Module 7: Eleanor and Park

Summary: When Eleanor first boards the bus looking for a seat, Park views as nothing more than a nuisance. He is not one to call attention to himself and Eleanor can't help but call attention to herself. Through their mutual love of music and comics, they move from friends to actual boyfriend and girlfriend. Along the way, Park discovers the courage to be himself and stand up for himself and Eleanor and Eleanor finds a safe space away from her neglectful mother and cruel stepfather. When her stepfather discovers her relationship with Park, Eleanor realizes that she is in danger and asks Park to help her escape to her uncle's house in Minnesota.

Citation:

Rowell, R. (2013). Eleanor & Park. New York, NY: St. Martin's Griffin.

Impressions: As a teen in the 1980's, I found the time and the setting for this story very realistic. I was a lot like Park so I could definitely relate to his character. Like many other readers, I was rooting for a happy ending but I think Rowell gave us the ending the story deserved because anything less than that would be unrealistic. I liked the alternating points of view and think she did a good job conveying each character's feelings.

Reviews:
Half-Korean sophomore Park Sheridan is getting through high school by lying low, listening to the Smiths (it's 1986), reading Alan Moore's Watchmen comics, never raising his hand in class, and avoiding the kids he grew up with. Then new girl Eleanor gets on the bus. Tall, with bright red hair and a dress code all her own, she's an instant target. Too nice not to let her sit next to him, Park is alternately resentful and guilty for not being kinder to her. When he realizes she's reading his comics over his shoulder, a silent friendship is born. And slowly, tantalizingly, something more. Adult author Rowell (Attachments), making her YA debut, has a gift for showing what Eleanor and Park, who tell the story in alternating segments, like and admire about each other. Their love is believable and thrilling, but it isn't simple: Eleanor's family is broke, and her stepfather abuses her mother. When the situation turns dangerous, Rowell keeps things surprising, and the solution--imperfect but believable--maintains the novel's delicate balance of light and dark. Ages 13-up. Agent: Christopher Schelling, Selectric Artists. (Mar.)


Eleanor & Park. (2012, December 10). Publishers Weekly, 259(50), 62-63. Retrieved March 5, 2016, from Book Review Digest Plus (H.W. Wilson).

Library Use: I think this would definitely open up dialog about abuse and neglect and how to see the warning signs in other people. I think it's also an excellent example about how music plays such an important part in people's lives.