Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell | Book Review & Discussion

 Warning: Long post, long review. I've bolded a few words to help anyway looking through my review to sort through it.

Image from Barnes and Nobles site

I finished this book last night. And OH MY JOLLY GOSH I loved it to pieces. I can't say the ending was what I wanted but you know what, this is Rainbow Rowell and she's giving a story to us how it is.

What is this book about? Well, I'll gladly tell you. Set in the late 1980s, the two main characters of this romantic story are Eleanor, a "fat" girl with big, curly red hair and Park, a half-Korean American boy. Both of them are considered "misfits" in their school; Park gets along with the popular crowd but doesn't talk very much while Eleanor just plainly stands out due to her fashion and hair. These two teens wind up sitting next to each on the school bus and even more unexpected, falling in love with each other. Their romance slowly builds up until it reaches the summit andddd pretty much everything blows up and it's pretty intense. You thought this was going to be a sweet, romantic story? At parts, yes, it's adorable but each character has their own troubles to deal with and their conflicts are why it is a struggle to keep this couple together. I wouldn't exactly say it's a Romeo and Juliet story (because frankly, that would be disappointing if it went that route) but there are characters in this story; antagonists to be more specific that make their relationship...forbidden.

But that's enough of me talking! Whew, I almost spoiled ya there! Now, GO READ THE BOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T YET. It's so good. And after reading this, I want to read so MANY MORE books! That's what Rainbow Rowell's writing does to you! WOW.

**SPOILERS BELOW. BEWARE**

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Story Analysis/Discussion (also combined with characters):
Now I'm no professional critic but I really wanted to talk about the story. Because it's freaking good.
Let's start with the beginning. Eleanor is a new student and she is immediately judged and bullied by other students, mainly on the bus and at gym, as described by Eleanor. The main bullies are Tina and her boyfriend Steven, and when he's not around, it's Tina and her friends.
At first, I didn't like both Tina and Steven (I think most people didn't because of their personalities) but then later on in the book, they become pretty alright characters.
Watching the insults happen, Park decides to ignore Eleanor and tries to stay out of the vision of Tina and Steven as much as possible. Of course, his good conscience gets the better of him and he starts to interact with Eleanor, who is sitting beside him on the bus every morning and afternoon (I mean, come on, who wouldn't?)
They two eventually start sharing comic books and music, discovering that they have similar interests and quickly become good friends. Yay! All happy right?
Not for Eleanor at least. Ignoring the bullying at school for a moment, let's go to her home. Or a more fitting name, a shithole household. Excuse my language but that's what I imagine her house to be. xD Especially since her step-father, Richie is the main source of income for her family.
By the way, where does Richie even work anyway? I don't believe the book said anything about it. I know it's not a very high-paying job at the least.

Anyway, Richie=bad. Very bad. He's a douchebag and seems to always be intoxicated. Not too far into the story, Eleanor lets the readers know that he's kicked her out before. It wasn't even for a good reason, in my opinion. Later on in the book, Eleanor comes back to this topic and flashbacks to what happened that day; this incident I like to call, "The Typewriter Incident" that resulted in her being kicked out. Which is total BS I tell ya. I don't even know why her mom allowed it. If my mom allowed that to happen to me, I would never trust her again. In fact, my faith in my mother would be lost if she married a guy like Richie.

Okay, let's talk about Richie's and Eleanor's mom's marriage, shall we? I've wanted to talk about this because if frustrates me to no end. And it frustrates me that there are actually marriages like this out there. In the first place, Eleanor's mom was foolish to date a guy who approached her and hit on her like that. Honestly, I think most of the time, if you're in a random place and someone hits on you, you probably shouldn't trust them. Just saiyan. I don't remember where she was when Richie hit on her (I also don't have the book with me to check omg my laziness i can't-) but pretttty sure it was like on the street or something.
And when Richie was showing the first signs of abuse and alcohol addiction, she should have booked her and her kids outta there. But she didn't, and I finished the book and still don't understand why. Eleanor was guessing that it was because that she was afraid but I feel like that shouldn't be what stops you from doing what you think is what. Is she even thinking about her kids? He isn't even rich so I don't know why she puts up with him. *sigh* I don't know, this is in the '80s; 30 years ago, so no doubt that things were different from now.

