• ABOUT ME
    • PRIVACY & COOKIE POLICY
  • J9 DESIGNS
  • PUBLISHED HERE
  • SPONSORS & REVIEWS
  • SHOP
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

This Mom's Confessions

  • COUPONS & OFFERS
  • CRAFTS
  • DISNEY
  • LIFESTYLE
    • GOODREADS
    • BEAUTY
    • FASHION
  • PARENTING
  • PETS
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Desserts
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Ice Cream Recipes
    • Kid Friendly Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes

By Janine

Eleanor & Park ~ Recalling Your First Love

Filed Under: affiliates, BLOG, Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, Eleanor & Park, First Love

First loves can be compared to a burning candle.  As bright as a first love can shine when it first is lit, when it dies or is snuffed out, it can truly burn out as quickly as that same candle was ignited when blown out.

I know I totally remember my first love.  And will tell you as glorious as this love felt as I was knee deep in it, when it was over, it was definitely over.

I recall those butterflies and how over the moon excited, I was by this person.  He literally put me on cloud nine and had all my nerve endings set ablaze.

Before him, I never knew these types of feelings were even possible, so this was truly foreign and new territory for me at that tender young age of my life.

I also will never forget wanting to spend every waking moment drinking in this feeling, as well as wanting to be with him always.

But once again when it ended, I definitely was like someone had deflated a balloon or indeed blown out that burring candle, because it was most certainly over and just like that I had somewhat landed back to earth.  Not that it didn’t hurt; it definitely did, but there was just no going back.

Well, when I read the Goodreads description for the book Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, I truly was transported back, so to speak, to my own first love and all the wonderful, yet tragic circumstances surrounding it.

Eleanor & Park Book Cover

Here is the Goodreads Synopsis:

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Here is the thing, the two characters are honestly nothing like that of me or my ex-first love.

I definitely wasn’t one of the popular girls, but I wasn’t an outcast like Eleanor and yet I could certainly relate to all of her emotions and feelings that she felt towards Park, because like Eleanor I was as I shared earlier definitely been there and done that.

And my first ex-love was not from a interracial marriage, but actually he was from a recently divorced family, which made him all that much more vulnerable and tragic of a figure in my teen years, as Park was to Eleanor.

But one thing that is certain, you do never forget your first love and reading this book certainly proves that, because as I was reading I surely did remember that time in my life fondly and must say the author captured first love perfectly and transports the reader back there in her very own book time machine.

So, the above description on Goodreads definitely was so very true.  I also want to add and share that, I read the sample first on my iPad and at first wasn’t totally sold on this book.  A few other bloggers shared their interest in this book and even how they read it, enjoying it.

I decided to give it a try then and as slow going as the lead-in and setup was in the sample, once the love story took off the book was fast paced and very entertaining.  I actually read and finished the book once I actually got into the main plot in less then two days time.

So, my final assessment is to give Eleanor & Park a whirl and don’t think you will be sorry, because I think we all have had that first love and this book surely will remind all of their experience indeed with their first loves.

Happy Reading!

pinkfade

ModCloth Offer – 

ModCloth is celebrating a very exciting milestone this week — the one-year anniversary of officially launching plus-size clothing on their site! In just one year, they’ve expanded their product catalog with more items that fit all body types. Check out the full-range fashion page in their Style Gallery, which showcases community-uploaded photos featuring ModCloth items that are available in a full size range. Why? Because fashion should be for all!

**The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

 

Disclosure Final

One Click Is All It Takes!!

Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

Related Posts

  • Always Eat After 7 PM – Really You Can & Learn More NowAlways Eat After 7 PM – Really You Can & Learn More Now
  • 5 Beach Worthy Reads for Summer 20185 Beach Worthy Reads for Summer 2018
  • Because It’s a Cruel Beautiful World + GiveawayBecause It’s a Cruel Beautiful World + Giveaway
  • ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Proves to Be Timeless‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Proves to Be Timeless

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit

Sharing is caring!

  • Share11
  • Tweet12

About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. massholemommy says

    June 18, 2014 at 6:39 am

    I will never forget my first love, although sometimes I wish I could. I learned so much from him, though.
    My recent post Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 6:44 am

      I know the feeling Robin and as much as I wish I could forget him, I too did learn a hell of a lot from him, too!

