Hi bookworms!
If you’ve been following along with Close Reads Cafe, the official book club of The Write Teacher(s), you’d know that our book pick for May was ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell. Now that May is coming to a close, we’d love to discuss the book with you!
My review:
I’m a sucker for a good high school love story… and this was no exception. Within the first 50 pages, I knew Eleanor and Park were both something special; by the final pages, I didn’t want to let either of them go. Rowell’s writing takes you right back to your first love, reminding you how innocent and awkward everything seems to be, and yet she adds pulls it all away from you in an instant when danger and drama come into play. Totally gripping (I finished reading it within 8 hours). Would recommend to anyone who enjoys YA and falling in love.
What did you think of ELEANOR & PARK? Feel free to leave all your answers and comments on this post or in the discussion thread in our Goodreads group.
Here are some questions to get you started:
- Eleanor says she and Park are too young for true love. Do you believe that? Do you think Eleanor believes that?
- How do Eleanor and Park’s parents shape their outlook on relationships and the future?
- Is Eleanor’s mother a good mother? Why does she stay with Richie?
- Why does Park’s mother change her mind about Eleanor?
- How is Park’s relationship with his mother different from his relationship with his father? Who sees Park more clearly, his father or his mother?
- Why is Park embarrassed by Eleanor? Is his embarrassment a betrayal?
- Steve says that he’s Park’s friend—is he a true friend? Are Steve and Tina good guys or bad guys in the story? Do you think Eleanor and Tina could ever be friends?
- How would Eleanor and Park’s relationship be different in 2013? How would cell phones, digital music, and Internet access change their situation?
- What is the importance of music in Park’s life? And how is it different for Eleanor?
- SPOILER ALERT. Was Eleanor right to run away? Should she have left her brothers and sister behind? Was there more she could have done to help them?
Be sure to follow @TheWriteTeach + @CloseReadsCafe to keep up with the latest bookish news! And keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of our June book pick!
Live, Love, Learn,