looking their best. Park, on the other hand, likes listening to music and reading comics. Taking after his mother, he is insecure about his size and fears that he is a disappointment to both his parents.

When the two meet, their worlds explode. They begin to slowly fall in love with each other, learning how to love with themselves in the process. Through a shared interest in comics and music, they gradually become a constant, a significant part of each other’s lives. But all this is too good to be true. What will Eleanor do when she discovers something that turns her entire life upside down? And will Park be able to let her go?

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book because it shows love between two very different people. They both have their flaws and insecurities, but they are perfect for each other.
They fall in love through a shared liking of comics and music, even though they are so different from each other. Different home situations, different friends, different levels of popularity… the odds of them even becoming friends was low.
How they go from not wanting to talk to each other even though they sit on the same seat in the bus, to feeling that they live for each other is amazing.
Apart from the romance, the insight that this book gives to abuse, bullying and stereotypes is enlightening.

Conclusion:
This book is not suitable for young children. If you like romance books, or you’re looking for something new, this book is perfect. Of course, there’s lots more to it than just romance, so if you’re looking for a refreshing read, this is it!

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That’s all for today! Have you read this book? Who was your favourite character? Which are your favourite comics? Let me know!

Farewell,
The Voracious Bibliophile