  2. Leah says

    June 18, 2014 at 6:52 am

    Sounds like an interesting book! I am watching my kids now as they start to have crushes and feelings… Not sure I’ll be able to handle their first love and heartbreak!!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 7:45 am

      Leah, I know what I went through and not sure if I will be able to handle seeing my girls go through some of this, as well in the future.

  3. tamaralikecamera says

    June 18, 2014 at 7:10 am

    This is why we're twins – I started it two days ago! I'm into it, so far. I even have another of her (his?) books lined up to start after. My librarian gives me great recommendations and she gave me these.
    My recent post It’s In The Way That You Use It.

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 7:46 am

      Tamara, I told you earlier, I love you to pieces and happy to be twins with you any day of the week. Hugs πŸ™‚ xoxo!!

  4. Carrie Groneman says

    June 18, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Looks like a very interesting book and well worth the read. Thank you for the review. Carrie, A Mother's Shadow

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 8:13 am

      Absolutely my pleasure Carrie and hope you get to read this book soon πŸ™‚

  5. Cathy says

    June 18, 2014 at 8:33 am

    It sounds like a great summer read, Janine! No, you never forget your first love. Which makes our loving husbands all the more important (if the marriage is a good one) by showing us what REAL love is all about, eh?

    Thanks for the review!

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Cathy, you said a mouthful and honestly couldn't agree more. Hope you get to read very soon this summertime πŸ™‚

  6. Katie says

    June 18, 2014 at 9:20 am

    I've seen tha book come up a few times. I might have to add it to my reading list.
    My recent post Oh, The Things I Think

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 9:33 am

      I know so did I Katie and finally decided, I too had to read it. Hope you get to read this one soon, too πŸ™‚

  7. Kate says

    June 18, 2014 at 9:22 am

    Once I finished this one, I read a couple of her other books. They are all fun stories but nothing mind blowing for me so far!
    My recent post Confessions of a Book Nerd

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 9:34 am

      Kate, I have yet to read anything else by her, but will admit that it was a fun read, but have read others that have left me speechless – this didn’t but still enjoyed πŸ™‚

  8. Rosey says

    June 18, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Aww it is so nice to revisit happy feelings, I agree. πŸ™‚ I remember my first love, I'm very very very glad that didn't turn into a long-term thing. πŸ˜‰

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 9:49 am

      Rosey, I very much agree and just glad I wised up!! πŸ˜‰

  9. irkedmommy says

    June 18, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Sound like a great book! Thanks for sharing, Janine!
    My recent post Almost Wordless Wednesday: Mud

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 9:58 am

      My pleasure Echo and hope you get to check it out soon!! πŸ™‚

  10. Billybuc says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:15 am

    How weird. That's what my hub was about yesterday.

    Have a great day, Janine…the sun is shining and life is good.

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 10:18 am

      I love when we are this in in sync, Bill and think great minds definitely do think alike!! Totally beautiful warm summer day here, too and hope you enjoy, as well now!! πŸ™‚

  11. karenssoiree says

    June 18, 2014 at 9:22 am

    Yay! I need a new book to read and I'm definitely going to get this book! When I think of my first love it reminds me what a different person I was back then. I stayed in that relationship way too long!
    My recent post Banana Ice Cream Recipe

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 9:33 am

      Karen, I was the same way. Totally a different person and definitely it’s
      Stayed in the relationship way, too long myself. Hope you get to read soon and enjoy πŸ™‚

  12. Undiagnosedbut says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:28 am

    I liked Eleanor and Park. Like you, I read it because of someone else's recommendation. Glad you enjoyed it

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 10:36 am

      Aww, glad you got to read it, as well and enjoyed it, too!! πŸ™‚

  13. Growing Up Madison says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:30 am

    Sitting in a hospital bed with nothing to do but recall my first love. I know I haven't forgotten although hubby probably wishes I would. πŸ™‚ Anyway this sounds like a good read and I'm always up for something new to read. Here's to a great midweek!
    My recent post Pick Me Up Smoothie – Summertime Smoothies Recipes

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 10:37 am

      I know it is hard to forget this part of our lives, but still just glad we got through it one piece. Enjoy your midweek, too and hope that you are feeling a bit better today πŸ™‚

  14. flemily says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:33 am

    I read this book this past fall and loved it!
    My recent post Is That A Giant Peach?!?

