Along for the Ride

Reader reviewed by Adrienne (Addicted Book Reader)

Sarah Dessen always writes amazingly, great books and this one is
just as wonderful. All of her stories are similar: girl and boy fall for
each other then something happens where they stop talking, so then they
either get back together or they don't. I couldn't stop reading and
really wanted Auden and Eli to be together! I was worried they wouldn't
be together, but the ending was perfect.

The story is
cute, funny, and pretty good. I love all the characters because they all
are unforgettable and very easy to relate to. Auden goes through a lot
in one summer, and it great how much she grew during then. She makes new
friends, learns to let loose a little, and even to love and forgive.
This wasn't my favorite Dessen book, but I still like it a lot. If
you're looking for a nice, quick, summer read this would be perfect. I
can't wait to read future books from such a great author!

Reader reviewed by Adrienne (Addicted Book Reader)

Sarah Dessen always writes amazingly, great books and this one is
just as wonderful. All of her stories are similar: girl and boy fall for
each other then something happens where they stop talking, so then they
either get back together or they don't. I couldn't stop reading and
really wanted Auden and Eli to be together! I was worried they wouldn't
be together, but the ending was perfect.

The story is
cute, funny, and pretty good. I love all the characters because they all
are unforgettable and very easy to relate to. Auden goes through a lot
in one summer, and it great how much she grew during then. She makes new
friends, learns to let loose a little, and even to love and forgive.
This wasn't my favorite Dessen book, but I still like it a lot. If
you're looking for a nice, quick, summer read this would be perfect. I
can't wait to read future books from such a great author!

Reader reviewed by Carly

As always I loved this book!!! The plot was great, no suprise there. Sarah Dessen is a great author who knows exactly what teens like. I read this book in about a day or two and there was nothing she could have done better. The writing was great and so was the message she always sends to young girls. Overall, GREAT READ!!

Reader reviewed by Leah McLovin

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.

Reader reviewed by ReggieWrites

Auden has never done anything spontaneous. She's always locked up in
her room, studying or getting ahead of her work. When her parents get a
divorce, she becomes all too friendly with the night and becomes an
insomniac. But when she arrives in the little town of Colby--where she
makes new friends and does things she has never done before--everything
changes. She changes. She meets new people and finds sanctuary with Eli
in a laundry store away from her fighting dad and step-mom. Auden
realizes what she missed as a child, and grows out of her shell.

Sarah
Dessen delivers an entertaining, contemplating read that will absorb
readers into Auden's complicated life. Dessen develops the story in the
cozy setting that readers will adore. The vivid descriptions of the
small, intimite town of Colby is accomplished flawlessly; even through
Auden's point of view. Who can't help but love endless summer nights
with the bright, sunny mornings?

In Colby, Auden is surrounded
by a humourous, eclectic cast of characters. Each one is unique and
dynamic with their own previous summer adventures and traditions.
Almost everyone's past in Colby is connected somehow. As the new town
girl, attentions are focused on Auden. And slowly, Auden starts to fit
in and become more sociable and appreciative of her friends.

Auden's
revalation is also a way for her to find who she really is; without the
books. She finds herself through her quest to do everything she's
missed as a child. Throughout the story, she discoveres--little by
little--that the people of Colby, at first glance, aren't what they
seem. They're unpridictable and trustworthy--very different from how
they seem on the surface. Another issue in Along for the Ride,
is the frequent debate whether or not people can or cannot change.
Dessen impressively connects this issue to Auden's life throught
different examples on both sides.

Dessen has accoplished an
amazing novel full of friendship, love, and many firsts. As Auden
embarks on her late-night (almost early morning) adventures and goes
through her daily routine, readers will enjoy watching her make
mistakes and get back up on her feet. Along for the Ride's slow, relaxing pace, will allow readers to relate to Auden and reminisce about their own summer experiences.

The
Bottom Line: Along for the Ride was my first time reading one of Sarah
Dessen's books and I wasn't dissapointed. Everything was
summery-perfect. I'd definitely say that this is one of my favorite
summer reads...The only thing that I wasn't really fond of, was Auden's
mom and dad. They were both--in my opinion--pig-headed. Her mom was
always nagging her while her dad didn't even care. It was either all or
nothing! Also, the cover bothered me a little bit. Auden shouldn't have
been wearing a pink dress because she isn't exactly girly in the novel.
But apart from that, Along for the Ride is a great read! A+ :-)

Reader reviewed by Holly

Along for the Ride is about a girl Auden who, in her summer before college, goes to the beach town Colby to stay with her dad new stepmom and stepsister and end up experiencing things she never had before. Like friendships, being carefree, and Eli who is has insomnia just like Auden. During her first summer of acting like a teenager she gets close to Eli during the long nights they spend together and eventually cares for him more than she has ever cared for anyone else. I loved this book is was soooo good. the long nights between Auden and Eli were beautiful and the friendships that makes are very real. I also love that Auden sees heidi, her stepmom, in a whole different light after she gets to know her. A very sweet inncoent book. Great if  you are seeking a great summer read.

Reader reviewed by Aud

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen is centered around a simple brainiac girl named Auden. Since she was little and her parents were fighting at all hours of the night she hasn't had a good night sleep. It is the summer before she goes to college and instead of being just a waitress for her some what unemotional mother she decides its time for a change. She packs up and goes to her fathers for the summer. She is welcomed by her step mother and new baby sister who seems to never stop crying.

Auden has never had the social interaction of a normal child. Her parents saw her as an adult so they treated her as one. She never got to go out and just be a kid. This is when Auden meets Eli. Eli who is guilt stricken by the death of his best friend also stays up most nights and they form a friendship fast. They embark and a Quest to help Auden do all the things that she never accomplished in her childhood so she can at least have the chance. For the first time ever Auden actually gets to experience what it is like to be young.

Sarah Dessen is a wonderful writer! If you haven't read her books.. you should go right now and get some to read ASAP! She doesn't spend too long on items that don't matter like some authors do. Her books are fantastic! Along for the Ride has everything you could ask for... beach, friends, bikes, AND hot guys! What else do you need?

Reader reviewed by Aud

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen is centered around a simple brainiac girl named Auden. Since she was little and her parents were fighting at all hours of the night she hasn't had a good night sleep. It is the summer before she goes to college and instead of being just a waitress for her some what unemotional mother she decides its time for a change. She packs up and goes to her fathers for the summer. She is welcomed by her step mother and new baby sister who seems to never stop crying.

Auden has never had the social interaction of a normal child. Her parents saw her as an adult so they treated her as one. She never got to go out and just be a kid. This is when Auden meets Eli. Eli who is guilt stricken by the death of his best friend also stays up most nights and they form a friendship fast. They embark and a Quest to help Auden do all the things that she never accomplished in her childhood so she can at least have the chance. For the first time ever Auden actually gets to experience what it is like to be young.

Sarah Dessen is a wonderful writer! If you haven't read her books.. you should go right now and get some to read ASAP! She doesn't spend too long on items that don't matter like some authors do. Her books are fantastic! Along for the Ride has everything you could ask for... beach, friends, bikes, AND hot guys! What else do you need?