A February read with love from the librarian

Despite only having 28 days, the month of February becomes full with energy and anticipation for one day in particular. The 14th is built up by the two weeks leading up to a day of Hallmark cards, chocolate boxes, red roses and dinner reservations that spread across and light up the nation as bright as the sparks stirring between two kids holding hands in the back of a school bus. What better way to celebrate the month of Valentine’s Day than to dive into a book about the fleeting moments of a first love?  Samo librarian, Stefani Tovar, recommends the beloved novel Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell to curl up with this February.  “This book is about two misfit high schoolers who are forced to sit next to each other on the bus to and from school,” Tovar said. “At first, they don't really understand each other, but over time, a friendship blooms, and then romance.” The dual narration provides an insight into the cynical thoughts and later blooming daydreams of both characters throughout the novel. As Eleanor and Park spend more time with each other every day, they start to discover the deeper issues occurring in the other’s life at home and in each other’s past. They find a connection through music, as Rowell intertwines the story set in 1986 with lyrics and ballads from a few of the greatest classic rock bands in history.  “Although the story itself is set in the ’80s, the relatability of the first experience of falling in love - meeting another person, having unfamiliar feelings for him/her, forming relationships, and heartbreak -- is timeless and universal,” Tovar said. “This book reminds me that we've all been there, and should embrace the joys and sorrows that come with love.” Park begins to share tracks on his cassette player with Eleanor and the two find meaning in the words and melodies that continue to dominate the lives of teenagers. Songs like “Bad” by U2, “There is a Light that Never Goes Out” by the Smiths and “Forever Young” by Alphaville fill the pages of Rowell’s nostalgic story as mixtapes (old-fashioned Spotify playlists) ensue the budding romance between the outsiders that find a sense of belonging in each other and in the music. Tovar believes that any student at Samo could identify themselves and everyone else surrounding them within these chapters.  “This story is a reminder that our personal experiences in love (and other things) are collective experiences that make us human and never truly alone,” Tovar said.