61 pages • 2 hours read
Sarah DessenAlong for the Ride
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
750LBook Details
Romance
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Realistic Fiction
Relationships: Family
Self Discovery
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance