One of the things I have loved most about joining this site is the way you all have influenced my reading habits. I have been reminded about why I loved a series. I have read (and loved) books that I would never, ever have picked up on my own. And I have been introduced to new authors, in this case Rainbow Rowell. This book broke my heart in all of the good ways.
Eleanor is the new girl in school and Park grudgingly allows her to sit next to him on the bus that first day. Slowly, oh so slowly, the start to form a friendship and then fall in love with each other. However, each of them has their own issues, they are teens in the 80s after all. Eleanor’s stepfather is the worst kind of human being, and Park is trying to cope with his heritage and the way he is different from his father. It’s told alternatively from each of their point of view and is just the most gorgeous look at how love develops and how it can shape us and protect us.
My paltry summary is such a terrible summation of this book. It’s a lovely look at growing up, being young, and falling in love. And despite being a love story, it’s never, ever sappy or ridiculous. I blew through the novel very quickly, because I didn’t want to put it down. I likely would have stayed up all night to finish it, except I’m turning into an old lady with responsibilities. I was almost late to work though, because I just had to read it. Beautiful.