TL;DR
Auden spends a summer in a beach town, exploring teenage life and forming a deep connection with Eli, a fellow insomniac, as they both seek personal growth and healing.
What is Along for the Ride about
'Along for the Ride' by Sarah Dessen explores the transformative summer of Auden, a high-achieving girl who has missed out on typical teenage experiences due to her parents' high expectations and divorce. In the beach town of Colby, she encounters a new world through a job at a boutique and forms a poignant bond with Eli, a fellow insomniac grappling with his own guilt over a friend's death. Through their nighttime escapades, Auden learns to embrace life and friendships, ultimately discovering her true self.
Along for the Ride 6 Key Takeaways
Auden moves to Colby for the summer.
Auden decides to spend her last summer before college in the beach town where her father, stepmother, and new baby sister live, seeking freedom from her parents' expectations.
Auden starts a job at a boutique.
She gets a job in a clothes boutique, which introduces her to a world of girls and friendships she had previously missed out on.
Auden meets Eli.
Eli, an intriguing loner and fellow insomniac, becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town, leading to a deep connection between them.
Parallel quests.
Auden embarks on a quest to experience the teenage life she missed, while Eli seeks to come to terms with the guilt he feels over a friend's death.
Auden's personal growth.
Through her experiences and relationships over the summer, Auden learns to break free from her parents' constraints and discovers her own identity and desires.
Auden and Eli's bond.
Their bond deepens as they support each other in their quests, culminating in emotional growth and mutual healing.
Top Along for the Ride Quotes
- 'Life is full of screwups. You're supposed to fail sometimes. It's a required part of the human existence.'
- 'The best discoveries always happened to the people who weren't looking for them.'
Who should read Along for the Ride?
'Along for the Ride' is perfect for young adults and readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories that explore themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of friendships. It offers valuable lessons on overcoming personal challenges and embracing new experiences.
Along for the Ride Best Reviews
- 'Dessen beautifully captures the essence of teenage self-discovery and the complexities of family dynamics.' - The New York Times
- 'A heartfelt, engaging read that explores deep emotional themes with a light touch.' - Publishers Weekly
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Along for the Ride FAQs
What happens in the book 'Along for the Ride'?
Auden spends her last summer before college in the beach town of Colby, breaking free from her parents' high expectations and discovering new aspects of herself and life.
Do Auden and Eli sleep together in the book?
Auden and Eli do share a night together, but they do not have sex or take off their clothes. Their relationship is more about emotional connection and mutual support.
Is 'Along for the Ride' spicy?
The book is rated as moderate in terms of language and references to sex. It contains some mild partying scenes with beer but is generally suitable for young adults.