Whoops sorry, I'm not talking about the story much, am I? Let's see, I was at the romance part, right? So it was all cute friendship in the beginning but then Eleanor and Park begin to realize that they feel something more for each other and honestly, I thought it was all a little spontaneous; how they suddenly fell in love with each other. But I guess that's pretty true in real life; I've never been in love before but I've seen other people fall pretty easily in love with another person (but usually it's unrequited xD). Their romance, by far, was the BEST thing about this book. Ugh, they are too adorable with each other.

A huge chunk of the book focuses on Park and Eleanor's building relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend, while Eleanor is trying to keep their relationship a secret from her family. Of course, they eventually find out and that becomes the height and climax of the story. Eleanor, throughout the story keeps seeing these dirty and provocative messages written on her school books and for a while thought it was Tina who was doing that but in the end...it was Richie. What? How? What? Why?? I was completely surprised that it was Richie. I didn't even notice that he...ugh, thought that way towards Eleanor. Yeah, we did see her story through her perspective and her fear of him was greater than anything unusual she noticed about him but still...I feel kind of dumb. xD I know that there are many cases of rape happening between step-parents and children, sadly enough, and have read stories about them so I didn't know why I didn't recognize it was going this route.

But yeah, this is also the part where I actually though Tina and Steven were pretty okay. They let Eleanor hide in Steven's garage to escape her step-father because apparently, they all knew what a jerk he was. And even more (not) surprisingly, Tina could relate because she also has a step-father, and according to how Steven was acting, her step-father was probably pretty terrible too. That made me soften my view on them, and made me realize that they are people too and go through their own troubles.

What really broke my heart was when Park was driving Eleanor to her uncle's house to escape Richie. The very first page of this book was foreshadowing their departure from each other and I really, reaaally hoped it wasn't true. But sadly. It is. *commence tears and massive breakdown*

I just can't believe Eleanor didn't send Park anything for a year! He sent them letters and what do you do, girl? You ignore him??? And the only time she does send something to him is the card he sent her like, what, are you too good to write a letter to him, huh? HUHHHHHHH ELEANNOOOOOR?
No xD I'm just kidding but still.
The speculation about the three words on the card I've heard about are either it says, "I love you" or "I am coming" but I hope it's the latter because that means Eleanor is returning and there is still hope for them! :D It also bothered me while the whole time while Park was saying the ILUs, Eleanor was like, "psshh I'm too good to say it back". I'm not hating on her, non non non, I like Eleanor but I'm just frustrated at her actions.

I hope they end up going to prom together. THEY NEED TO. ELEANOR X PARK OTP 6EVER

Some few last bits I want to address are first, the letter that Eleanor wrote to Park in Spanish ("Mi gusta comer su cara.") I wonder if he ever got it. I would have loved for Rainbow to write his reaction to it. xD

Secondly, there needs to be more Beebi and DeNice love! Seriously! Those sistahs were hella dope and got Eleanor's back! #appreciation

Thirdly, Eleanor's siblings...and step-sibling. Was I the only one that was really concerned for them? They were a bit annoying...sometimes, not gonna lie. But to be raised in a broken household like that...will result in broken children.

Day 4 & 5- Best Childhood Memory and Favorite Movies You Can Rewatch Over and Over

Oops! I missed posting Day 4 of my challenge yesterday! xD Sooo yeah, pretend like you didn't notice anything. That's why I'm going to be combining two days into one! To compensate my laziness of not posting...

My Best Childhood Memory?

My bed! and yes, that is a Wong Fu Productions awktopus

As far as I know, my childhood wasn't really...exciting. I don't want to say it sucked or whatnot because I know there are people out there that had a worse childhood than I did. But still. I was a pretty boring child. And I rarely went out and did productive things. It's kind of the same now but I'm trying to conjure up some good memories...

