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71 pages 2 hours read

Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park

Fiction | Novel | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Eleanor and Park, two misfit teenagers, Park and Eleanor, bond over shared bus rides, comic books, and mix-tapes, forming a deep friendship that evolves into love despite coming from vastly different backgrounds; Park's stable, loving middle-class family contrasts with Eleanor's abusive household. Sensitive topics include bullying and familial abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell has been praised for its authentic portrayal of first love and complex characters. The novel's sensitive treatment of difficult topics like bullying and family issues has resonated with readers. However, some critics found the story's pace slow and the ending polarizing. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and relatability.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Eleanor & Park?

A reader who would enjoy Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell is typically a young adult, ages 14-18, who appreciates emotionally resonant, character-driven stories. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will find its 1980s setting and themes of first love, outsider status, and complex family dynamics particularly engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

13-18years