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Jan 30, 2017TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book is beyond words. There is no way to describe or feel the overpowering affection in this book aside from reading the sensational words of perfection within it. “Eleanor and Park” combines the pain and suffering of teen years, with the pain of love that comes with them. Starting with something as simple as a bus ride, the hole this story leaves in your chest is both agonizing and beautiful. It’s as if you were there, witnessing every emotion, every lust, every tear. A must read for any teen who loves to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. It shows you how some things, though left unsaid, are shouted out loud, and hearts, though eternally beating for love, can be broken just as easily. 4 stars @RoseleineSaphoria of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board This intriguing love story takes place during the 1980’s in Omaha where Eleanor and Park meet and start developing feelings for each other. It all starts on the bus where no one makes room for Eleanor except Park. She just transferred after being kicked out and brought back into the house where her alcoholic father and abusive mother resides. She lives in poverty and dresses in oversized mens clothes which make the students disrespect her and label her as the misfit. Park, on the other hand, flies somewhat under the radar except being one of the only asian kids in the school and is mostly respected amongst his classmates. As opposed to Eleanor, his family is loving but he often feels as if he’s a disappointment to his father who wished he was more masculine. Over the span of many bus trips together, they begin getting closer and share genuine interests like comics and music. But bullies and family situations often test that affection and try to pull the pair apart. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful love story that portrays the struggles with gender identity and domestic abuse. The characters were very well developed and fleshed out. I related with them strongly and rooted for their love. The ending is bittersweet but gives hope to those currently stuck in difficult places. Rating:5/5 @Iron_Rose of The Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board When I first read the synopsis of Eleanor & Park, I was put off by its seemingly generic, cliché YA story line. However, due to the hype and positive reviews around this book I decided to read it. Once I started reading it, the story just seemed to fly by! At times my heart was breaking for the characters and at others I was smiling widely into the book. I quickly fell in love with Eleanor and Park and enjoyed seeing their characters develop. The time setting, the 80’s, also wonderfully enhances the story overall. Rowell beautifully writes a teen love story unlike any other yet still contains all the elements of a good love story. Eleanor & Park is a beautiful and unique love story that is worth the read! @maroonmouse of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library Rainbow Rowell is one of my favourite authors, and I’m in love with all of her novels. I read Eleanor and Park right after reading another one of her novels “Fangirl”. Eleanor and Park is much more than just a romance story about two high school students and there are many emotional aspects. I especially love the setting of the story- 1980s, and they talk about all of the games and movies and mostly music of that time. I love the personality of both Eleanor and Park, and how they are completely unlike any other characters I’ve ever read about. The characters are so well written and detailed that it seems like they aren’t fictional. I love this book and so will anyone who reads it, I’d give this book 9/10 stars. @bookaholic of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board