If you're looking for a quirky read, this is a great choice. Eleanor is methodical, a little OCD, very quirky and dryly comical. In the beginning, you get the impression that she is a bit of a good girl due to her shy and reclusive personality. You soon learn that there is much more to Eleanor and you will probably find something about her many qualities that you can relate to.
Raymond, who eventually becomes Eleanor's "friend" starts to come across as the bad-boy type. He's sloppy and unpolished and likes to smoke and drink. Your expectations and impression of his character will change as drastically as they do with Eleanor.
This is a bit of a long read but it takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride with Eleanor and all that she has survived. I cheered every time she stepped out of her comfort zone and accomplished something that was new to her and I nearly cried when she hit her lowest point.
All of the characters in this story are easy to love. I was sad when this book was over because I wanted to hear more of Eleanor's success story. Although fiction, it seemed very real. It's one of those books that you "miss" when it's over.
Read it. You'll love it.