I guess I would have to say that my best memories as a kid would be whenever my parents bought me something. lol I'm so materialistic.
There was a time when I was maybe around 7(?) or so years old and I came home from school totally clueless to what my mom bought me. Usually my parents don't give me surprise presents; they just give me the money and tell me to go buy what I want.
I walked into my room and could not believe what I was seeing. Okay, you might think I'm exaggerating but that was the FIRST time that my mom had bought me a matching bed sheets and pillow cases. It's like that big, boxy pack of comforters, pillow cases, and sheets. I was so OVERJOYED at that time because my bed looked so pretty and so awesome and now I've had them for 7 years. Yup. Did my story touch you ahaha? 

Spirited Away (Image taken from Credit Source)

Favorite Movies You Never Get Sick of Watching

I don't go to the movie theaters that often (maybe not at all) and it probably has something to do with me having no friends but I have watched a few animated movies (because I'm a neeerrrrd.) Ahaha why am I so depressing and cynical today; I feel like I'm like that always but I hope I'm not. >.<;; Oh geez, sorry, I'm having real problems trying to form sentences today. This is why I wouldn't make a good writer. xD

Anyway, I digress. Some of my favorite animated movies that I could watch multiple times are displayed:

Coloful the Movie (Image taken from Credit Source)

Wolf Children: Ame and Yuki (Image taken from Credit Source)

Howl's Moving Castle (Image taken from Credit Source)

Summer Wars (Image taken from Credit Source)

 If you haven't watched these movies yet, I HIGHLY recommend seeing them! They are phenomenal and absolutely stunning. They will definitely become a classic in the future (but I don't want to think about them becoming old because then I'll be really old and...ugh.)
Just a warning; Colorful and Wolf Children will make you cry. Maybe also the other two, I personally didn't but they are just as great!
Another side note: All Hayao Miyazaki movies are great (and all Studio Ghibli movies)
Okay! That's it! :)
Sorry if my posts are starting to sound weird...I really need to get used to this blogging thing...

Remember that today is a good day to have a good day! <3 6ever

Day 3-Things that make me happy

Day 3 of my 31 Day Blog Challenge is things that make me happy.

Link to my first post: 31-day Blog Challenge!~

Again, since I don't want this to be too long of a post, I will limit it 5 things that make me happy.

By the way, who's watching the FIFA World Cup right now? This is the first year I'm watching it (and the first year I actually care). I'm rooting for the meager amount of Asian countries in there; South Korea, Iran and mostly Japan (and I still support them now, even though they lost to Cote d'Ivoire and tied with Greece (their prospects are not looking good) but it doesn't look like any of them win the tournament xD. Well, I don't think any Asian team will, like, ever. I guess soccer is just a thing that's limited to soccer fans within the Asian country; it's not a national thing (like China, and I found it funny that they didn't qualify this year. They are even worse than the countries I mentioned above at soccer but they made a big deal about it by sending as much press as they could over to Brazil.) Compared with South/Central American and Europe where soccer, or football (which makes better sense to me to call it that), is widely enjoyed in most of their countries. They have a longer history with soccer and also more...talent; I'm not exactly sure how to state this but I hope you get the general idea of what I'm trying to say. They're built differently over there. xD

But surprisingly this year, Japan and South Korea didn't really suck that bad...especially Japan. They definitely played better than when I last took a peek at them in the 2010 World Cup (which I vaguely remember.) So congrats to them for improving! They have a bright future!

Anyway, but my top contender for winning the World Cup, it would probably have to be Germany. I saw their match against Portugal and they pretty much crushed them; 4:0. Not only that, but their technique and play is so freaking beautiful. They really are skilled. My favorite player that game was Ozil because his ball control is amazing and I thought he played well. Don't take my words seriously though, I'm not an expert on soccer. xD

Ahem, I spent too much time talking about the World Cup so let's move on to today's challenge, shall we?

