“He’d stopped trying to bring her back.”
Chapter 1
Eleanor Douglas, a red-haired, plus-size teenager with a quirky fashion sense, starts at a new high school in Omaha, Nebraska. She immediately stands out and is bullied. Park Sheridan, a half-Korean boy who loves comics and punk music, reluctantly lets her sit next to him on the bus.
Chapter 2
Park notices Eleanor reading his comics over his shoulder but doesn’t say anything. He starts leaving them open for her. Slowly, they begin sharing music—Park makes mixtapes for Eleanor, introducing her to bands like The Smiths and Joy Division.
Chapter 3
Eleanor’s home life is chaotic and abusive. Her stepfather, Richie, is violent and controlling, forcing Eleanor, her siblings, and her mother to live in fear. She has no privacy and struggles with poverty, wearing men’s clothes and makeshift outfits.
Chapter 4
Park’s family is stable but not without tension. His father, a Vietnam War veteran, expects toughness from Park, while his mother is loving but strict. Park feels like an outsider in his own way, not fitting the masculine ideals his father values.
Chapter 5
Eleanor and Park’s bus rides become the highlight of their days. They bond over music and comics, though Eleanor remains guarded. Park starts developing feelings for her but isn’t sure how to express them.
Chapter 6
Eleanor’s stepfather’s abuse escalates, and she finds solace in Park’s kindness. She begins to trust him, though she’s afraid of letting anyone too close. Park, meanwhile, becomes more protective of her.
Chapter 7
Park finally works up the courage to hold Eleanor’s hand on the bus. It’s a small but significant moment—Eleanor doesn’t pull away. Their relationship shifts from tentative friendship to something deeper.
Chapter 8
Eleanor sneaks into Park’s house when his family isn’t home. They kiss for the first time, and Eleanor feels both exhilarated and terrified. She worries about what will happen if Richie finds out.
Chapter 9
Park’s parents notice his relationship with Eleanor and are wary—his mother worries Eleanor is too troubled, while his father disapproves of her appearance. Park defends her, but tensions rise at home.
Chapter 10
Eleanor and Park’s relationship deepens. They spend more time together, but Eleanor’s home situation worsens. Richie becomes more aggressive, and Eleanor fears for her family’s safety.
Chapter 11
Park gives Eleanor a Walkman and mixtapes so she can escape into music. She treasures them, hiding them from Richie. Meanwhile, Park struggles with his own insecurities—he feels inadequate compared to Eleanor’s resilience.
Chapter 12
Eleanor’s home life reaches a breaking point. Richie destroys her belongings, and she realizes she can’t stay. She confides in Park, who offers to help her escape.
Chapter 13
Park and Eleanor make a plan for her to stay with his family, but Eleanor knows it’s only temporary. She doesn’t want to burden Park or put his family at risk.
Chapter 14
Eleanor disappears. Park is devastated, not knowing where she’s gone. He searches for her but finds no answers. Meanwhile, Eleanor is on a bus to Minnesota, staying with distant relatives.
Chapter 15
Park receives a postcard from Eleanor with no return address. She tells him she’s safe but can’t come back. Park is heartbroken but holds onto hope that they’ll reunite.
Chapter 16
The book ends ambiguously—Eleanor writes Park a letter, signing it with just three words: “Eleanor & Park.” It’s unclear if they’ll ever see each other again, but their love remains a defining part of their lives.
Key Ideas
- First love and its intensity.
- The impact of family dysfunction on teenagers.
- Finding identity through music and pop culture.
- Class differences and economic struggles.
- Survival and resilience in abusive environments.
Who should read this book?
- Fans of young adult romance with emotional depth.
- Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity.
- Those interested in 1980s nostalgia and punk music.
- People who enjoy bittersweet, realistic endings.