Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Well-intended 1980s-set romance has troubling stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say this book has received mixed reviews, with some praising its heartfelt depiction of young love and the challenges faced by the main characters, while others criticize it for casual racism and harmful racial stereotypes, particularly involving Asian identity. Many believe that despite its engaging storyline, the mature language and themes may not be suitable for younger readers.
- heartfelt romance
- casual racism
- mature themes
- character development
- appropriate age group
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 78 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a mixed bag; while many appreciate its emotional depth and portrayal of first love, others find its handling of sensitive topics like abuse, racism, and explicit language problematic. Some reviewers recommend it for mature teens, noting its realistic depiction of difficult family dynamics, but caution that the language and content may not be suitable for younger readers.
- emotional depth
- mature themes
- mixed reception
- inappropriate language
- family dynamics
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ELEANOR & PARK, a morning bus ride changes everything for Park Sheridan. He's minding his own business until a new girl -- a redhead with a scowl and in bright clothes -- gets on and has nowhere to sit. He offers to let her sit next to him, and despite the six inches of space she leaves between them, it's the start of something really special. Park is a sensitive Korean guy whose parents are still in love with each other, while Eleanor is an intelligent but often ridiculed girl from a poor, White and troubled family. But every day, Eleanor and Park's seating arrangement leads to silently reading comics together, then talking about music, and eventually sharing a deep and abiding friendship that becomes an unforgettable first love.
Is It Any Good?
Author Rainbow Rowell touchingly explores the overwhelming nature of first love -- the kind of love that feels as if it can last a lifetime, that can help heal wounds and open doors. In Eleanor & Park, two high school misfits see the best and the beautiful in each other. Their passionate conversations and debates, about everything from the role of women in comic books (Eleanor says they're too passive, Park disagrees), to the opening measures of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" or the short-sightedness of Romeo and Juliet, lays the foundation for a believable and poignant love story.
It's unfortunate, then, that Rowell romanticizes the codependent aspects of their relationship, which edge into toxic one-sidedness whenever Eleanor takes out her traumas and insecurities on Park. This imbalance is also evident in that Rowell portrays Eleanor far better than she does Park, who's often reduced to fetishization and stereotypes. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that, as a White author, Rowell can't do Park's Korean heritage justice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Eleanor and Park's romance, which isn't fluffy and sweet but intense and life-changing. What does Eleanor mean when she says, "The me that's me right now will be his, always"? What do you think of their relationship's chances of survival?
Did you notice any stereotypes in the book? Do any characters, even well-intentioned ones, reinforce stereotypes about their loved ones? How can we love and respect our friends as unique individuals rather than reducing them to stereotypes?
How does Park demonstrate courage? What can we learn from him about school bullying?
What do you think of the author's depiction of the 1980s? Do Eleanor and Park's conversations about music and comic books make you interested in the artists or works they discuss? How do the pop culture references add to their characters?
How do the adults in Eleanor's and Park's lives affect the way they approach their relationship? Do Park's parents and grandparents make him more open to "love" than Eleanor's dysfunctional parents?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , School ( High School ) , History
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press
- Publication date : February 26, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 10, 2026
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