The last book I felt that way about was A MONSTER CALLS by Patrick Ness. Perfect. Before that, it was THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie. True and heart-breakingly hilarious.
I just closed another book and must share.
ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell.
When I first saw this cover, I thought it was a picture book with thumbprint characters. It's not.
This young adult novel is about Eleanor, a misfit on the outside, who defies the world and falls in love with Park. Park, who feels like an outsider, sees beneath Eleanor's odd clothing, big red hair and large frame. He's attracted to her like Romeo was to Juliet.
Eleanor lives in a dire and dangerous home. I worried for her and hoped for her the entire book. I stayed up way too late several nights. Just one more chapter. Just one more . . .
This novel is written beat by beat, moment by moment, feeling by feeling -- simply and honestly.
If you don't believe me, read John Green's review in the New York Times. Or the multiple starred reviews. Or the blurbs from well-known authors -- all on Rainbow Rowell's site.
But really, forget about reading all of that and read ELEANOR & PARK.
There will be only one thing to do when you're done. Tell someone else.
