tiny pink books

Along For the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Viking Juvenile, 2009
Along for the Ride is a typical Sarah Dessen coming of age novel.  By typical, I mean that there’s nothing all that new here–realistic characters, the well paced story, and a well crafted emotional landscape of being confused and at that age where you’re deciding who you want to be in life.

Auden, an overachieving, a-type girl with problems (this time it’s her parents’ divorce) is thrown out of her element and winds up meeting a quirky cute boy with problems as well (dead best friend).  She helps him, he helps her, both of them grow.  If you’ve read the fabulous The Truth About Forever, you have practically read this one, but even so, I’d recommend both!  Sarah Dessen does what she does so well that the repetition doesn’t both me.  Recommended for Sarah Dessen fans and/or readers seeking a realistic coming of age story (complete with a few tear jerker moments and that general sweet/warm hearted feeling that you get at the end of every good coming of age story).

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Puffin, 2006

Keeping her life in absolute control, trying to be “perfect,” and never confronting the emotional devastation that she feels over the sudden death of her father, Macy acts like she is “fine, just fine,” despite the fact that nothing could be further from the truth.  With her boyfriend Jason away for the summer, Macy takes over his job at the library and plans to spend her entire summer working and studying for the SAT.  In an uncharacteristic moment of impulse, Macy starts working for Wish Catering, a local catering business full of chaos, fun, and new friends who will help her change her place in life and finally confront the emotions within her.

The Truth About Forever was a perfect piece of realistic fiction–honest and heartfelt, it drew as many laughs as it did tears.  Dessen’s writing adds depth and emotion that brings the characters to life.  Though Macy could be frustratingly nervous at times, I really felt attached to her and the other characters by the end of this book.  I’d recommend this book to teens and adults who want a portrayal of a smart girl going through some really tough emotional moments.

I listened to the audio version of this book and, though it borders on the long side at 11 discs, it was enjoyable and captivating.  Seriously…I lingered in my car in the parking lot long after reaching my destination many times through this read.