The Selective Collective: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

For our Valentine’s Day inspired (though a bit late) pick:

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we’re 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this 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.

Gone Pecan was given the Casting Call portion for Eleanor & Park and I think we are pretty happy with our choices.

For Park, Korean actor/model Kim Bum

Park is half Korean on his mother’s side, half Irish on his father’s.  He’s supposed to have green eyes and be a little short, but we found Kim and didn’t want to look any more. 🙂 Park is a little punk rock, a little sensitive; very mature for his age. In other words, he’s the atypical high school boy.  Put some black eyeliner on him and you’ll fall in love, too.

For Eleanor, Alia Shawkat

Eleanor is a big girl with massive red curly hair and tons of freckles. There’s something about her that calls to Park, makes him want to protect her and love her.  She’s tough, but vulnerable in many ways. Eleanor is quirky with a necessarily strange fashion sense.  I think Alia can really pull of all of the above qualities with flair and make the audience empathize with her without pitying her. Just what Eleanor would want.

Liked our Casting Call?  Check out all the other great SC posts about this book!

Freebie Post:  –  The Music of Eleanor & Park  – Brittany @ The Book Addict’s Guide

Review: Eleanor & Park – Tee @ YA Crush

Roudtable Discussion: Eleanor & Park— Candice @ The Grown Up YA

Author Q & A + Giveaway – Eleanor & Park  – Sandie & Diana @ Teen Lit Rocks

Thanks to St Martin’s Press for sending us copies for review.