Book of the Day

Our Review:

Rex Ogle's debut novel-in-verse "When We Ride" offers a raw and nuanced exploration of friendship, moral complexity, and survival in a challenging urban landscape. Through the eyes of Diego Benevides, Ogle crafts a propulsive narrative that examines how systemic challenges and personal choices intersect, creating moments of profound tension and difficult decisions.

The novel's verse format serves the story brilliantly, allowing for sharp, economical language that captures Diego's internal struggles and external pressures. Ogle's poetic approach creates a rhythmic narrative that feels both intimate and urgent, reflecting the protagonist's precarious circumstances as he navigates loyalty, family expectations, and the temptations of street life.

Thematically, the book is a sophisticated examination of friendship under duress, exploring how economic constraints and neighborhood dynamics can strain even the most genuine relationships. Diego's evolving dynamic with Lawson reveals the nuanced ways young people negotiate survival, risk, and moral boundaries in environments with limited opportunities.

Young adult readers, particularly those interested in contemporary social narratives, will find this novel compelling. Ogle's unflinching yet compassionate portrayal offers profound insights without sensationalism, presenting complex characters whose choices resist simple moral judgments. The book stands as a powerful testament to the challenges faced by young people seeking paths beyond their immediate circumstances.