Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

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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. (from Goodreads)

Okay, I don’t normally read much contemporary, realistic fiction.  I especially don’t read it in the YA area because they tend to be depressing.  At least that’s what I’ve always thought.

I obviously need to expand my horizons.

I read Along for the Ride because it is one of last years Teens Top Ten nominees and I am still trying to catch up on those.  I am not sure why I bother because the new nominees will be out in a few months (April 14, 2011, to be exact.)  Anyway, it did make the top ten list.

I am so glad I gave this one a shot.

The book takes place during the summer between high school graduation and whatever comes after . . . college, work, or “chicken salad.”  Read the book.  You’ll understand.

Cross posted to Irwin County Students READ!

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Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance, Young Adult

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