By, Rainbow Rowell
I relate to the character Park Sheridan in the book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell because he is considered weird and is an outsider. He isn't crazy about sports, parties, dating and he’s popular enough not to get picked on and different enough not to fit in, just like yours truly. We first meet Park when Eleanor is boarding the bus to school. He’s sitting all alone listening to his walkman, while Eleanor gets pushed around by Tina and Steve. He tries to ignore the situation but eventually saves the day when he’s had enough of the raucous (Rowell 9). Just like him I would try and avoid the situation but eventually do something. To Park, fitting in does not matter anymore and like him, I do not fit
in either. Park’s taste in music differs from everyone else, same goes for me. I’m more into alternative music and Kpop unlike my peers who like rap and pop. Another reason I relate to Park is because of our parents. They want what is best for us but do not realize how much pressure they exceed. When Park first saw Eleanor he judged her appearance and also did not allow her to sit with him. I sometimes judge people's appearance when I first meet them, but if I get to know them more I begin to like them. Although Park and I share alike qualities we are very different. I have never gotten into a physical fight like how Park did with the block head giant, Steve. I do not read comic books, even though I watch the movies. Even though we have our differences we still do and find pleasure in similar things.