Title and Author of book: Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Fiction or non-fiction: Fiction
Genre: YA
Where did I get the book: My public Library
Challenges that this fulfilled: YA Challenge
Who recommended this book to me?: I've been reading Dessen forever, so when I heard she had a new book coming out I immediately put a request in for it.
Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!
It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live. A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.
What did you like most about this book? I really liked how Dessen showed that Auden's parents were actually very demanding and hard on Auden. She in return, puts all of that stress and expectance of greatness onto her own shoulders, where she starts to crumble from the sheer weight of it. I liked that the step-mom isn't an evil ogre, but actually a real person with issues and someone Auden feels like she can relate to a bit. I love how Auden grows and experiences more of the outside world. Actually hanging out with GIRLS!! and having fun. That was a great side of her that I really enjoyed.
What did you like least? Is it cliche' to say that I loved it all???? Well, I did!
Have you read any other books by this author? I've read every single Dessen book and enjoyed all of them. I'm always amazed at the stories she creates and how she makes me care about the characters. Nothing about her writing is contrived or far-fetched. She has a great insight to teens and most especially the girl psyche. She's one of my favorite YA authors ever and I highly recommend reading her books to anyone!!
What about the ending? Loved the ending. And I really thought the relationship between Auden and Eli rang true.
