Along for the Ride

Compare and contrast Auden and Eli. What similarities and differences do they have? Do you think they are a good balance for each other as romantic partners? Why or why not? Use evidence from the text.

How does Auden’s definition of success change in the novel? Is she less focused on success at the end than at the beginning? How does Dessen convey Auden’s attitude toward success?

By the novel’s conclusion, Auden believes that people should be given not just second chances, but as “many as you might need to get it right” (375). Do you agree or disagree with her belief? Why or why not? Potential topics to broaden your thinking about multiple chances include conflicts among friends and family, academic pursuits, sports, capital punishment, driver’s tests, jobs, etc.