Book Review: Eleanor and Park

While searching through Pinterest for new books to read, (yes, I use Pinterest for more than just planning my future wedding and honing my baking skills for whenever I get the chance to appear on Cupcake Wars) I stumbled upon a YA novel entitled Eleanor and Park. I read the summary and decided it was worth giving a shot. Boy, am I glad that I did.

Eleanor and Park, written by Rainbow Rowell (whose name I happen to love), takes places in a small town outside of Omaha, Nebraska in the 80's. Eleanor and Park come from very different worlds, despite living only a few streets away. Their paths cross on the bus ride to school and both of their lives are changed.

Although I was skeptical during the first few chapters, I grew to love the book. By the end, I had laughed, cried, and rooted wholeheartedly for Eleanor, Park, and their 1980's version of Romeo and Juliet. Told from alternating points of view, it focuses on both characters and allows readers the pleasure of hearing the story from two different sides; providing a more complete understanding of what each character is feeling. The book reminded me a great deal of a novel I read in sixth grade Reading class; Flipped. Eleanor and Park is a great summer read and I highly recommend it!

Happy reading!

xoxo,
Ciara