Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I'm not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we're 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet? Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I'm not kidding, he says.
You should be. 

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits - smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love - and just how hard it pulled you under.

First of all, the cover. It fits the book perfectly, since Eleanor and Park came in touch through music and comics. But it's not very special, because imagine when you don't know the story, would you go for this book or for a book that jumps out and get's you to grab it immediately? But again, it fits the story, because being in love certainly isn't roses and pink clouds.

The book changes from Eleanor's point of view and Park's point of view, which I actually really enjoyed. They both have such different lives and different insecurities. Park is Asian and throughout the book he will grow and find his own style, he has a loving Asian mom and a white dad, who love each other and show interest in Eleanor. But Eleanor is so insecure, maybe even more than Park. She hates her bright red hair, her curves and lives with an abusive stepdad and three siblings. She gets assaulted by this mystery person, whom I won't name, but when you get to the point where you find out who it is, wow, I was so shocked. Then a lot of things happen at a time and when I finished the book I wanted to throw it against a wall (which means I loved it).

Eleanor's mother and stepdad don't have much money. Richie -her stepdad- spends it on gambling and booze, which is why Eleanor and her three siblings have to sleep in one room, don't have nice clothes (Eleanor only has one bra which she wears with a paperclip) and have to get groceries in a store where everything is after date. This made me realise how lucky I am to have parents who make enough money to buy me clothes and food. 

The story had a lot of swearing, which is fine if you're used to that. But if you'd rather read a book with a lot of swearing (b and f), then I suggest you don't read it.

I will give this book 4/5 stars. It was different than what I normally read, but still beautiful and I loved it.

Extra: Movie rights are sold for the book, so there will maybe be a movie soon.

Title: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: Orion Books

Age: 14+

Price (Hardcover): €16,50, $18,99

Pages: 336

ISBN: 978-1-4091-5725-0

                                                 Dominique (@myperfectreading on Instagram)