61 pages • 2 hours read
Along for the Ride
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Colby, North Carolina • 2000s
2009
YA
12-18 years
750L
Super Short Summary
In Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride, academically accomplished and introverted teenager Auden West, who struggles with insomnia and the effects of her parents' divorce, spends her summer before college with her father, stepmother, and newborn half-sister in a small beach town, where she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac and professional biker, and embarks on a journey of personal growth, discovering friendship, love, and the importance of embracing new experiences. The book includes themes of parental neglect and the aftermath of a car accident involving a fatality.
Heartwarming
Romantic
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
211,368 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride is praised for its relatable characters and engaging storytelling. Reviewers appreciate the authentic exploration of personal growth and relationships. However, some critics point out predictable plot elements and wish for deeper character development. Overall, it's a heartwarming read with meaningful life lessons.
Who Should Read Along for the Ride?
Readers who enjoy Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen are typically teens and young adults who appreciate contemporary romance with themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Fans of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before or Stephanie Perkins's Anna and the French Kiss would likely find this book engaging.
211,368 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eli
Eli
A professional biker who works at a bike shop and develops a bond with Auden. He helps her break out of her shell as they embark on a quest for missed experiences together.
Victoria
Victoria
Auden’s mother, a successful and career-oriented professor of Renaissance Literature. She emphasizes academic achievement and struggles with emotional connections and commitment.
Robert
Robert
Auden’s father, a novelist and professor of writing, who often prioritizes his career over family responsibilities. He exhibits creative passion but tends to be self-centered and avoids confrontation.
432
Novel • Fiction
Colby, North Carolina • 2000s
2009
YA
12-18 years
750L
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