Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Stand-alone
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Pages: 328
★★★★✭ (4.5)

Once again, I was enchanted by Rainbow’s writing. She did an awesome job with Eleanor & Park, and I thought it was a cute, unique contemporary. 🙂

At the start of the book, I thought both Eleanor and Park were odd, and Park’s attitude toward her originally made me unsure. But as the story progressed, I grew to love them together and as individual characters. Their relationship is super sweet, open, and nerdy. I loved it. ❤️

Eleanor has a sad home situation. Her family is very poor and is pretty much controlled by her venomous, alcoholic stepdad. I felt really bad for her throughout the book, and I was glad she had Park to help out when possible.

This book is set in 1986, which was a cool first for me. I’ve read a handful of books set in the 90’s (Harry Potter and The Outsiders), but none in the 80’s. It was a subtle, enjoyable change. 🙂

The only reason this book didn’t get a full five stars is the ending. I wish Eleanor and Park had a happier ending, and I really want to know what was on that postcard. “I love you.”? “Good-bye Park.”? “Park, please stop.”? I just wish I knew. 😁

But overall, I really liked Eleanor & Park. It was a cute book, and I’ll definitely reread it eventually. 🙂

Until next time– Olivia 💞 (my Twitter | my Instagram)