Review Detail

Setting: A small beach town

A Few of the Characters:
·
Auden –College bound girl who grew up too fast. She did not have the typical childhood. Academics is where she feels safe because that is what she is good at, and she doesn't like to fail. While spending the summer with her dad she meets some people who help her see life differently.
·
Eli - A mysterious boy who had had some hardships in his life, but who helps Auden regain some things she never experienced in life.
·
Maggie, Esther, and Leah - Unlikely friends to Auden, who turn out to be just that and more.
·
Heidi - Auden's stepmother, who proves to be more than Auden first thought she was.
What made me keep turning the page?

Watching Auden grow and learn about herself
Seeing how Eli helped Auden, but also how Auden helped Eli without realizing it
Wanting Auden to find a balance in her life between fun and school
Observing Auden and her mother becoming closer


Any complaints?

Nope

Recommendation:

Contemporary/Realistic YA Fiction Fans

·
Final Thoughts…
This was my first Sarah Dessen book, but won't be my last! I loved this book! It was such an easy read, but it was also complex. It made me reflect on things in my life as I read. The characters were so easy to fall in love with! I quickly began to care for Auden and her family. Along for the Ride was hard to put down, and I could have read it in one sitting if life hadn't gotten in the way. :)