A review by cassroberts89
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

challenging emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Rowell has perfectly captured that exciting, innocent, confusing, tumultuous mess that is first high school love. But set against the backdrop of Eleanor’s abusive home life, this is not your typical YA romance. I loved it. I would hesitate to recommend this to just anyone, though. It’s not an easy read at all and would probably need to be accompanied by some good long discussions. The MCs are 15-16, and I don’t think I’d go any younger than a mature 16yo IMO. Be forewarned, there’s also quite a lot of swearing and some sexual slurs, bullying at school, and very light sexual content (no “home runs” as Eleanor puts it). I actually felt the sexual content was perfect for the age and handled very well. It’s everything else that stops me from handing this to my almost-14-yo. 
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