“A woman who knew her own mind and scorned the conventions of polite society. We were going to get along just fine.” ~Eleanor Oliphant

Gail Honeyman’s debut novel Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine is a book full of unintentional humor and quirks.  The story follows an introvert who spends her Friday nights with a margarita pizza and a bottle of vodka and her days at a boring office job with a cryptic crossword and a meal deal. However, this all changes when she stumbles upon love at first sight with a handsome musician in a pub and becomes unlikely friends with an unkempt guy from IT.  “Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine” is a novel about a lonely woman navigating the sea of social interaction for the first time.

I have to admit, at first, I was skeptical of Eleanor in the first few chapters due to her cold demeanor. However, I had faith in Reese Witherspoon’s impeccable taste (Best displayed in her recent movie Home Again).  As the book goes on, Honeyman weaves in hints to Eleanor’s traumatizing past all while she begins her quest to become a “normal” person. Eleanor becomes likable as she faces our everyday social fears from bikini waxes to birthday parties. She is a character that is utterly unique yet totally relatable.

   Raymond, the unkempt IT guy, acts as the perfect contrast to Eleanor. When she is tidy and well-mannered he is rumpled and always tardy. He is the normal tech geek wearing graphic tees and trainers. Although Raymond may be a mess on the outside, it is easy to see through to his big heart. I loved watching Eleanor and Raymond’s relationship grow as the plot progressed. Honeyman crafted such a strong bond between the two characters; she really proved that opposites do attract.

This novel is full of emotions; honestly, get ready for a roller-coaster of feels. Though Eleanor may be completely fine, this book is completely amazing. If you are looking for a quirky light-hearted read with a main character you will cheer for this a great book to add to your summer reading list.