Eleanor & Park

by Rainbow Rowell

Summary:
Park never thought that being nice enough to share his seat on the bus with some random girl would change his life. Eleanor never thought that deciding to take the bus would become the best decision she's ever made. But as the school year progresses, Eleanor and Park slowly fall in love. And while they know that first loves don't usually last, they are going to give everything to try to make it.

Review:
This was a fantastic love story. Set in 1986, it's the story of 2 teens who fall in love over a shared love of music and comics. Their star crossed tale is absolutely fantastic While younger teens might be slightly confused over the talk of batteries, cassettes, and only having a home phone line to talk on, I thought that setting it in the 80s made the book even better. Neither character is perfect, but their flaws are what makes them relatable and wonderful. I loved that Eleanor was not your typical skinny girl heroine, and that Park wasn't the tall and handsome tough guy. It's not all love for these two, the book hits some heavy themes about drinking and abuse which results in an ending  I won't spoil. I couldn't put the book down, and I bet you won't be able to either.

Genre: Love Story
Age Level: 9th Grade