初恋故事《艾琳娜和帕克》

    Set in 1986, the book is funny and sad, sarcastic* and honest.

    The title characters are both 16-year-old misfits* in their working-class neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Park is a half-Korean boy who has lived in the neighborhood of mostly White people all his life but still feels like an outsider. He loves alternative* music and comic books, unlike his brother and dad who love sports.

    Eleanor is overweight*, awkward* and poor, the oldest of five children with a painfully difficult home life. With a red hair, she wears weird* clothes.

    This is a story of first love, which very slowly builds from the first day Eleanor sits next to Park on the school bus.

    Over time they’re drawn together by sharing Park’s “X-Men” and “Watchmen” comic books.

    Park is the only good thing in Eleanor’s life. She tries to stay out of her abusive* stepfather’s way, and find new ways to wear the same clothes repeatedly since there is no money for anything extra. Park loves everything about Eleanor, and she finds refuge* at his house after school.

    Despite their friends’ mocking* and their families’ disapproval*, they fall in love.

    Things aren’t easy: Eleanor is bullied* at school and then goes home to a threatening family situation. Park’s parents do not approve of* Eleanor’s awkward ways.

    Above all, this is a book about two people who just really, really like each other and who believe that they can overcome any obstacle* standing in the way of their happiness. (SD-Agencies)