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Eleanor & Park
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Eleanor and Park By Rainbow Rowell Book Review
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The story follows two misfits 16-year-olds who are trying their best to survive the society demands even though their hearts completely follow a different path. Both troubled with family problems and past trauma they hold onto each other for support and never back down from the obstacles barricading their path. Faced with tough decisions and heart wrenching situations, they persevere with their love for each other.
Eleanor is such an interesting character, her fashion style is seen as strange, and her hair a shock of red that fails her as she is bullied in her new school. Her family life is very complicated and she must decide if she will save herself from brutal circumstances or stay and be with the person she loves. Park usually lives in solitude, resenting the way his life is so moderate. His family relationship isn't the healthiest and they don't approve of his new girlfriend, but that won't stop him from loving intriguing Eleanor.
This book perfectly describes what it's like to experience first love with all it's ups and downs. It also describes the often unstoppable, heart-stopping ending at the end of the journey...
Although this book is covered in exasperating issues that the characters face, it is also filled with witty humor and incredible debates on punk music and comics. The characters are all equally unique and impressive. They represent groups of society that are often not portrayed in romance novels. Their struggle with cultural differences and self-esteem is so relatable and captured perfectly in this masterpiece. Rainbow Rowell never ceases to amaze as this book is filled with beautiful descriptions and metaphors that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The words on the page literally sing with her unique, genuine writing style that I find loads of comfort in.
If you are looking for a tearful, intense escape from reality, this book is one for the shelves.