Eleanor and Park are both misfits in Omaha, Nebraska in 1984. When Park notices Eleanor reading over his shoulder one day on the bus he moves closer so she too can read tales of The X-Men. The two soon begin a budding relationship but are faced with mocking and bullying from kids at school as well as at home. Eleanor is even receiving anonymous hateful messages in her notebook. When Eleanor discovers it is actually her stepfather who is writing the messages she runs away with the help of Park and his father. Eleanor eventually moves in with an aunt and uncle in Minnesota. Park writes her frequently but Eleanor doesn't write back for six months when she finally send Park a postcard with only three words written on it. When I first began reading this novel I was taken aback by the language (there is some pretty foul words right off the bat). I almost put it down. I am so glad I didn't. According to Ted Hipple (1991) a good book should reflect real life and show moral concern. It doesn't get any realer than this in a fiction novel. There were moments when I was scared with Eleanor and angry with Park. I found myself genuinely worried for these characters the same as I have often worried for some of my students. I begged for someone to call child protective services when the stepfather discovered and destroyed the comic books and make-up! I rejoiced when Park finally put Steve in his place. I would love to recommend this book for all readers but due to the language and issues of the book it is recommended for readers 14 and up.
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