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 10:37 am

      Aww, glad you too read and enjoyed it, Emily!! πŸ™‚

  15. Kristi Campbell says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:36 am

    I need to read this! Awww to first loves. Sigh. I so feel you with the "when it was over, it was definitely over!"
    My recent post Our Land: What is Beauty?

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 10:38 am

      Kristi, when it was over, it was more like sticking a fork in it, but still hope you get to read and let me know if you do πŸ™‚

  16. Jennifer Humphries says

    June 18, 2014 at 11:07 am

    Janine this sounds like a great summer read! I' m going to nab it on my Kindle today. Thanks for sharing!
    My recent post Jen Tries A New Pinterest Project For Your Tootsies

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 12:31 pm

      Awesome and let me know what you think of it Jen!!! πŸ™‚

  17. @SineaPies says

    June 18, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    My first love broke my heart so the memories are bitter-sweet. At first, though, it was definitely a Cloud 9 experience!
    My recent post Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #78

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 12:32 pm

      Pretty much same here Sineas and will say just happy that I survived it though even after all these years.

  18. Camilleta says

    June 18, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    I will have to pick this up and read it this weekend! πŸ™‚
    My recent post (Mostly) Wordless Wednesday

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      Aww, I hope you do and let me know if you do πŸ™‚

  19. dianeroark says

    June 18, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Janine,

    This truly sounds like a great book. It reminds me of a good Hallmark movie which I love. My first love is now my husband. I would say he pulled me under.
    Thanks so much for sharing,
    Diane Roark
    My recent post Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #78

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      Happy to share and love that your husband was your first love, Diane πŸ™‚

  20. day-with-kt.com says

    June 18, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    Sounds like a fun summer read – perfect for laying in the sun soaking up the heat and remembering a time from our past!!!
    My recent post Growing Up

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 4:14 pm

      Total beach, sun and summer read and hope you get to read soon and enjoy it now, Kim πŸ™‚

  21. Nellie says

    June 18, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    You already know that I totally trust your book reviews!! Will add this to the list πŸ™‚
    My recent post Weekly Wednesday Workout: Kneeling Rear Leg Raises

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 6:05 pm

      Aww, huge thank you for saying that and so glad you are adding this to your list now πŸ™‚

  22. Jenny.U says

    June 18, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    My first love broke my heart but if he hadn't I wouldn't have met my hubby!
    My recent post Spring Pasta Salad

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      I know the feeling and will tell you had I not had my heart broken in my early twenties, I too would never have met my husband either.

  23. vitatrain4life says

    June 18, 2014 at 8:40 pm

    Interesting. Of course I will never forget my first love – the joy and pain of it all – and would certainly not want to go back. But, if a good book can transport you? I'm down with that!! Thanks for the review. I'll have to add this to my LONG list…
    My recent post Fact or Fiction? Spain Edition

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      Happy to share my review and I am with you that I definitely wouldn’t go back per day, but the book did bring back some memories. Hope you get to read soon now πŸ˜‰

  24. spiritedlife says

    June 18, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    Stop giving me books to read! LOL! My Goodreads list is getting longer and longer. I need to take some time to actually read the books on it. Thanks for keeping me up to date with some good ones! πŸ™‚
    My recent post How to Get Fit After Having a Baby ~ Postpartum Fitness {Guest Post}

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 18, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      Sorry, but not sorry I gave you more to add to your reading list, April and let me know if you do read this one, what you think πŸ˜‰

  25. gigigirl says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    First loves are very special. What amazes me is how you manage to read books with your busy schedule! This one sounds good. xxoo

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 19, 2014 at 6:47 am

      Aunt Gloria, I read this book over a month ago and now I am lucky if I am reading a chapter or two a night with my crazy schedule!! πŸ™‚ xoxo!!

