"Eleanor & Park" Literary Review

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A best seller that has had rave reviews by the likes of John Green, Gayle Forman and students in Miss Foor's English 11... With free time on Thanksgiving, why not give it a shot?

Eleanor and Park are two misfits who happen to ride the same bus, but slowly develop an acquaintance through comic books and punk mixtapes, then later a romance. Both are infatuated with the other one's weirdness, but is the obsession with holding hands and tugging on wisps of hair enough for the romance through an 80's high school?

Particular things I liked:
1. The portrayal of an abusive household showed the true terror and fright that young children can face, furthermore shows possible outlets that they try to "escape" to.

2. The wittiness...Both characters have a sarcastic vat of comments that just oozes remarks that would make one smile with cleverness. This was what was most enjoyable to read.

3. It's quite easy to get into the characters heads with the distinguishable naming of sections within the book. Easy peasy.

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"Real Men Don't Text" Literary Review

Real Men Don't Text: A New Approach to Dating by Ruthie Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great reference tool for the modern woman who is conflicted in today's world of dating. Not only does it offer solid advice, but provides realistic examples that support scenarios involving the simplistic and technological communication methods, especially texting. The husband-wife duo were supportive through this learning process, and as the reader concluded the book, I personally felt as if I had became friends who have heard both the horror stories and praise tales from the dynamic Deans.

To simplify the contents of the book, the authors suggest to construct lists of what you want in a relationship, however do not follow the list to a tee. This is a concept that I think future readers will struggle with, because why would they have constructed lists to begin with? Furthermore, the list idea is neglected in order for the typical catchphrase "give every guy a chance"....except the bad ones. There were a few oxymorons that a reader, who may be a young, struggling dater, (like myself) would have had issues with while reading in her search for answers.

Overall, the context of the book is tailored to the needs of today's woman. They reinforce the idea that there are indeed good relationships to be had, however, insist on constructing them in any other manner than the simplified 140 characters known as a text message. Create a list of values that you as an individual want to keep in a relationship, regardless of who the opposite party is; don't bother with the whole "oh he'll change" concept, because it'll never happen; and finally, have a belief. Whether it is in yourself, Christian faith, or that the Cubs will make it to the World Series, have faith in something that will help support your journey into finding happiness.

I received this book from NetGalley via the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest opinion in this review.

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