“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.”

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a young adult novel set in the late 80’s in Omaha, Nebraska. It is centered around two star crossed lovers named Eleanor and Park. Eleanor, an overweight curly red head and Park, who is half-Korean. At the start of the novel, Eleanor is starting tenth grade at a new school where she meets Park-on the school bus. At first, Park is distant towards her but they slowly build a connection through books and music and begin to grow feelings for each other.

The novel is told in alternating points of views of both Eleanor and Park. I really enjoyed that aspect. I feel this was a wonderful technique to drive the plot. We got to know the characters well. This made me feel slightly more invested in the story. It keeps you on toes and you wonder what will come next for Eleanor and Park.

One of the things the book explores is first love and it does it beautifully. I’ve never read a book that managed to accurately portray teenagers and how it actually feels to fall in love for the first time. Eleanor and Park knew that it possibly would not work out but they were willing to give it a try. It was executed so well and Rowell certainly hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to be a teenager.

Although, its plot is mainly revolved around the love story. It’s layered with themes of abuse and self-esteem. It was refreshing to see a well done story deal with those issues and not make it cliche.

If you’re looking for a coming of age story definitely check this one out. This is an accessible and relatable book for anyone to read if they’re just getting into YA. Be prepared for the emotional ride though.