Now I had only heard about this book before from this lovely book report from foreveryoungadult.com but I could tell just from that report that I would like it. What I did not expect was just how much I would love it! It has easily risen up into one of my top ten young adult novels, and that's really saying something because I read, and love, a lot of young adult fiction.
Eleanor & Park is about two misfits who meet on a school bus. Initially they do not even speak to each other, but as they sit next to each other everyday, their relationship grows and blossoms into something more through the mutual love of comics and music. Set in 1986, there are walkmans galore, big hair, and some old school bands that are definitely still relevant.
Also Rowell put together playlists for both Eleanor and Park if you want to browse through a great collection of songs both older and new.
What really got me though about Eleanor & Park was the description of the building feelings between Eleanor and Park, from sharing comics, to the first time they hold hands. Rowell uses these moments to electrify the prose and bring the reader into the minds of both of our leads. For example,"Holding Eleanor's hand was like holding a butterfly. Or a heartbeat. Like holding something complete, and completely alive."
So of course I knew that I had to feature this book on my new blog! Everyone must know just awesome it is! And in keeping with the new tradition of the blog I have dressed up in my interpretation of both Eleanor and Park!
First I've got Eleanor:
Tank: American Apparel Plaid Shirt: Walmart Shorts: Goodwill Purse: Spanish Leather Store Shoes: Sister's Vans Jewelry: Various places |
Now we've got my Park outfit:
Top: BP at Nordstroms Jeans: Citizens Against Humanity Shoes: Converse Hat: Target |
Ultimately I legitimately LOVED this book. There was a realistic nostalgic quality to it that encourages you to think of your own first encounter with love and also really pulls you into the lives of the characters, no matter how painful their lives become.