Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park

by Rainbow Rowell 

“Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.”—John Green, The New York Times Book Review

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.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love—and just how hard it pulled you under.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book. It was heart wrenching and beautiful and such a sweet story. I loved both characters immensely - loved them. Imperfect misfits finding their way through their teenage years. There were some difficult subject matters - bullying, poverty, abusive parents - that were dealt with really well. It was a beautiful and gripping story. However - the language was terrible. And there was a lot of it. So just a warning ... 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: minor; Profanity: YES! Lots and lots; Sex: innuendos, heavy making out, very PG-13