Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Genre: Romance

Hardcover: 383 Pages

Published: June 16, 2009

Series: None

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.

My Review:

            Auden has just finished her senior year and is looking forward to spending her summer like she always does: staying home, studying, and occasionally attending parties hosted by her mother for her grad students. Instead of spending her summer like she always does, Auden decides to spend time with her father and his new family near an attractive beach. Auden's summer starts off with her meeting her new half sister, Thisbe, as well as her group of friends. But the most fascinating thing about the town is the mysterious guy Eli: a secretive young man who is an insomniac like Auden. As they get to know each other they spend their nights exploring the childhood Auden was never able to have. They open up to each other and discover they both have secrets that they don't want anyone to know.

            Dessen has a unique style of writing. I have read many books by Dessen and I have to say each time I read her books I fall in love with them. My favorite one was The Truth About Forever, and now this book is in my top favorites by Dessen. Her writing captivates  the reader and hooks you until the end of the book. One thing I really like about Dessen's writing is that it revolves around family, friends, and life choices. I love books that show reality and get the reader to connect with the characters. Overall, an awesome book and I truly enjoyed reading.