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Along for the Ride
by Sarah Dessen (Goodreads Author)
by Sarah Dessen (Goodreads Author)
Reading Sarah Dessen is like walking into an air-conditioned store after a hot, humid day in the sun. Reading Sarah Dessen is also like drinking an ice-cold smoothie after a long, harsh marathon. And finally, reading Sarah Dessen is like eating comfort food: you always know what you're going to get, a tasty, satisfying treat.
Auden has just finished her senior year and looks forward to spending the summer like she usually does: staying home and studying, while occasionally attending the parties hosted by her mom for her grad students. However, instead of following routine like she usually does, Auden decides to spend the summer at the attractive beach town where her dad and his new family reside. There, she meets her half-sister, Thisbe, as well as her first group of real friends. But the most alluring thing about the town is Eli: an ambiguous, secretive young man who is an insomniac, just like Auden. Late at night, they explore the childhood Auden never had - they get to know each other, and open up from what has restricted them in the past.
4.5 stars. I really love Sarah Dessen's writing. Previously stated by my plethora of similes in the first paragraph, it's just a comfort to be able to read her work. The strongest aspect of Dessen's novels are her characters. They are perfectly written - nuanced, flawed, yet so extremely likable and fleshed out. There's something that readers can relate to in every character: whether it be the driven determination of Auden's mom, or the insecurity Auden has with failing, etc.
The only reason Along for the Ride didn't receive the full five stars is because I felt there was something missing: there wasn't the extra punch Dessen usually delivers in her books. I just wanted to make it clear that it's not because of how formulaic some find her books to be. I simply space out the time between her novels, so I don't feel like I'm reading the same story over and over.
Overall, very good. I'm already looking forward to reading another book by Sarah Dessen.
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Auden has just finished her senior year and looks forward to spending the summer like she usually does: staying home and studying, while occasionally attending the parties hosted by her mom for her grad students. However, instead of following routine like she usually does, Auden decides to spend the summer at the attractive beach town where her dad and his new family reside. There, she meets her half-sister, Thisbe, as well as her first group of real friends. But the most alluring thing about the town is Eli: an ambiguous, secretive young man who is an insomniac, just like Auden. Late at night, they explore the childhood Auden never had - they get to know each other, and open up from what has restricted them in the past.
4.5 stars. I really love Sarah Dessen's writing. Previously stated by my plethora of similes in the first paragraph, it's just a comfort to be able to read her work. The strongest aspect of Dessen's novels are her characters. They are perfectly written - nuanced, flawed, yet so extremely likable and fleshed out. There's something that readers can relate to in every character: whether it be the driven determination of Auden's mom, or the insecurity Auden has with failing, etc.
The only reason Along for the Ride didn't receive the full five stars is because I felt there was something missing: there wasn't the extra punch Dessen usually delivers in her books. I just wanted to make it clear that it's not because of how formulaic some find her books to be. I simply space out the time between her novels, so I don't feel like I'm reading the same story over and over.
Overall, very good. I'm already looking forward to reading another book by Sarah Dessen.
Want to read more of my reviews? Follow me here.
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Reading Progress
| 05/02/2010 | page 188 |
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49.09% |
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Adrienne
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May 03, 2010 01:34pm
Great review Thomas. I'm looking forward to reading this one.
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You're right it felt it was missing that extra something. I think Thisbe was her half-sister? I might be mixed up though because I read it when it first came out. Nice review:)
this is me first book to read for Sarah . so i could not compare . that's why i give it 5 :) i love what you wrote "Reading Sarah Dessen is like walking into an air-conditioned store after a hot, humid day in the sun" . it's so true . i could not agree more .
Your right. There deffinitly seemed like something was missing. I can't put my finger on it but it deffinitly didn't seem complete. But that was a great review Thomas.
wow! just like what i thought about something is missing .. indeed, nice review! So far the best book I've read by Sarah Dessen, for me i guess?
Wow, am I late to replying to the comments on this review... thanks for the compliments everyone!Rachell Ann, if you haven't read them already, I suggest reading The Truth About Forever and Just Listen. Those two are my favorites. :)
Thank you so much Thomas! I'm pretty sure they are worth reading... especially if they are your favorites. God bless! :)