5 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Food 

Oh yes, the good ol' food you eat when you're depressed over a hard breakup. That familiar companion you have when you're lonely. Food will always have a special place in my heart. And it makes me especially happy when I'm on the verge of starving and I take the first bite and feel like I'm in heaven. The types of foods I like are, sweets, pizza, noodles, rice, sushi, pasta, bread buns, frozen yogurt, etc. Generally, I crave Chinese food and Italian food constantly, which is kind of weird, I know.

 2. Watching a show (be it anime, movie, etc.)

This should be obvious, since I like watching anime, but the reason why I like watching shows so much is because I love being immersed into the story and characters. Of course, it's not too good to be obsessed and unable to differentiate between reality and fiction (which I do probably way more often than I should) but I like to take risks. ;P Haha, no I'm actually a very cautious person. Cautious and stupid. Anyway, it doesn't have to be anime specifically; I got very engrossed in The Walking Dead tv show before the 4th season started and then I kind of dropped it sooo yeah. I also liked The Big Band Theory. And Two and a Half Men was my guilty pleasure. My sentences are getting reallly awkward.

3. Books

Not just reading books but buying books, touching books, looking at my bookshelf, just gives me so much joy. I don't know what it is but yeah, call me a book pervert if you want. ERMAHGERD BERKSSSS

4. Nature

To describe what I like about it in more detail, I like being outside (though I don't go out a lot xD) and sunbathing while admiring the forestry scenery around me. It's just so peaceful, relaxing, and I feel content with life. It's like, I'm reaching enlightenment or something. You know what, I should probably just stop writing sentences. 

.....

Okay, one more thing; my favorite place to sun bathe is in my backyard which, since I live in a townhouse, is shared by many families but basically, we have a gorgeous view of a pond (and forestry surrounding it.) Probably the best house location I've ever had. 

 5.  Kungfu/Tennis/exercise in general (sleeping is a close second)

I like sweating. Is that weird? I don't know, maybe it's not the sweating I like, but the exhilaration I feel when I pushing my body to the limit. Also the knowledge that you're burning calories is very appealing too. Speaking of exercise, I need to do more of that this summer. xD It seems like when the school year is over, I always feel like laying around and not doing anything, even though it's the perfect time to get things done.

Soo...that was my 5 things that make me happy! :D Yay, I feel a little happier typing this all out ahaha.

End note: My second BookOutlet order arrived today so I'll be doing a post on that soon! I feel like I have so many ideas on what kind of posts to create for my blog but no idea on how to execute them. Ya feel me?

Today's a good day to have a good day.~ <3

Day 2: Favorite Quotes

Today is another day! Which means I have to complete another step in my 31 Day Blog challenge (see my first post for more details.) Day 1: Selfie & 5 random things (31 Day Blog Challenge)

Today is day 2 and I'm supposed to include my favorite quotes. They didn't specify how many but I'm just going to include 5 quotes because I don't want to spew another gigantic post.

"Impossible is just two letters away from possible."

-Cr1TiKaL 

Cr1TiKaL is actually one of the funniest gaming youtubers I watch and when I heard him say this, I instantly thought, "oh my gosh, this is so true!" Although he appears to be a shallow man that only sexualizes women, if you continue to watch his videos, you can tell that he is educated and doesn't put women down....? I don't know how to state what I was thinking but he also donates part of the revenue he earns from YouTube to charity (he even has a twitter account solely for that purpose of recording all of his donations) so he seems like a  pretty dope person.

This quote reminds me that impossible is closer to being possible than I think it is. 

"If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present."

-Lao Tzu

When I first read this quote, it immediately clicked in my mind and it almost hurt how relevant this was for me. This serves as a reminder that I should be living in the present, content, and not thinking about regret or worrying about events that haven't happened yet. 

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."

-Vincent van Gogh

I have doubts about myself. I think everyone does. Sometimes I get really pessimistic and emotional and I feel like giving up on everything, really. This quote kind of goes hand-in-hand with the first quote. Saying that something is 'impossible' or 'I'll never be able to do that' is wrong, and I recognize that. But to actually shut that evil little voice in the back of your head that says that you cannot do it, you have to go out there and actually do it first, without worrying about whether or not you have the ability to do it. This is definitely something I struggle with; pointless worrying before I do anything that is out of my comfort zone (ex. moving to a new place; I feel really unsettled and depressed.)

