I didn’t really intend to have a romance for Valentine’s Day, but in perfect timing I finished Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. I do not love romance books, hate kissing covers and anything “Harlequin or erotica” labeled, but I loved Eleanor & Park immensely.

Likes:
Eleanor, I loved Eleanor. She was so smart, strong and broken at the same time. I felt like I could relate a bit to her. I don’t have a perfect body and my own red hair gets me some unwanted attention sometimes. I loved that she dressed the way she felt and loved so deeply. She has such a rough life but she is determined to live above it.
Park was so perfect for the story, he was middle of the road perfect. I know that sounds odd to say, but he fit the book so well.
They were both so nerdy and I can so relate to that. The whole relationship really started with comic books and I loved their discussions about superheroes.
The wit of Rainbow Rowell. This woman is an epic writer, I was laughing, tearing up and completely speechless at the end of the book. I cannot wait to read all her other novels and devour them!
The audiobook was done so well. I loved both the male and female readers and listened to it almost constantly for two days because I didn’t want to stop.
Park’s mom was my favorite side character, she was so sweet but tough, generous and judgmental. It is an odd description but totally fits. I loved her in the book.

Gripes:
I wanted more, lol, not really a gripe, more like hopeful thinking, but I wanted a happier ending or an epilouge with a happily ever after. I guess we are left to make our own decisions and imagine an outcome, but I didn’t want the book to end.

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A Flurry of Ponderings