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A review by mmarzolf
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
5.0
I don’t usually gravitate towards contemporary YA reads these days, however, already being familiar with the story (I’ve watched the movie) I decided to give it a try.
Unsurprisingly, while I enjoyed the movie, the book went even further. It enhanced the story, providing deeper insights to the characters’ (in particular Auden’s) feelings, thoughts, and motivations.
I found it so easy to escape into the seaside town of Colby alongside the characters while reading. The palpable potential of one last summer before starting college was relatable. I was also captivated reading about Auden and Eli’s nightly adventures, involving a very important quest. Their blooming relationship was so cute!
Another aspect I enjoyed about the story was the self discovery & growth shown throughout Auden’s summer and that this was intertwined with a great cast of side characters’ own growth & journey. It felt like the relationships that Auden established were tangible and multifaceted. Especially having been a former loner, you could really grasp what a big deal it was for her to lower her guard and put in the effort to make those connections with her peers.
Overall, I would say this is a perfect summer/beach read, not because it lacks depth or substance, but because it is a story about a young woman who learns how to be a little bit carefree during her last summer before college. Add to it the small beach town setting, and adventures that last well into the late night (or early morning depending on how you look at it), and it gave me the perfect feels!
Unsurprisingly, while I enjoyed the movie, the book went even further. It enhanced the story, providing deeper insights to the characters’ (in particular Auden’s) feelings, thoughts, and motivations.
I found it so easy to escape into the seaside town of Colby alongside the characters while reading. The palpable potential of one last summer before starting college was relatable. I was also captivated reading about Auden and Eli’s nightly adventures, involving a very important quest. Their blooming relationship was so cute!
Another aspect I enjoyed about the story was the self discovery & growth shown throughout Auden’s summer and that this was intertwined with a great cast of side characters’ own growth & journey. It felt like the relationships that Auden established were tangible and multifaceted. Especially having been a former loner, you could really grasp what a big deal it was for her to lower her guard and put in the effort to make those connections with her peers.
Overall, I would say this is a perfect summer/beach read, not because it lacks depth or substance, but because it is a story about a young woman who learns how to be a little bit carefree during her last summer before college. Add to it the small beach town setting, and adventures that last well into the late night (or early morning depending on how you look at it), and it gave me the perfect feels!