Reading this
section was almost easier than the first part of the book. I am continually
surprised by how much I am enjoying reading this book. We left off with Eleanor
at her Dad’s house babysitting. Reading this, I wanted to learn more about her
biological father. Later on in the reading Eleanor remembers what it was like
when her mom and dad were still together, and how there were people always at
their house. I hope we find out what her dad did, or why her mom and dad ended
up splitting. This was most likely a critical event in Eleanor’s life, as an article
about the effects of divorce on children says that, “…parental divorce is a
watershed moment. Life that follows is significantly changed from how life was
before.” This must have had a drastic effect on Eleanor, and I think it even
has an effect on her relationship with Richie. At one part in the reading,
Eleanor’s mom pleads with her to get her act together and be in a good mood,
because everyone else is. She seems to have the biggest problem with Richie in
her family, and maybe part of it is an effect of seeing her parents go through
a divorce. Although, it is obvious Richie is not that great of a guy and
Eleanor’s resentment of him seems well-grounded.
Aside from this,
Eleanor and Park’s relationship takes huge strides in this section of reading.
We see them both break out of their shells and kiss one another. This is a
huge rush for both of them. We also see them go through their first big fight.
I would also be upset with Park too for going out with Tina, but that was a
long time ago. One of the scenes I found most interesting was when Park’s dad
talked to Eleanor about Richie. Park’s dad has really impressed me in the
recent reading. At first, I thought he was a great big tough guy who was going
to be really hard on Park. After seeing more of him, he is almost a calming presence
when he enters the scene. I know that he will clear the air whether it be with
Park’s mom, or whatever Park is fretting about, and make things right. This was
intriguing, and makes me hope that there will be some kind of encounter with
Park’s dad and Richie in the future!
I wasn't really surprised at parks dad becoming more sympathetic to Parks love for Elanor. People generally become more sympathetic to social problems when it happens to themselves and even moreso when it happens to their children.
ReplyDeleteAs I read I began to think that the parents would eventually ease up because love is love. And there is no denying that. Parents should live their children despite anything.
ReplyDeletePark's father really impressed me also, and it was kind of an "awe" moment when Eleanor was leaving Park's house and on her way out Park's father stops her and talks to her about Richie. I like your opinion about the book, I like it too. I also really like the picture you included!
ReplyDeleteBrendan-you have some great points! I'm sure when Eleanor's parents divorced that it was a tough thing, whether or not she liked them together.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about Park's dad. I didn't really care for his character at the beginning but he seems to be pulling for all the right things recently.
ReplyDeleteI also think Park's dad showed who he really was in this part of the book. It was impressive how he told Eleanor she could stay for dinner every night because he knew how Richie was.
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