Along For the Ride by

After years of being the studious odd one out, Auden decides to shake up her life and move to her dad's beachside home. There, she experiences a whirlwind of beach parties, food fights, and new friendships. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she meets a secretive boy with dark, brooding eyes, who adds a layer of complexity to her newfound freedom. Along for the Ride is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and the importance of enjoying life's simple pleasures. Sarah Dessen, a New York Times bestseller, weaves a captivating story that resonates with young adults, exploring themes of belonging and personal growth.

Reviews

Common Sense Media · Debra Bogart · 2024-02-02

realistic 4.00

This novel offers a realistic portrayal of teen life, including drinking, romance, and nuanced relationships. It is a fairly chaste novel that deals with important themes in a thoughtful manner.

This novel offers a realistic portrayal of teen life, including drinking, romance, and nuanced relationships. The story is set during a teenager's summer before college, a time of transition and self-discovery. The author handles these themes with sensitivity and depth, making the characters and their experiences feel authentic. The novel is fairly chaste, focusing more on emotional and psychological development rather than physical relationships. This makes it accessible to a wider audience while still addressing important issues. The portrayal of family dynamics and friendships is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the complexities and challenges of these relationships.

Quick quotes

A fairly chaste novel about a teenager's summer before college.

It offers a realistic portrayal of teen life that includes drinking, romance, and nuanced relationships.

The author handles these themes with sensitivity and depth.

Bookmark Lit · 2017-05-17

favorite 4.50

This book is a favorite among Sarah Dessen's works, with a compelling story and relatable characters. It quickly became a new favorite for the reviewer, who appreciated the summer-before-college experience.

This book is a favorite among Sarah Dessen's works, with a compelling story and relatable characters. The reviewer found the story to be engaging and enjoyable, particularly the summer-before-college experience. The main character, Auden, is well-developed and her journey is both relatable and inspiring. The author does an excellent job of capturing the essence of this transformative period in a teenager's life. The setting of a beachside town adds a sense of adventure and freedom, making the story even more captivating. The characters and their relationships are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making this book a standout in the author's collection.

Quick quotes

It quickly became my new favorite Dessen.

I loved Auden and her summer-before-college experience because I was dealing with the same thing.

I couldn't seem to put it down.

Goodreads · 2009-06-16

outstanding 4.00

This book is a fantastic summer read that captures the essence of youth and self-discovery. The characters are well-developed, and the story is both heartwarming and engaging.

This book is a fantastic summer read that captures the essence of youth and self-discovery. The main character, Auden, is relatable and her journey is both heartwarming and engaging. The author does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of teenage life, including the challenges and joys of growing up. The story is set against the backdrop of a beachside town, which adds a sense of adventure and freedom. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Overall, this book is a delightful and meaningful read that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

Along for the Ride is outstanding and it's a great summer read!

I love you, Sarah Dessen!

It's about a girl called Auden, who is dealing with the same things I was.

Appears in Lists

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