An author who has been getting an awful lot of buzz these past few years is Rainbow Rowell. Her first book, The Attachments, was deemed one of the outstanding debuts of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews.

“Attachments is a fast, funny romantic comedy about three people at the end of their 20s, at the end of the last Millennium. It’s a book about falling in love with the person who makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Even if it’s someone you’ve never met.” Publisher

Eleanor & Park was published in 2013 and was Rowell’s first young adult novel. The American Library Association named it a Printz Honor Book for excellence in young adult literature. “Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.” Publisher

Also published in 2013 was Fangirl, another young adult title that received positive reviews. In Fangirl, Cath is a big Simon Snow fan who writes fan fiction online. Simon Snow is the main character in a Harry Potter-like fantasy series. Fangirl is a coming-of-age story that follows Cath as she navigates her first year of university and adjusts to living on her own for the first time.

Rowell’s most recent publication is the adult title, Landline. In this story, Georgie McCool’s marriage seems to be in trouble when she discovers a way to communicate with her husband in the past. A heart-warming romance with a bit of a time travel twist, Georgie realizes she has the opportunity to try and fix her marriage before it even begins.

Rainbow Rowell is a great author for those interested in realistic romances that are both humourous and heartfelt. What can we expect next? She is currently working on a screenplay for DreamWorks Studios, who have purchased the film rights to Eleanor & Park.

Sarah