Eleanor and Park Pgs. 40-80

"Eleanor and Park" Pgs. 1-40

Book Review

It's just Eleanor and her big, red hair against the world. Until she meets Park.

Park is an emo-rocker kid who listens to his music too loud and sits on a bus bench by himself. All of that changes when Eleanor strolls onto the bus with her artistic style. She literally is a walking piece of art.

Their first encounter defines the awkward, yet comfortable relationship they begin to develop. Eleanor has a less than ideal home-life. Actually, it's her first time "home" in over a year. Before coming home, she was handed off to some acquaintances who lived next door. Whereas, Park is on the cusp of popularity on the social totem pole and comes from a loving Asian family.

Eleanor & Park gives it's readers a unique experience. I have no other way of describing it other than "different". There is something about the third person omniscient narrator who recounts both Eleanor and Park's stories. There is a finesse about the way in which the author pays tribute to each story, giving them equal attention and detail. The intricate details of their lives are given to us slowly and cryptically. Thus, creating a muddled reality around Eleanor and Park. It is our job, as readers, to put all of the pieces together and make sense of these two star-crossed lovers.

Some may say that the point of view of this novel keeps the characters detached from their own stories. However, the flow of the narrations wouldn't be as seamless without the third party involved. Others may beg to differ that both Eleanor and Park's stories are respected equally because in the beginning of the novel Eleanor's story includes more detail. However, as the story unfolds we Park begins to open up about himself. And others may dislike the quest that must be embarked upon in order to find the truth between the lines. However, this is just a sign of ingenious on the part of Rainbow Rowell.

What a beautifully written piece.

An unlikely couple, who unite against the world.

"Perfect Chemistry" The Whole Book

What character did you dislike? Why?

We are introduced to Sierra as Brittany's best friend. Although, Sierra seems to have Brittany's best interest in mind throughout the book, looks can sometimes be deceiving. Both Sierra and Brittany are cheerleaders on the squad at their school. You could argue that both girls have a hard time keeping up appearances. They also tend to put on a fake facade to appease their peers, even at the risk of their own happiness. 

This, of course, is Brittany's dilemma throughout the entire novel. But if Sierra is who she says she is, Brittany's best friend, then wouldn't she risk the facade in order to be a strong support system for her? According the novel, she didn't. At least she didn't when it was most important. But even when it seemed she was trying to be her best friend, her motives were not pure. 

Take for example when Sierra invites Brittany and Alex to come along with her and Doug to his parents' lake house. She doesn't act normal or even really care to give Alex a chance. She invited him to keep up her appearance as her best friend. Another instance was after she broke up with Colin, Sierra second-guessed her decision. Asking if someone made the right decision is not abnormal, but the way she did it did not communicate best friend material. The only reason Sierra was concerned about the break-up was because it tampered with the image that Brittany has worked for for so long. Her best friend should be more concerned with her happiness than the act she's putting on for everyone else.

Sierra also got jealous because Brittany began confiding in Isabel, "Isa", when her and Alex became attracted to one another. I would confide in Isa too if I had Sierra as a best friend. Isa was more a friend than Sierra ever was to Brittany. She kept Brittany's secrets and she gave her solid advice. Sierra on the other hand didn't know when to keep her mouth shut and her advice was self-centered and revolved around their image. Isa had nothing to gain or lose from her relationship with Brittany, but she still was a faithful friend.

I just felt that Sierra was superficial and all about the act. I didn't feel that Sierra cared about Brittany's happiness. However, I could see how that would be hard, when Brittany didn't care much about her own happiness. Regardless, your best friend she always care for your happiness whether you do or not is another story. She also was such a petty girl (most girls are), and I don't hang with petty girls. She just rubbed me the wrong way, but I think Sierra was needed in this story for that effect. It enhances the relationship that Brittany shares with Isa because her relationship with Sierra has such a stark contrast.