Eleanor & Park in Flint Public Library Reads!

Apr 11, 2015 Erin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, teen

One of the most romantic books I've ever "read". Do yourselves a favor, listen to the audiobook. ...more

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Nov 23, 2020 Shelby rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020

Man I don't even know what to say, the ending was disgusting, like I get it, but I am still going to be mad. I just want to give Eleanor a hug, tell her I am sorry, then tell her that things will get better and she needs to stop treating Park like shit.

The whole book was beautifully written, it encapsulated perfectly being a teenager and being unsure of yourself because you aren't typically cool, I love the nod to 80's new wave and post punk, Park is for sure my music soul mate, and the story w Man I don't even know what to say, the ending was disgusting, like I get it, but I am still going to be mad. I just want to give Eleanor a hug, tell her I am sorry, then tell her that things will get better and she needs to stop treating Park like shit.

The whole book was beautifully written, it encapsulated perfectly being a teenager and being unsure of yourself because you aren't typically cool, I love the nod to 80's new wave and post punk, Park is for sure my music soul mate, and the story with Eleanor is so tragic.

**spoilers*** her mom is such a POS, I am sorry, I get that abusive situations are hard to leave, but what is unbelievable is her letting Eleanor live with a friend for an entire year with NO CONTACT from her family. That is despicable. Richie is obviously a scumbag, and him writing those messages on Eleanor's books??? Rowell's writing during the part where Eleanor was reliving the incident with Richie that got her banished was soul crushing to read, honestly. It was exactly right. That is exactly how that feels, and how it builds. I hated how it brought back memories for me.

My review of this book is messy (they all are these things are basically journal entries, no?) but this book was sooo messy with sooooo much to unpack. The love the two had for each other was so young and pure and intense and exactly right, but Eleanor just had too much going on, and Park could never understand. Even if Elanor didn't have to domestic violence, Park would never understand poverty and what it does to people. Her not having a toothbrush and being to scared to ask? That isn't something someone tells you and you understand that feeling.

This book was just a lot, and if Eleanor didn't ignore Park for an entire year after she had to leave then this would be five stars. If I could even figure out how Rainbow Rowell justified that shit then it would be 5 stars. But I can't it makes no sense, even for a broken and beaten down woman, she spends part of the book wondering how her mother did that to her then she does it to Park. NOPE. NOT OKAY. I personally don't think they end up together long run, I think they probably would stay in touch, but they would find that things are too different, too much has happened (at least on Eleanor's end) Park would be ready because he is good and believes in love.

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