Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park is the story of two misfits who fall in love. By logic they would have never worked, but by fate they were perfect for each other. This story is extremely appealing to adolescents because it is relatable. I know that for me a book that kept my interest was one based on something I could relate to in my phase of life. Most of us have experienced that teen love that feels so right and you think it will last forever. The book also brings in aspects of family life with Eleanor having quite the dysfunctional, poor family, and on the contrary, Park who comes from a privileged bi-racial family. I thought this was a defining trait of the story line because it draws in two types of adolescent readers. Those who have had a good life if you will, and those who have struggled to fit in based on their life at home. I think this causes adolescents to gain respect for both groups of people in a world where fellow classmates are mean and harsh. Along with the idea of love, Park demonstrates an unconditional love for Eleanor, despite all of her corks and insecurities. He loved her just the way she was and didn’t want her to change anything in order to be his girlfriend. I thought that was a really eye opening concept throughout the book that was made very clear by the author. Also, at the end of the book it tools with the idea of heartbreak which most adolescents can also relate to. There is a point when we are so in love that we think that it will never end. Unfortunately, like most teen relationships, it does not last forever and there is heartbreak. I was “heartbroken” as a reader because I had been so invested in their love story.

Although I think a love story such as this would be more appealing to adolescent girls than boys, I surprisingly enjoyed the story. It kept me on my toes and drew me in with the contrast of stories between the two teens. With that being said, even though it definitely expresses the viewpoints of adolescents, I would rate this book at a “C” because I feel it connects to adolescent girls more than it would adolescent boys. As a reader and as a guy, it was difficult for me to find parts that related to me as an adolescent. I had a serious girlfriend in high school, but I never experienced the difficulties that Eleanor and Park went through because of her family background or the heartache that Park endured when Eleanor had to move away. Generally, girls are more into the romance stories and wanting to find love than boys. Which is why I believe this book would draw more into adolescent girl readers than boys. I enjoyed the style of writing that Rowell Rainbow used as well as her voice within the story. Overall, I would give Eleanor and Park a “C”.