Tolog Review: Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park
by Rainbow Rowell
reviewed by Madelyn Brisbane

Eleanor Douglas doesn’t quite fit the typical teenage girl description. She has wild bright red hair and isn’t the skinniest girl around. Eleanor has her own unique style when it comes to dressing, such as patched up jeans, an oversized men’s shirt, and a men’s tie around her wrist. She lives with her three siblings, her mom, and Richie, her mom’s abusive husband. Eleanor’s life hasn’t been going in the most positive direction, especially with her new family situation. To make matters worse, she’s the new girl in town.

Park Sheridan is considered on of the “cool” kids. He has dark black hair, almond brown eyes, and is gorgeous beyond belief. Park takes taekwondo, reads comics, and listens to rock music. Even though he may be considered cool, he’s not sure he fits the description, especially when it comes to what he believes to be morally right. So, how could two people so different, from two different groups, have anything to do with each other?

It all started on the bus. Everyone already attending the local high school had a certain reserved seat, especially when the new girl Eleanor comes on. It appears there are no seats available for her, and Park really doesn’t want to get involved in all the madness. He could leave her to be tortured by kids in the back, but out of surprise, he moves over to let Eleanor join him. Those would be their permanent spots for the year. The two never talked, until Park noticed Eleanor had been reading along with him while he would read his comics on the bus rides. Park finally decided to say something after a while, and that’s when their relationship came in to play. They would read comics together, listen to music, and as soon as Eleanor opened up more about her home life, their relationship became closer.

Eleanor and Park is the story of two young teens, trying to figure out their identity. They must open themselves up to the world and stand up for what they believe in, even though it may take a great amount of courage. It shows young adults to not be embarrassed of who they are, no matter how quirky they may truly be. Rainbow Rowell teaches high schoolers that sometimes they need others to bring out the best in them, If you are willing to open up your heart, then you will go far. 

Eleanor and Park is suggested for high school age children and up. If the reader enjoys a good book about not only identifying yourself, but also a great love story, then they’ll instantly fall in love with this hot pick. As soon as one begins reading this epic story of two young adults, they’ll never want to set it down.