If you guys are unaware, one of my goals for 2014 is to read (at least) one book a month. It's a small, doable goal that leaves room for me to still do other fun things in life! The book I read for January was "Eleanor and Park" by Rainbow Rowell. This is my spoiler-free review for you all :)
Eleanor and Park is a YA (Young Adult) novel, that starts off pretty much like every other YA romance. The main characters, after which the book is named after, Eleanor and Park have a rocky relationship at first. Eventually, it turns into a romance.
One of the best parts about this book was getting to know the characters. E&P is written from the perspectives of both characters. Sometimes you're reading Eleanor's thoughts, sometimes it's parks. It allows the reader to really get to know both characters and get a better understanding of both sides of the relationships. The characters themselves are also really different and interesting. When I thought I knew a character, I saw a different side of them that surprised me and made me change the way I viewed them.
E&P is *almost* like your basic YA romance, but Rainbow Rowell manages to tweak things here and there to make it a little more interesting. When you think you know, you don't, and that's what makes the book so great! It's not quite as predictable as you think it is. Eleanor isn't quite dorky and helpless as she seems, nor is Park as normal as he gives off either!
I enjoyed the storyline a lot, and I can't remember feeling like there were any boring parts or even any unnecessary scenes or dialogue. It's like the author was carefully constructing each scene to show you something. I won't spoil the end for you guys, not even in the slightest. No hints whatsoever to how it ends, because it was just so good! Rainbow Rowell's writing style is very reminiscent of John Green books, so if you're a John Green fan there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book!
At the end of it all I would give Eleanor and Park a 4/5 stars. It left me satisfied but wanting more at the same time. This book is just so hard to explain!
Eleanor and Park is a YA (Young Adult) novel, that starts off pretty much like every other YA romance. The main characters, after which the book is named after, Eleanor and Park have a rocky relationship at first. Eventually, it turns into a romance.
One of the best parts about this book was getting to know the characters. E&P is written from the perspectives of both characters. Sometimes you're reading Eleanor's thoughts, sometimes it's parks. It allows the reader to really get to know both characters and get a better understanding of both sides of the relationships. The characters themselves are also really different and interesting. When I thought I knew a character, I saw a different side of them that surprised me and made me change the way I viewed them.
E&P is *almost* like your basic YA romance, but Rainbow Rowell manages to tweak things here and there to make it a little more interesting. When you think you know, you don't, and that's what makes the book so great! It's not quite as predictable as you think it is. Eleanor isn't quite dorky and helpless as she seems, nor is Park as normal as he gives off either!
I enjoyed the storyline a lot, and I can't remember feeling like there were any boring parts or even any unnecessary scenes or dialogue. It's like the author was carefully constructing each scene to show you something. I won't spoil the end for you guys, not even in the slightest. No hints whatsoever to how it ends, because it was just so good! Rainbow Rowell's writing style is very reminiscent of John Green books, so if you're a John Green fan there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book!
At the end of it all I would give Eleanor and Park a 4/5 stars. It left me satisfied but wanting more at the same time. This book is just so hard to explain!
February Read
For the month of February I'm reading Rainbow Rowell's other book, "Fangirl." I already started it and so far I'm really excited about it! This month, I'll actually be attempting to post video response type of discussion videos about the book. They'll include spoilers about whatever chapter I'm reading at the time, so if you want to follow along feel free! |