By Viviana Altamirano

Rainbow Rowell’s novel Eleanor and Park may relate to a few young adults in a way that no other books can. This unique and remarkable novel is different than the usual sappy teen love stories. In most love stories there’s a popular girl or a handsome guy. In this book, however, Eleanor is  a “big” girl with red frizzy curly hair and a messed up home life. Then Park is introduced,  a half Asian boy who’s into comic books and good music.

After meeting on the school bus where Park offers Eleanor his seat when no one else will give up theirs, they soon bond over comic books and music. Over time they develop strong romantic feelings. Conflict arises when Eleanor cannot and does not want to live with her step-father any longer.  Eleanor and Park must learn to overcome their everyday struggles together, even if it means they have to part.

Neither of them has a perfect life, yet they make their love seem perfect. While they fall in love with each other,  you fall in love with them. This book will make you feel something beautiful just like Eleanor made Park feel.

“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.”