Sarah Dessen on ‘Along for the Ride’: Netflix Success, Creative Vision, and a Possible Mandy Moore Reunion
Best-selling author Sarah Dessen has long been a cornerstone of young adult fiction, known for her heartfelt stories of self-discovery, summer love, and navigating life’s complexities. Her beloved novel, Along for the Ride, has recently found a new life as a hit Netflix film, bringing her iconic characters to a global audience over a decade after its initial publication. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Sarah Dessen to discuss the inspiring journey of Along for the Ride from page to screen, her insights into its renewed relevance, and a nostalgic look back at her previous adaptations, including hopes for a reunion with Mandy Moore.
Bringing Beloved Characters to Life: Sarah Dessen’s Take on ‘Along for the Ride’ Adaptation
For an author whose work has resonated deeply with millions of readers, seeing a beloved book transform into a visual narrative is a unique experience. Dessen expressed her delight in witnessing Along for the Ride embrace this new phase. “The book has already had a life of its own,” Sarah shared with HollywoodLife. “It’s nice that it’s not a new release. It’s a book that I promoted and walked around and talked about for a long time. To be able to see it take on this new life is just very cool.” This sentiment highlights the enduring appeal of her stories, which continue to capture hearts across generations.
She praised screenwriter and director Sofia Alvarez for her sensitive and insightful approach to the adaptation. “I feel like Sofia has taken all the strongest parts of it and amplified them, which is something I couldn’t do. I could never adapt my own stuff. I feel like I would just be terrible,” Dessen confessed, emphasizing the unique perspective a fresh pair of eyes can bring to an author’s work. Alvarez’s ability to extract the essence of the novel and magnify its emotional core truly resonated with Dessen, leading to an adaptation that feels both faithful and vibrant. The author’s humility in recognizing the distinct skill set required for adaptation speaks volumes about her respect for the creative process beyond the written word.
Dessen’s enthusiasm for this particular adaptation is palpable, especially given the current global climate. “I’m just thrilled. I really am, and I love that this is the first one and that it’s coming out at this time when it’s really going to resonate with this idea of making up for lost time and second chances and things that we’ve missed that maybe are not gone forever,” she explained. The film’s themes of embracing change, seizing opportunities, and rediscovering joy perfectly align with a post-pandemic world grappling with similar feelings of renewal and newfound appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Why ‘Along for the Ride’ Resonates Now More Than Ever
Along for the Ride marks the first of three planned Netflix film adaptations of Sarah Dessen’s acclaimed novels, signaling a new era for her work on screen. Dessen elaborated on why this particular story was the ideal choice to kick off what many fans are calling the “Dessen dynasty” on Netflix.
“I think coming out of the pandemic, we’re all making changes,” Sarah observed. “I feel like a lot of people have pivoted, and we’ve realized that you don’t want to put a lot of stuff off.” This universal experience of reassessment forms a powerful backdrop for Auden’s journey in the film. Auden, the protagonist, is a young woman who has always been hyper-focused on her future, meticulously planning every step and often sacrificing present joys for distant goals. Dessen admits to a personal connection with Auden’s early mindset. “Auden is a girl who is always thinking about the future, and that’s the way that I was too, especially when I was writing that book,” she reflected.
However, Dessen’s own life has seen significant shifts, mirroring the transformations many have experienced. “I think I changed a lot over the pandemic, and I’ve also changed a lot as my daughter has grown because it’s forced me to grow and become a different person,” she revealed. This personal evolution allowed her to connect with Auden’s story on an even deeper level. “I used to be so focused always on what I needed to do next. It was always go, go, go, go, go. Now I have been forced to be still for a little while, and I find that I like it,” Dessen added. This shift from constant forward momentum to an appreciation for stillness and the present moment is a core theme in Along for the Ride, making Auden’s quest for balance and genuine connection feel profoundly relevant to contemporary audiences.
Dessen believes that Auden’s underlying drive for perfection and her journey to overcome it are universally relatable. “But I get that hunger and that perfectionism. I’m always going to be able to relate to that, and I think that’s something everybody can relate to,” she stated. The film provides a gentle reminder that sometimes the most profound discoveries happen when we allow ourselves to deviate from the planned path and simply enjoy the ride.
