Bono met his wife in high school, Park says. So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we’re 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be.
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this 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.
I don’t know how to start this review. I know it will be a little personal due to how much I identified with Eleanor. Maybe if I divide this review in parts it will be a little easier to write. Before I start rambling, I have to tell you guys that this book was beautiful and it broke my heart. It also took me back to a painful time in my life.
Eleanor and Park’s Relationship
Their love wasn’t love at first sight. Their relationship moved slowly. It was like watching magic happen, really. It was subtle, beautiful and when it happened, I felt like I was the one in love with them. Does it make any sense? I love their intensity, how they couldn’t breathe without one another. Oh, young love.
The Writing
This book was just amazing. When I started reading Eleanor and Park I knew I had to take my time with it. I had to enjoy it, read it slowly so I could remember every detail and engrave it in my brain. I don’t even know how to describe the writing. I can just say that I wish Rainbow Rowell writes a thousand more books so I can read her books forever.
Eleanor
For me Eleanor was the heart of this book. It was like finding my twin soul. When I read what she was going through I felt like crying because that was me at 15. Not the bullying at school, thankfully I had good friends who were there for me, but I’m talking about the situation at home.
I know how it feels to be a stranger in your own home. I know how it feels to have a guy who is not your dad pretty much taking over everything.
My heart broke for Eleanor, for her siblings, for Park. I wanted to hug Eleanor so bad and I wanted to tell her that everything was going to be ok. And the thing is that even thought her life was shitty she didn't act weak, she was brave.
To everyone out there reading this, read this book because it will stay with you forever.
Amazon/Goodreads
Wow. Such a review. I know that I will identify with the main characters and as the blurb says, I will remember how much my first love pulled me under. First loves never die, if you believe in them.
ReplyDeleteI am adding this to my TBR. I feel like it will be a favorite of mine.
GREAT REVIEW,
Your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
Thanks Soma! I hope you like it :)
DeleteI have an arc of this one, I for one was kind of surprised that everyone seems to be loving it I don't know why but thats ok with me it just makes me more excited to read it.
ReplyDeleteKristin @ Young Adult Book Haven
You should read it!! It's amazing!
DeleteI gobbled this book up like a freaking happy meal. It was poignant and beautiful and oh so sweet. Glad you liked it too, Beth. :)
ReplyDeleteWe pretty much have the same taste in books Joy :) I was so happy that I loved Eleanor and Park so much!
DeleteAww this book sounds amazing and that slow budding romance is my favorite! I've heard a lot of amazing things about this one it's definitely on my TBR list! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Giselle! It was so perfect!! I'm definitely re-reading this one! I can't wait to see what you think of E & P!!
DeleteHahaha what a coincidence! I read this book just yesterday :) And it was indeed amazing. The buildup of the romance was so skilfully done! And the ending was poignant :) Great review!
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Nara @ Looking for the Panacea
i have this on hold at the library. great review!
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I thought the story was great but some of the language was unnecessary. Overall, I loved the story and could not put it down.
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