Title: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Published: February 26, 2013

This book is set over the course of a year and chronicles the relationship from the first meeting between a girl named Eleanor and a boy named Park.

It wasn't actually discussed, but within the story, but while reading this book I kept thinking about Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Eleanor was stuck on the bottom of the pyramid. She was worried about her home life, she was worried about shelter, food, and her safety. She was also worried about her little brother's and sister's safety. Park had those things. Eleanor was safe when she was with him and in his home, but she was still not able to relax completely. Emotionally and psychologically they weren't in the same place. I think that was one of the biggest problems in their relationship. Their romance felt one sided. She just wasn't able to give as much as he was. I don't mean just tactile possessions. I mean she wasn't able to reciprocate when he would talk about his feelings or wants.

I am glad we saw things from both their view points. I am pretty sure I would have liked Eleanor a lot less if I didn't know what was in her head. As it is I am not entirely sure what Park saw in her.

Overall I gave this book 3 stars out of 5.