In searching my favorite audiobook site about a year ago, I found this title called Eleanor and Park with a cover that caught my eye. The story looked to be set in the 80’s (a sure tug on my heart) and centered around music and two misfits who fall in love. SOLD!

Long story short, a year later, I finally loaded my iPod and sat back for a listen. Let’s just say, the book came to a close, and I hit the button to start chapter one again, and listened through a second time straight away.

I don’t want to rehash the story here because I want you to read the book and experience this strange exquisiteness for yourself. But if you are at all in doubt, let me tell you who this book is for:

– Anyone who adores the magic of first love.
– Anyone who spent the 80’s with the alternative music of The Cure, The Smiths, Joy Division, Echo and the Bunnymen,etc., blaring through the headphones of your Sony walkman.
– Anyone who likes to root for the underdog.
– Anyone who has ever been a bit weird or awkward.
– Anyone who is looking for a story to capture their heart and never let go.

So in celebration of my current obsession, allow me to give you a PLAYLIST of the week. In the book, Eleanor wants to listen to alternative music but can’t (you’ll have to read to find out why). If I were to give Eleanor a list of 80’s alternative music to get her started, this would be it. I’ll pepper in some songs Park did actually give her, which I coincidentally love.  🙂

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
The Perfect Girl by The Cure
Dressed in Black by Hoodoo Gurus (not released until 1991, but too perfect to exclude)
Debaser by Pixies
How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths
One of the Millions by XTC
No New Tale to Tell by Love and Rockets
Love Spreads by The Stone Roses
Anywhere’s Better Than Here by The Replacements
Lips Like Sugar by Echo and the Bunnymen
Bad by U2
Alison by Elvis Costello

If you do Spotify, click here to find this playlist in my shared playlists.

Enjoy the book and the music!