Point of View

The entire novel is told from the perspective of Auden West. Using a first-person narration lends weight to the narrative. That is to say, reading a story in which the main character chronicles his or her own adventure gives the reader a very solid point of connection. Reading a first-person account of something could generate immediate empathy on the part of the audience toward the protagonist. In the case of Along for the Ride, reading Auden's own story in Auden's own words has more of an impact on the reader. Specifically, Auden is in her late teens and about to enter college and her experience will speak to those readers whose lives are similar in that respect. Furthermore, Auden deals with issues of social awkwardness, friendships with boys and how to relate to other teenage girls. The novel serves as an example of individual internal process...