Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

A lot can happen when you share a seat on a bus. 

Eleanor is the new kid in school. She’s bullied for her her big, red hair and the clothes she wears, and for generally being a weirdo. Park thinks she’s weird at first, too, and to be fair, he doesn’t change his mind on that. He learns to love it. 

Park’s home-life is cushty compared to Eleanor’s. Her step-dad is horrible. He’s intimidating, emotionally abusive and terrible to her mum and siblings. Some of these descriptions are so raw and tender, I found them hard to read. 

But I loved this book. Both main characters are hilarious (Eleanor is so dry and sarcastic I couldn’t get enough, and Park is wholesome and adorable). I want them both to come to my house so I can give them some soup and tell them they’re great. 

This book is for exploring #bullying #outcasts #abuse #parentaltensions

Video review here