I believe there are three types of books: those that are read and liked but never thought about again, those that are remembered and loved – perhaps even read again. Finally, there are books that change people's lives. Eleanor & Park is one of those.

Up-and-coming author Rainbow Rowell creates a work of art worthy of tears and laughter. This love story of two misfits sounds clichéd at first – the new girl finding refuge with the “weird Asian kid” who rides her bus – but this tale is far from a cliché.

As the book progresses, darker aspects of their lives are revealed, making them painfully real. Eleanor's inadequate home life affects her behavior, resulting in Park's insecurity about her feelings for him. Park struggles to fit in with his family and meet his father's expectations. Both battle to keep their innocence and, more importantly, each other.

When I read Eleanor & Park the first time, I was blown away by the realistic characters created in just 175 pages. Rowell gave them each a personality I found completely realistic; by the end, I almost believed they existed. Eleanor's snarky, sarcastic sense of humor made me laugh, and Park's sweet, romantic ways had me falling for him.

Rowell's writing style seems similar to John Green; both have a quirky style, use irony, and have a distinctive voice to convey their characters (and both writers break your heart with their plot twists).

Rainbow Rowell spins a love story laced with tragedy, humor, and the rebellious voices of two love-struck teenagers. I would recommend Eleanor & Park to anyone, especially readers who crave a love story with an edge.