A review by anjalisudarsan
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

4.0

I binge-read Eleanor & park since last night - the story was in my head the whole day! There weren't many characters, nor did it have much of a timeline or places, but both Eleanor and Park and their respective worlds were so beautifully written. Park being half-Korean, his own questions and coming to terms with his identity hit the balance just right. And Eleanor felt like someone with so many layers - the author painted a realistic picture of what it's like to live in an abusive household, facing poverty and the shame that comes with it, while trying to balance school and coming of age. The relentless bullying she faces at school and the awful treatment she (and her siblings) face at home is a common scenario in many households today - many children, hiding from CPS, etc - and was depicted so realistically and without exaggeration (or trauma porn)

Their love was so beautiful, so simple yet so heartwarming because each moment meant SO MUCH to them. I was really touched by how unconditional and pure their love was. Young Adult isn't my favorite genre, but this one took me back to simpler times.