Eleanor and Park

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.

So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.

I’m not kidding, he says.

You should be, she says, we’re 16.

What about Romeo and Juliet?

Shallow, confused, then dead.

I love you, Park says.

Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.

I’m not kidding, he says.

You should be.

I have to give all of the credit for the selection of this book to Mimi.  She had mentioned it a few months ago and I put it on my list of possible book club selections.  I am so happy that y'all picked this book because I think I love it!

I take that back.  I know that I love it!  I started reading this book a few days after my brother Robert passed away and it was the perfect distraction.  I was able to escape to 1986 for an hour or so each night and savored every page.

In some ways I could relate to Eleanor with her soft, full body and not right clothes.  Being different when you are a teenager is a curse and hard to overcome.  I dang near had a panic attack every time the book found Eleanor in her house with a Mom that wouldn't protect her.  I worried for her and her siblings.

The oasis in Eleanor's life was her relationship with Park and the refuge at his parents house where she was able to see what a real family looks like.  Even thought park and his Dad had their differences, his Dad still loved him and trusted him.

The ending.....left me wanting more.  

Have you read Eleanor and Park?  We've been discussing the book in our facebook group.  Join us!