  26. lisacng says

    June 18, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    I think all the loves we've had are definitely lessons in our lives. We can even learn through heartbreak. I know I have. I'll have to add this to my to-read list.
    My recent post Strawberry picking {photos}

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 19, 2014 at 6:48 am

      Definitely agree and each love was a learning process for sure. Hope you get to read real soon, Lisa πŸ™‚

  27. themomcafe says

    June 19, 2014 at 12:27 am

    I love your honest take on the book Janine! That just speaks volumes about YOU and your character and proves how trustworthy you are. (This I already know!) The books really sounds good! And now I know that if I start it and don't 'feel' the pull- I will keep reading because it will eventually be a fulfilling read. Thank you for that!
    My recent post Love Cares, Love Helps, Love Lifts… The Weight We Bear

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 19, 2014 at 6:50 am

      Totally my pleasure and thank you Chris for always being such a wonderful, supportive friend, too πŸ™‚

  28. Lauren says

    June 19, 2014 at 12:22 am

    First loves. Ah. When I was growing up I thought I was "in love" all the time. Did you? I remember writing a letter to Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block when I was in third grade or so. It started with, "I know you are 19 and I'm in 3rd grade, but I think this could work." Seriously. I was pretty determined.

    In any case–this looks like a great book!
    My recent post Summer days.

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 19, 2014 at 6:49 am

      See, I knew I liked you, because for me it was Joey McIntyre in the 7th grade, lol!! And trust me, I was just as determined πŸ™‚

  29. MelChi says

    June 19, 2014 at 6:03 am

    Sounds like a different kind of book to what I'm used to reading – I'm all about exploring other genres and reading as much as I can this year. Loving your book reviews! Have a fab, sunny day! πŸ™‚
    My recent post The Better Health Chair: Combat Back Pain in the Workplace

    • Janine Huldie says

      June 19, 2014 at 6:50 am

      Melanie, I think you would like this book and I am like you about exploring outside my reading comfort zone. Hope you too are enjoying your day πŸ™‚

  30. Alison says

    June 20, 2014 at 3:46 am

    Ah, first loves. The first love I *thought* I had? Turned out he wasn't really someone I was in love with. Ah well. Live and learn.

  31. Janine Huldie says

    June 20, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Alison, I know exactly what you mean and I definitely lived and learned myself, too.

  32. Amber says

    June 21, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    I want to read that book! It’s on my ToRead list. I recently finished Fangirl by the same author and really enjoyed it.

  33. Dara says

    June 22, 2014 at 9:50 am

    this is on my tbr list!

  34. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    June 22, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    You’ve never steered me wrong! I hope to get to this one this summer!

  35. karen says

    June 23, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    I will have to add it to my goodreads list….though my first love was the major douche of all douches…

  36. Mrs. AOK says

    June 23, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    I totally have seen this book around and wondered about it, now I’m adding to my growing list. I remember those first love days, and sadly, I remember the deflation too…
    I guess it’s a good thing however, it will help me with the kids when they experience it too.
    XOXO

  37. Bev says

    June 23, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    My first love is actually getting married in a few weeks (and I’ll be attending his wedding, thankfully we stayed good friends, despite some heartbreak many, many years ago). This sounds like a great book…I’m always on the hunt for a good read!

  38. The Pinterested Parent says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Sounds like a good read. My first love was my high school sweetheart. I will never forget him, while the butterflies & passion fizzled the friendship remained for many years.

Primary Sidebar

Find Family-Friendly, Lifestyle, Recipes, DIY, Disney articles and more here.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Resources

My Homework Done offers the best writing help for students on any task.

My Paper Done service will make sure that your college grades will always stay on top.

Have you lost your job due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and need to cut back on your monthly bills? Get rid of that timeshare you never use with the help of Hawaii timeshare laws and Missouri timeshare laws

Footer

Confessions Belong To

I Am A Published Author!

Featured Confessions

Confessions Partners

baby clothes on DHgate.com

Copyright © 2022 Confessions of A Disney-aholic Mom | Designed by J9 Designs

  • 11
  • 12
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.