nglofile's review against another edition
3.0
I'm conflicted. There were elements that were handled very well, but others that seemed to defy the realism the author purported to embrace. The depiction of Park's parents was one of the strengths, representing complexity and avoiding straight caricature. I'll confess, though, that I found Park himself too idealized, more of a wish-fulfillment character, and that was distracting. Also, whereas the gradual bonding over comics and music was sweet and completely believable, where the friendship went from there seemed rushed without foundation. The story also delves into serious issues, and unfortunately several are either dropped, glossed over, or solved in a way that strains credibility.
To be clear, I did like this, but I wanted to like it more than I could justify.
audiobook note: Curiously, I was first disappointed by what I thought were bland readings by the narrators. Yes, I understood the ennui of adolescents, but raw, private thoughts should have more drama. That said, the performances of Sunil Malhotra and Rebecca Lowman easily became the defining anchor of what I most appreciated about the book. I am glad to have been wrong.
To be clear, I did like this, but I wanted to like it more than I could justify.
audiobook note: Curiously, I was first disappointed by what I thought were bland readings by the narrators. Yes, I understood the ennui of adolescents, but raw, private thoughts should have more drama. That said, the performances of Sunil Malhotra and Rebecca Lowman easily became the defining anchor of what I most appreciated about the book. I am glad to have been wrong.
saluki's review against another edition
5.0
I've found a new favourite author!
Loved this story of first-love. Also, loved all the music and film references of the eighties. I'd forgotten some of those.
Eleanor & Park are adorable characters. And, that ending. Perfect. Someone give me a tissue...
Loved this story of first-love. Also, loved all the music and film references of the eighties. I'd forgotten some of those.
Eleanor & Park are adorable characters. And, that ending. Perfect. Someone give me a tissue...
kcoccia's review against another edition
3.0
I'm on the fence with this one...in general it was good. But there were times when I was incredibly bored. And I kept forgetting how old Eleanor& Park were. A lot of the time it seemed like they were 12 instead of 16. I found that a little annoying. Decent book. A lot of people recommended it but...I just dont know.
l_humphs's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ob_ledbetter's review against another edition
4.0
SUCH an immersive YA book that deals with the grittiness of life. I adore how she captured the feeling of adolescence so well.
aaron_j136's review against another edition
4.0
This was so good! But it ended so abruptly! What happens to Eleanor’s family? I was so annoyed that Eleanor didn’t punch Richie or get revenge on him.
jd_jinkies's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
letinydancer21's review against another edition
2.0
It was ok. It was way too hyped up and so I was disappointed.