Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen is a heartwarming and incredibly adorable story that manages to show the readers how while things will not always be smooth-sailing, there will always be a hand reaching out when you need it. It is one of several teen romances written by Dessen, and it is about Auden, who has insomnia. After making a spontaneous decision that lands her somewhere she's never thought she would be, she meets Eli, who‘s an insomniac just like her. Together Eli leads Auden on a series of night tours around town, where they embark on a journey of excitement, love, and acceptance in a place, unlike anything Auden has ever known.

This intricately-paced story manages to unfold in a way that constantly moves the story forward without leaving any important details out. Dessen is able to wonderfully balance all the elements surrounding Auden within the story, whether it be familial issues, small-town drama, or blooming romance – all within the summery beach scenery that the readers get to know very well. Along for the Ride manages to draw you into the world of the beach town descriptively, all while managing to catch the reader by surprise—using every day, reality-hitting scenes to present incredibly emotional events that can resonate with anyone. This New York Times #1 Bestselling book (which is now a movie on Netflix) would be great for teens of any age and/or anyone who just can’t help falling for love romances.

Review by: Hailey Rafols

Hailey is a virtual volunteer at Sylmar Branch Library. She is an 11th grader at Bishop Alemany High School.

—Dana Eklund, Sylmar Branch Library