Thank you for reading this post of I Rant About Books, or even just clicking on the link.
In this post, I will be sharing the best novel that I have read this March.
As a reminder, here is my criteria for a GOOD book.
Setting
Plot
Character
Writing Style
Compared to the amount of literature I usually read, I did not read many novels during this month. However, the books I chose to read were all very compelling and well-written. (If I find a book I don't like, I usually just stop reading. It's not worth the TIME and PAIN.) I want to say that one in particular stood out to me, but that wouldn't be true. In fact, it took a lot of deliberation to reach my decision.
However, here goes nothing. The book of the month is.....
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Description Credit: Inside cover of the book
Rating: 7.5/10
ARP Points: 11
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.
This image depicts the fan art from the collectors edition of Eleanor & Park, which is available in the school library!
Positive:
Although Fangirl will forever be my favourite Rainbow Rowell book, this beautiful novel wasn't too far off. I adore the love story between Eleanor and Park, but I recognize that just their romance wouldn't be enough to make the book amazing. What truly makes it better than other YA is its uniqueness. Here are some brief examples:
1. The distinct setting of 1980s Nebraska that gives it a somehow vintage feel.
2. The plot develops really nicely, as both Eleanor and Park discover truths about themselves by loving one another.
3. The characters aren't your typical "I'm shy and I wear bad clothes" people (no offence, that's just what I've noticed.) All of them, even the side characters, have distinct personalities (both good and HORRIBLE, might I add.)
4. I love Rainbow Rowell, so this might be a little biased: The writing style is great!
Negative:
This book does NOT have a satisfying ending in the slightest. That is the only negative thing I have to say. I read an article where Rowell is quoted saying that she is planning to write a sequel. Fans from Eleanor & Park's first publication (in 2012) have been waiting over a decade. Who knows? Maybe Rainbow Rowell has been writing something all along. I cannot wait to find out!
As always, thank you for reading my post. You can reach me anywhere you'd like for recommendations, questions, and comments! My Instagram is @lara_murakami.
Love, Lara
I, personally haven't read this book yet, but you seem to like it, so I will add it to my very very very... I mean very very long... Book-list. I'll probably have read it in a year or so... but thanks for the recommendation. I'll let you know when I have finished it!