Along for the RideBy Sarah Dessen
Viking, 2009. 383 pgs. Young Adult
After graduating from high school, studious insomniac Auden has the summer free and decides to go visit her father, step-mother, and new half sister. During the summer, she realizes that perhaps she has missed out on some things while focusing on her studies. She meets fellow insomniac Eli, who helps her begin to experience the little things in life that she's never done before. Auden also has to deal with some new realizations about her parents, herself, and life.
This book was a pleasure to read. Auden is a likable, well-developed character; her ignorance in all things social is believable and humorous. Supporting characters are wonderful as well. The themes of growth, friendship, and facing your fears are all interesting. I absolutely loved all aspects of this book; plot, characters, and style are all superb.
AE
1 comment:
Sarah Dessen delivers again with this novel. She doesn't flinch away from describing Auden's parents in a realistic manner. Her father is immature and her mother is self-absorbed. They both love Auden but don't parent her the way she needs. I enjoyed reading about Auden's relationship with her wayward brother. Perhaps the most refreshing part of this book is the accurate description of the difficulties of Auden's step-mother in dealing with a newborn. The lack of sleep, constant crying (by the newborn & mother), and incessant stress of worry is not often accurately depicted in young adult novels. Cheers to Dessen for writing realistic literature that isn't too depressing to read and leads the reader on a satisfying journey with the protagonist.
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