Overall, I guess the message is that no matter how much you think you're going to fail, the outcome is uncertain until you try something. You might fail, sure, but that's no big deal; brush the dirt off your pants and keep on walking. But if you don't even try, you don't know that there is still that percent chance, however small, that you will succeed. And I also guess it's about how you should take opportunities when you see them or when they're offered to you (wow I'm just a connection master today.)

"When anger rises, think of consequences." 

-Confucius

Although I may not seem like a person that has a temper, I do have a bit of a temper. xD I guess the cause of it is because I'm so withdrawn and quiet, that I do it to get attention? I've read a thing somewhere (possibly from the roots of studying human interaction and such) that people who get angry easily need more love and affection in their life but I honestly think that I can handle it with a more optimistic viewpoint on life. ^^ 

Getting angry is not good for yourself and the people around you, but something I think the general population doesn't know is that anger can affect your brain (depleting brain cells) and possibly affect other parts of your body too. I'm not really too sure about what else it affects but you could search it on Google to get more details on that. 

More peace and love! <3 Anger is bad. :(

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." 

-Chinese Proverb

AKA it's now or never, baby. Also something I struggle with. Time management and productivity. Procrastination is my worse enemy yet I embrace it all the time. It's never too late to do something, even if you think it is late. If you start now, you can still get going. But if you keep on postponing something to a later date, it's a good chance you'll never get to it. 

I should recite this quote everyday. Like a mantra.

Okay! That was the end of my favorite quotes list! Maybe I'll get to posting something else today, who knows, but you'll definitely see me post tomorrow. 

Today is good day to have a good day. <3

31 day Blog Challenge!~

As you can tell, I'm new to this blogging thing. Please treat me well. ^-^~

 

I first got the idea for this when I was browsing YouTube and discovered BookTube. From there, I completely fell in love with the community and I decided pretty quickly that I wanted to join. If you don't know what BookTube is, it is a YouTube community(like gaming, beauty gurus, etc.) for book lovers. They generally post things like book reviews, book hauls, book tags, etc. It sounded perfect for me! 

I don't plan on creating a channel right now but I do hope to in the future. I thought it would be a good idea to gain experience through blogging first so that I would know what I'm talking about on camera(which now, I don't have a good camera anyway.) 

So yeah, that's my story there. And also the concept of my blog. I will be posting anime/manga related things as well, since they have been a big influence in my life, along with books. 

Today I'm going to be doing the 31-day Blog Challenge(oh how cliche sounding) and it has things for you to do everyday, for 31 days. 

I got this challenge from Simmworks: 31 Day Blog Challenge

I know it says "March 2013" but there's no reason it can't be done year-round, right?

DAY 1: "Self portrait and 5 random things about yourself"

 I took this selfie a while ago but yeah, still relevant. I haven't showered for 2 days(I know, omg, I'm so gross) so I don't look my best but it's not like I'm drowning in my bodily oils-OKAY. TOO MUCH. MOVING ON.
I'm Chinese, if anyone asks.

 Random Facts About Me

1. I take forever to get ready in the morning (totally not a morning person.)

2. I love crows because they are intelligent and porcupines because they are cute. But glomping a porcupine will be a feat indeed....Strangely enough, I haven't told anyone that I like these animals. xD

3. I have a sock tan. And it's really noticeable. *sad face*

4. My favorite gaming YouTuber is CryaoticMonki (his personality is great; do check him out. When I mean "check him out" I mean, damn, his voice is hella.)

5. I am interested in different cultures; any cultures really. I guess I like seeing the different traditional clothing and architecture, as well as the religion. It's quite intriguing to step back and view things from, perhaps, an isolated society's viewpoint.

That was the end of Day 1! I hope to post up something related to my blog soon! Yeah! Goals!

Have a fantastic day~ (^_^)/