Book Review: "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell

     I went into the library to search for a new book. A few friends had recommended Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, so I figured I would give it a try! I had to venture into the 'Young Adult' room of the library, which is fine because I adore YA books! 

     This book was a very fast read, mainly due to the fact that the story, and vocabulary was extremely simple. The plot is a basic one: weird new girl, who is a constant object of bullying, sits next to quiet boy on the school bus. The two youngsters form an almost silent friendship, which turns into an almost nonverbal relationship. You get a little insight into Eleanor's troubled home life- she and her 4 siblings had a nice home and life until her parents got divorced, her mom remarried a horrendous man, and the family lives in near poverty. You also get an insight into Park's home life- very loving parents, mom is an Avon lady and has a home salon, only child, well taken-care of.

     This is a love story in it's purest form- first love. Rainbow Rowell does a great job of accurately writing the gamut of feelings and thoughts that accompany all of the "firsts" in a relationship- holding hands, an arm draped around a shoulder for the first time, first kiss, first make-out session, first fight, first time meeting the parents, etc. But, while all of these little moments are occurring, the reader is just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Will 'Eleanor & Park' stay together? Will they ever find out who has been writing dirty things on Eleanor's school books? Will Park confront Tina for bullying Eleanor? Will Eleanor's mom come to her senses and dump her husband?

REVIEW: 

     I give Eleanor & Park 2 stars. Ouch- I know! I simply did not enjoy this book! While I AM a fan of YA books, this book was just a tad too young for me. The plot was so basic that I found myself bored and my mind wandered while I was reading. The conflict in the story was measly and I felt that the main characters overreacted by fleeing to another state so Eleanor could live with her Uncle. The brief introduction of Eleanor's father was unnecessary and felt extremely forced. And, finally, the ending was anticlimactic and felt like a let-down. I was disappointed, as this book came recommended by some close friends. Ah well, not every book can be a winner!

NEXT BOOK:

     For the next selection, I'm reading Desperation by Stephen King! I am a huge King fan, and I feel in the mood for a good horror novel! I actually went to the library with my little sister, presented her with the Stephen King section, pointed out which books I had already read and let her select from the remaining books! I think she picked a good one, and I'm anxious to sink my teeth into this long novel!