“Along for the Ride” by Sarah Dessen

Info

Contemporary YA fiction (ages 12-19)
Viking, 2009 

Summary

Since Sarah Dessen is my favorite YA author, this was an easy and likable read for me. What I enjoyed most was that the characters were either about to start college or had been out of high school for a year or two, making it more interesting for readers who enjoy YA with college characters.

The story and characters were intriguing, and like all Dessen books, the plot keeps you interested, especially the romance. 

“Twenty Boy Summer” by Sarah Ockler

Info

Contemporary YA fiction (ages 12-19)
Little Brown, 2009 

Summary

I enjoyed this new author and couldn’t put this one down. The story follows a girl who has lost the guy she loves, and how she works through that—especially considering the guy she loved was her best friend’s brother. Wonderful characters and a page-turning plot.

I normally try to only say positive things about the books I read, but one thing bothered me about this book… the title. Because the title is “Twenty Boy Summer,” and the blurb on the back makes it sound like the main character seeks out twenty boys in order to get over her loss, that was what I expected. But instead she meets only a few guys and ends up seriously dating one of them. So as I read the book I kept waiting for her to date twenty guys, but it never happened. Still an awesome book, but totally threw me.

“If I Stay” by Gayle Forman

Info

Contemporary YA fiction (ages 12-19)
Penguin, 2009 

Summary

In this book a girl is in a car accident with her family and gets to decide whether she stays on earth without her family or if she dies along with her family. As she’s in the hospital, she’s in a state where she can see everything going on around her. She wrestles with staying and pursuing her dreams, or leaving earth to go be with her family. I really enjoyed the author’s voice on this one.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year!