A Look Back at ‘How To Deal’: The First Dessen Adaptation
The Netflix film marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time in nearly two decades that one of Sarah Dessen’s books has been adapted for the screen. The previous adaptation was the 2003 movie How To Deal, which cleverly combined elements from two of Dessen’s earlier novels, That Summer and Someone Like You. The film, starring a young Mandy Moore, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023, offering a nostalgic look back at the origins of Dessen’s screen journey.
Reflecting on her first foray into film, Dessen recalled the unique experience fondly. “It was such a wonderful experience. I was younger, and I got to go up to the set. I got to meet Mandy Moore when she was on the rise. I got to meet Allison Janney, and it was really good,” she reminisced. The opportunity to witness her stories translated into a new medium and to interact with such talented actors was undoubtedly a highlight for the burgeoning author. However, she also acknowledged a difference in her involvement back then. “I was definitely a little bit more at a distance since it was two books put into one by a screenwriter,” she noted, indicating a more hands-off approach compared to her recent collaboration with Sofia Alvarez on Along for the Ride.
Despite the distance, Dessen expressed immense pride in the 2003 film and its lasting impact. “With this [Along for the Ride], I was able to really talk to Sofia a lot about her vision and everything, but it was such a good experience for a young writer, and how amazing that I’m getting to do it again. That it even happened once is unbelievable, and now that I’m getting to do it again and be so proud of it,” she stated. This dual perspective highlights the evolution of her career and the different facets of the adaptation process she’s encountered.
The Enduring Connection: Sarah Dessen’s Hopes for a Mandy Moore Reunion
Sarah Dessen was quick to acknowledge the pivotal role of Mandy Moore in the realization of How To Deal. She firmly believes that without the involvement of the then-rising star, who later became a household name with shows like This Is Us, her first book adaptation might never have come to fruition. Moore’s star power and authentic portrayal brought a fresh energy to the combined narrative of Dessen’s early works.
This enduring appreciation for Moore has led to a delightful fantasy for the author. Dessen openly shared her desire for a full-circle moment, hoping that Mandy Moore could return to the Dessen cinematic universe in one of the upcoming Netflix adaptations. “I’m always rooting for Mandy. I have this fantasy that she’s going to be in one of these other movies. I’d love for her to go from playing the daughter to playing the mother,” Sarah told HollywoodLife. This vision speaks to the natural progression of both Dessen’s characters and Moore’s career, imagining Moore stepping into a more mature role, perhaps as a wise and supportive adult figure in a new protagonist’s journey.
Such a reunion would not only thrill long-time fans who remember Moore’s performance in How To Deal but would also be a testament to the timeless nature of Dessen’s storytelling, which often features strong female characters across different generations. The idea of Moore, now a celebrated actress and mother herself, portraying a maternal figure in a Dessen adaptation offers a compelling narrative arc for both artist and material. The possibility of this reunion adds another layer of excitement to the future of Sarah Dessen’s books on Netflix.
The Enduring Legacy of Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen’s impact on young adult literature is undeniable. Her novels consistently explore themes of transition, self-acceptance, finding your place, and the power of human connection, all wrapped in authentic narratives that resonate deeply with readers. From the quiet introspection of Auden in Along for the Ride to the complex emotional landscapes of her other heroines, Dessen has created a world where vulnerability is strength and growth is inevitable.
The multi-picture deal with Netflix and the success of Along for the Ride signify a powerful new chapter for Dessen’s legacy. It introduces her enduring stories to an even broader, global audience, many of whom may be discovering her work for the very first time through these adaptations. This new wave of visibility ensures that the timeless lessons and comforting narratives embedded in her books will continue to inspire and entertain a new generation, solidifying her place as a literary icon whose work seamlessly transitions from beloved novels to captivating screenplays.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next Dessen adaptation, the current success of Along for the Ride serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of storytelling to connect us, to reflect our own journeys, and to offer hope for second chances. Along for the Ride is now streaming globally on Netflix, inviting everyone to experience Auden’s transformative summer.