Eleanor & Park
Book Review - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I blew through this book in just two days - I couldn't put it down. This novel is about Eleanor, the new girl at the high school Park attends. Eleanor lives with her mom, step-dad, and four younger siblings - they don't have a lot of money and she doesn't get along with her step-dad. Park lives with his parents (who are more in-love than anyone he knows, especially his friends' parents) and his younger brother. His dad is hard on him, but it is tough love. Eleanor and Park met when Eleanor sat next to Park on the school bus. Their relationship blossomed when they discovered they had a love for music and comic books in common.
A lot of the typical young adult themes are present in this book: young love, teenage angst, school bullies, and homework. But there is so much more to this book than your typical high school drama. Eleanor and Park navigate more serious home troubles better than most adults could. They learn that people aren't always what they seem and that they aren't the only ones who are judged unfairly.
Sometimes it is fun to read young adult novels as a reminder of what life was like in high school (and how I would never want to re-live that part of my life again.) You know those people who talk about high school being their "glory days"? I can't relate to those people at all.
"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell is a heartfelt young adult novel set in 1986. It tells the story of two misfit high school sophomores, Eleanor and Park, who form an unlikely bond over their shared love of music and comic books.
Summary of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell:
Eleanor is a new girl in town with bright red hair, a quirky fashion sense, and a troubled home life. She lives with her mother, abusive stepfather, and four younger siblings in a small house. Her size and eccentricity make her a target for bullies at school.
Park is a half-Korean boy who feels like he doesn’t quite fit in either, but he manages to fly under the radar by keeping to himself and maintaining a low profile. He has a loving family and a relatively stable home life, but he struggles with his own insecurities and the pressure to conform.
Their story begins on the school bus, where Park reluctantly offers Eleanor a seat. Over time, they bond over shared interests in music and comic books, leading to a deep and intense relationship. As their connection grows, they each find solace and strength in each other amidst their personal struggles.
However, their relationship is challenged by Eleanor's difficult home situation and the social pressures they face at school. The novel explores themes of love, acceptance, and resilience, capturing the raw emotions when two people fall in love for the first time and the complexities of adolescence.
What Readers Like About the Book:
Relatable Characters: Readers appreciate the authentic and relatable portrayal of Eleanor and Park, who feel like real teenagers with genuine struggles and emotions.
Emotional Depth: The novel tackles serious issues such as bullying, domestic abuse, and identity with sensitivity and depth, resonating deeply with readers.
Nostalgic Setting: The 1980s setting, complete with references to music, fashion, and pop culture, adds a layer of nostalgia and charm.
Honest Romance: The love story between Eleanor and Park is depicted with honesty and realism, capturing the awkwardness, intensity, and sweetness of young love.
Engaging Writing Style: Rainbow Rowell’s writing is praised for its wit, warmth, and the ability to draw readers into the characters' world.
Overall, "Eleanor & Park" is beloved for its poignant and tender portrayal of young love and the resilience of two outsiders finding solace in each other amidst their struggles.
““Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn’t supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.””
Books Like Eleanor And Park
If you enjoyed "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell, you might like these similar books that explore themes of young love, coming-of-age, and dealing with personal struggles:
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
This novel follows Charlie, a shy and introverted high school freshman, as he navigates adolescence, friendship, and his own emotional turmoil.
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This story focuses on the deep friendship and emotional journey of two teenage boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they discover their identities and place in the world.
"Looking for Alaska" by John Green
The book centers on Miles "Pudge" Halter as he enrolls in boarding school and meets the enigmatic Alaska Young, leading to a life-changing experience.
"Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell
Another book by Rainbow Rowell, "Fangirl" explores the life of Cath, a college freshman who is a devoted fanfiction writer, and her struggles with change and self-discovery.
"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
Though not a young adult novel, this story about Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and lonely woman, and her journey towards self-acceptance and love has a similar emotional depth.
"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
This powerful novel follows Melinda, a high school freshman, as she deals with the aftermath of a traumatic event and finds her voice.
"All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
A story about Violet and Finch, two high school students who form an unlikely bond and help each other confront their personal struggles.
"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
A suspenseful novel about a group of wealthy teenagers and their dark secrets, focusing on themes of friendship, love, and betrayal.
"Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
This book follows Simon Spier, a high school junior, as he navigates being blackmailed and coming out as gay.
"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
A heartfelt story about two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet in a cancer support group and develop a deep and transformative relationship.
These books capture the essence of "Eleanor & Park" with their focus on young love, personal growth, and the challenges of adolescence.
Criticisms of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Criticisms of "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell regarding its references to the Korean War primarily focus on cultural and historical inaccuracies, as well as the portrayal of Korean characters and heritage. Here are some key points of criticism:
Inaccurate Historical References:
Some critics point out that the book contains inaccuracies regarding the Korean War, which took place from 1950 to 1953. These inaccuracies can mislead readers who might not be familiar with the historical context.
Stereotypical Portrayal:
There are concerns that the novel reinforces stereotypes about Asian characters. Park’s identity as a half-Korean boy is sometimes depicted in ways that rely on clichés and superficial aspects of Korean culture, such as focusing heavily on physical attributes and martial arts.
Lack of Depth in Cultural Representation:
Critics argue that the portrayal of Park’s Korean heritage lacks depth and nuance. The novel often touches on aspects of his ethnicity in a way that seems surface-level and doesn’t fully explore the complexities of being biracial or the impact of Korean culture on Park’s identity.
Parental Representation:
Park’s mother, who is Korean, is sometimes seen as a stereotypical "tiger mom," which can perpetuate a narrow and potentially harmful view of Asian parents. This representation may come off as one-dimensional and fails to capture the diversity within Korean and Korean-American experiences.
Insensitive Language and Descriptions:
Some readers and critics have pointed out instances where the language used to describe Park and his heritage can be insensitive or inappropriate, reflecting a lack of cultural sensitivity.
Overall, these criticisms highlight concerns about cultural representation and the importance of accurate and respectful portrayals of different ethnicities in literature. While "Eleanor & Park" is praised for its emotional depth and relatable characters, it also serves as an example of the need for thoughtful and informed representation in storytelling.
