Along for the Ride

Reader reviewed by Lizzy

I picked up this book the day it was released, but ended up waiting a
month and a half to read it (oops). I always anticipate a new Sarah
Dessen novel. I wasn't a huge fan of Lock & Key, which may have had
something to do with the fact that I guessed exactly what was going to
happen after the first few chapters. So, when I heard that this one was
coming out I hoped it would be a little different. I was pleasantly
surprised at how different this book felt. Despite my non-love for Lock
& Key, I've found that in all Sarah Dessen novels the characters
relatable, and the stories have satisfying endings, so I can't go wrong
when I pick one up.

Auden was an interesting character, and was
the character who I sympathized with most in the story (as was the
point, I'm sure). She wasn't really sure of who she was, aside from a
good student, and she spent most of her time trying to act like an
adult for her parents benefit. Basically, she missed all the fun of
being a child. Eli, the mysterious boy that she meets in town, has
acted like a child a little t00 much over the course of his lifetime.
After a tragic accident, however, Eli has shut himself off from
everyone. Auden and Eli work together to help each other overcome their
respective problems. I'm just going to say that it seemed like this
book focused a lot more on Auden and her family then it did on her
relationship with Eli. Sure, their friendship took up a big chunk of
the book, but her main issues stemmed from her family. Eventually,
Auden realizes that she needs to start doing things for herself,
instead of doing them to gain approval from her parents.

I would
have liked to see the book travel a little bit father from the typical
path that some of Dessen's books take, but it was still a very
enjoyable read.

Reader reviewed by Yan

Sarah Dessen has made a name for herself in this tough industry, so it was no wonder that Along for the Ride would be an enjoyable read. But to what extent can Ms. Dessen bring something new to the table?

It was of no doubt that Along for the Ride was a wonderful story of love and triumph. Auden faces the pressure of her mother and the selfishness of her father forcing her to become a social failure. Trapped to the confines of the books and studies, Auden has never actually had a childhood, bowling, food fights, or even learning to ride a bike. That is where Eli comes in. Eli, with his troubled past and distant take on life, he might be the one to show what Auden has been missing all this time. Together they embark on a quest to what may be love?

There always seem to be family troubles in young adult books nowadays. Along for the Ride was no different.

Overall: Along for the Ride will be on my bookshelf because I greatly enjoy. New fans of Sarah Dessen will fall in love immediately but returning fans will be somewhat disappointed with the same ol same ol material. If this had been my first Sarah Dessen the grade would have been much, much, higher.