Author: Sarah Dessen
Release Date: June 11, 2009
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pages: 399
Source: borrowed from Lexie
Stars: 4/5
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.
In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.
(summary taken from Goodreads)MY THOUGHTS:
This is actually the very first book I ever read by Sarah Dessen! I've heard so many great things about her novels, so I was super excited to be able to pick up a copy of Along for the Ride!
I can honestly say I adore almost every character in this book. From Auden, whose mind is beautiful and melancholic at some points (and whose name I love), to her dad's new wife Heidi, who we expect to dislike at first but actually turns out to be such a strong female character.
And Eli, the boy who comes off as quiet and sort of dark at first but we quickly realize is just haunted by guilt. He's the final push that Auden needs to come out of her perfect little shell. They have so many moments together that are sweet and funny and completely heartwarming that you know they're perfect for each other!
(Just be prepared not to like either of Auden's parents.)
Along for the Ride is an such a touching and enjoyable read! I love how realistic yet magical Sarah Dessen managed to write this story. I'm definitely going to look out for more of her books! :)
BUY or BORROW?: If you're a lover of a sweet and heartwarming contemporary novel, Along for the Ride is a must have!
-Mimi
Posts
I've been hearing so much about Sarah Dessen lately. I haven't read any of her books yet though.
ReplyDeleteLove this book so much! I was reading it at 1am and it was the first time I have EVER wanted to get out of the house in the middle of the night and find an adventure (not like I actually did, though). Great review! You should definitely read more of Sarah's books! They're all amazing. :)
ReplyDelete