By Rainbow Rowell
Genre YA Contemporary Romance
Pages 328
First Sentence XTC was no good for drowning out the morons at the back of the bus.
Synopsis
Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.
Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.
Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. (From Goodreads)
What is has going for it
This was my first Rainbow Rowell book and, guys, wow. Rowell sure knows how to write. The way she describes romance....total bologna but she sure can make a girl swoon. I had to just slide down in my seat and hold the book to my chest and sigh happily, staring off into space over this romance. The twist that sends the whole ending into play definitely took me by surprise and overall this book played with my emotions and for that I won't say I outright disliked it...however....
What's lacking
Nothing happened for way too long. That was my biggest problem with this book. I actually set it down for awhile because, at first I was enjoying it but when nothing happened...and more nothing didn't happen, I gave up on it for awhile. I also thought, that while I understood WHY Eleanor was so without hope, her bitterness and despairing attitude really started to get on my nerves.
Yea or Nay?
I seem to be in the minority (once again) on my feelings for this one. So, yes, go ahead and read it. Just remember it's more of a romance that an actual story.
Sighed happily and stared off into space? You loved it! You know you did! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was OK. I just wanted more to happen. I'll try her other books. I might like them better.
DeleteIt is a slow build, that's for sure! I agree that the author knows how to write. This is the only book I've read by her, but I've heard great stuff about her other books, too. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'll try her other books. This one was just too much of a downer.
DeleteIt's okay that you're in the minority. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteI currently have this checked out from the library. I hope I swoon. This won't be my first Rainbow Rowell book. Do you think you'll read more of her books?
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it. I'll definitely try some of her other books. She's a great writer but this story just wasn't for me.
DeleteThis is the only Rainbow Rowell book I haven't read. I've loved everything else of hers I've read, but for some reason this one just doesn't appeal to me. So hearing that you didn't love it was oddly reassuring for me. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah. I'll definitely read her other books. This one just wasn't for me and I think that had more to do with the story than the writing or author.
DeleteThe writing in all of Rowell's books is amazing but for some reason I can never connect with the characters. I didn't understand why the ending had to happen that way and it pretty much ruined the entire thing for me.
ReplyDeleteTotally! Why that ending? Ugh!
DeleteI haven't read this one yet, but I've read Attachments and Fangirl, both of which I liked. Fangirl was a bit slow too, but Attachments wasn't.
ReplyDeleteFrom what people are saying I'm guessing this one just wasn't the best. I'll have to try her others.
DeleteInteresting. I like Rainbow Rowell (I enjoyed both FANGIRL and ATTACHMENTS), but I've been holding off on reading this one. I've seen mostly raves about it, so eventually I'll have to check it out for myself. Not rushing, though.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out her other books. I guess this one wasn't the best to start with.
DeleteI've put lovely stories in the DNF pile before because nothing happens, so probably wouldn't like this one either. I've found that I really, really need a plot. Preferably a fast pace plot, or I get bored. Hope your next read is more to your liking!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, Eleanor and Park has never appealed to me as much as Rainbow's other books. I know a lot of people have been upset by the ending, and that, coupled with the fact that nothing much really happens, makes me feel less inclined to read it. I'll probably get to it one day, but it's on hold for now. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteEleanor and Park was my first Rowell book, but I actually much prefer her book Fangirl!
ReplyDelete