Most people are bored of the classic love story. They want something different, something that will tug at their heart strings in a new way, and do I have a book for them. Eleanor & Park is a new teen novel written by Rainbow Rowell that illustrates the love story of two teens in the eighties. Rowell gives both Eleanor and Park’s perspectives throughout the book.

So far it sounds like a normal love story, but the characters are incredibly unique and intertwined in the most passionate way possible because they have a special connection through their love of music and share the same feelings about high school and each other. It is an unlikely pair, but both of them see the strengths and faults in each other and yet they still love one another no matter what.

Eleanor is a wild red head who just moved back in with her mother, siblings, and mother’s boyfriend. She is not the happiest kid at school because of her family life at home, and the kids on the bus refuse to make her day any better. Until she meets Park, the half-Korean music lover who offers part of his seat to her, preventing her from an awkward bus ride in the aisle.

Park has always lived in this neighborhood and has tried to drown out the teasing and yelling from the kids at the back of the bus with his head phones. He was always in his own world, wanting to be unseen, until he decided to share his seat with the new girl. Park was reluctant to give up his seat because he didn’t want the bullies to go after him, but little did he know, his random act of kindness would lead to so much more, a first love.

Although Eleanor & Park is a teen novel, I believe that people of all ages will find delight in this book, boys and girls. The different aspects of the story can be relatable to all different kinds of people, especially because this couple would be considered hipsters in this day and age. And this story is set in the eighties, and who doesn’t love Walkmans, big hair, and acid washed jeans.

Rowell writes the book in a way that showcases the characters emotions quite well, you feel like they are confessing their true feelings to you. And with added plot twists that could risk Eleanor and Park’s relationship, Rowell keeps you turning the page.

This book is currently the book chosen for AHS’s book club, not a surprising choice because of how easily high school students can relate to it. The book talks about important topics like abusive relationships, bullies, and the happiness that comes with a first love, which are all factors that contribute to what makes this book so amazing, the reality behind it. I recommend this book to anyone who can read, because I guarantee they will enjoy it.