Review: Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Synopsis:
Auden has always felt like the odd one out. Since her parents' divorce she's shied away, studying lots and staying out of the party scene. But now Auden's realized there must be something more and, just like that, she changes everything. Moving to her dad's house opens up a whole new world of beach parties, food fights - and simply having fun. As she gets to know herself - and a secretive boy with dark, brooding eyes - can Auden begin to let go and finally feel like she truly belongs?






Review:
I adore the covers of Sarah Dessen's books they are just so beautiful.

The story is beautifully written in 1st person narrative from the central characters, Auden, point of view. Very powerful and poignant prose, heartfelt from the start.

It really brought a lot of cliches to mind such as 'you just have to be yourself'. The main focus at the start of the story is Auden's relationship with her parents and how she tries to win their attention/love/approval. I think this is something that we all do at some point in our lives. It also made me look at my relationship with my children and how I might be having a negative affect on their self-confidence. I can tell you it was not an easy thing to do. The story emphasises that it is not only children that should earn approval but parents as well. Is it me or do most parents try to life vicariously through their children - living their own dreams through them rather than allowing them to discover their own dreams. OR being disappointed if the child's ambitions are different from our own. I try to give my children the opportunities to explore different things to be able to make an informed decision about their choices.

As I said the story really did bring a lot of cliches to mind, another is not to compare siblings to each other as they are all individual with different strengths and weaknesses.

All the characters were extremely well written. I especially liked Eli (I wonder why?) and Maggie came as a complete surprise bringing the adage of 'never judge a book' by it's cover to mind. I was surprised at Auden's actions after a significant event within the story, especially those towards Eli. It was her 'right of passage' so to speak.

On the whole a lovely heart-warming story that both teens and parents will relate to.