Most of us remember high school, no matter how much we may
try to block it out. We remember the
good times like our first crush, our best friend, and who was the lucky guy (or
girl) to bestow your first kiss. We also
remember the not so nice times like our first fight, being bullied and not
being able to fit in.
A lot of times, the good outweighed the bad. Especially looking back on the grand scheme
of things. Who you interacted with on a
daily basis, besides your closest best friends, usually ended once that bell
rang and you were able to go home. Some
people could even just float through the halls as if they didn’t even
exist. Some people also liked it better
that way.
Why the time-travel nostalgia? Well maybe it’s because of the latest book on
my TBR list which I finished in LESS than a day. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this
particular author and I finally got my hands on a copy of one of the books that
has received rave reviews. Yes, my friends, I’m
talking about Rainbow Rowell and her novel Eleanor
& Park.
What a fantastic read this was. I couldn’t put it down even if I wanted
to. My heart aches with so much emotion
from the content of this book. Here you
have Park, who for the most part fits in at school. He keeps his head down pretty much, doesn’t
let the bullies get the better of him, and just keeps his attentions to
himself. Then you have Eleanor. From the start she’s more than a little
different. She’s quirky, has her own
personal brand of style, and keeps her head held high, regardless of how
hurtful the mean words thrown at her, are.
Eleanor’s first day of school, is not unlike what some of us
had to deal with growing up. A new bus
with new kids and a fresh wave of terror at not knowing what to expect. Eleanor of course looks for a seat on the
crowded bus and ends up being able to finally sit next to the only one who
slides over to allow her to sit down.
Park.
It’s truly remarkable how their relationship begins to
progress within this way too short wild ride that is life. Comic books, walkmans (yes this book is set
in 1986), and the occasional conversation, sets the tone for a grand portion of
this book. You find yourself falling
more and more into the storyline and wanting to know what happens to Eleanor,
to Park, and what happens to them together.
You find yourself facing social prejudices, heart breaking abuse, and a
sense of neglect that will leave you hurting for the characters.
With all the negative undertones in this book, there is a
lot that stands out to the positive. You
have a young woman who finds her equal in another human being. You find someone who is finally starting to
open herself up and trust…even if it is just one person. Most of all, you find yourself a third party
to the struggle and eventual success that is Eleanor’s life.
Throughout the entire book I was left both laughing and
crying with and for the characters. The
ending left me wanting more and left me wanting to know more. What WERE those three words at the end, Ms.
Rowell? I think we may never know, but
I’m sure our imaginations can come up with something.
Truthfully guys, if you haven’t picked up Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, you
should definitely go out and do so. This
was the first book I have read by this author and I, for one, can say that I am
definitely going to be picking up everything else she’s ever written. Her writing style is fabulous and flows
through the pages making it quite an easy and enjoyable read. I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on
GoodReads and I can definitely say I was NOT disappointed.
If you’ve read this book, please feel free to leave your
opinions in the comments below. If you
have not, you can pick this book up on:
Thanks so much guys for reading my review and as always
“Spread the joy of reading! Lives can
change with the turn of a page!”
See ya! J
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