Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride is praised for its relatable characters and engaging storytelling. Reviewers appreciate the authentic exploration of personal growth and relationships. However, some critics point out predictable plot elements and wish for deeper character development. Overall, it's a heartwarming read with meaningful life lessons.

Readers who enjoy Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen are typically teens and young adults who appreciate contemporary romance with themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Fans of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before or Stephanie Perkins's Anna and the French Kiss would likely find this book engaging.

In Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride, academically accomplished and introverted teenager Auden West, who struggles with insomnia and the effects of her parents' divorce, spends her summer before college with her father, stepmother, and newborn half-sister in a small beach town, where she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac and professional biker, and embarks on a journey of personal growth, discovering friendship, love, and the importance of embracing new experiences. The book includes themes of parental neglect and the aftermath of a car accident involving a fatality.

Heartwarming / Romantic / Contemplative / Inspirational

- Along for the Ride was published in 2009 and is the ninth novel written by Sarah Dessen, a renowned author of young adult literature. 
- The inspiration for some of the settings and themes in Along for the Ride came from Sarah Dessen's own experiences growing up in a college town. 
- The novel was adapted into a Netflix film, released in 2022, marking it as the first of Dessen's books to be turned into a major film production.

**Auden**

A bookish, introverted young woman who finds solace in her studies due to her academic upbringing by two professor parents. Her journey involves exploring social experiences she missed in her childhood.

**Eli**

A professional biker who works at a bike shop and develops a bond with Auden. He helps her break out of her shell as they embark on a quest for missed experiences together.

**Victoria**

Auden’s mother, a successful and career-oriented professor of Renaissance Literature. She emphasizes academic achievement and struggles with emotional connections and commitment.

**Robert**

Auden’s father, a novelist and professor of writing, who often prioritizes his career over family responsibilities. He exhibits creative passion but tends to be self-centered and avoids confrontation.

Sarah Dessen

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Overview

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Along for the Ride Summary and Study Guide

Background

Along for the Ride Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Along for the Ride Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

Along for the Ride Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

Along for the Ride Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

Along for the Ride Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

Along for the Ride Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Along for the Ride Character Analysis

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Themes

Along for the Ride Themes

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Along for the Ride

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Along for the Ride?

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