YA Book of the Month

"You know, if you don't know how to ride a bike, it's nothing to be ashamed of," Eli said.

"I can ride a bike," I said.  "I just . . . I haven't had the opportunity in a while."

 

Along for the Ride (Hardcover)

By Sarah Dessen
$19.99
ISBN-13: 9780670011940
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Viking Juvenile, 06/01/2009

Riding a bike is only one of the many things Auden's missed out on.  Even before her parents' divorce, she was cast in the role of little adult, never making waves, focusing on academics to please her demanding mother.

Now she's spending the summer before college in the tiny beach town of Colby with her father and his new wife and baby.  A job in a trendy boutique introduces her to the world of girls, their friendships, conversations, romances.  And then there's Eli, an intriguing loner.  A former star on the bike circuit and a fellow insomniac, Eli introduces Auden to the nocturnal world of Colby.  Together they embark on a quest: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she's been denied: for Eli, to put a tragic episode behind him.  Combine two lonely people with a charming beach town and an endless supply of long summer nights, and just about anything can happen.

Once again, Sarah Dessen creates a rich and satisfying world that readers will hate to leave.