The Story is About   +  young adult

Riding the Universe by Gaby Triana

Release Date: May 5, 2009
Publisher: Harper Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 272

Chloé Rodriguez values three things above all else—her family; her best friend, Rock; and Lolita, her Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster. With a black body, blue airbrushed flames, and perfect sloping ape hangers, Lolita is Chloé's last connection to her beloved uncle, Seth, who left her the bike when he died last summer. So when a failing chemistry grade threatens to separate Chloé from her motorcycle, she vows not to let that happen . . . no matter what.

Enter Gordon. Ridiculously organized, übersmart, and hot in a casual, doesn't-know-it kind of way, Chloé's peer tutor may have a thing or two to teach her besides chemistry. But she has to stop falling for Gordon . . . and get Rock to act mature whenever he's around . . . and pass chemistry so she doesn't lose Lolita forever. Just when Chloé thinks she's got it all figured out, a bump in the road comes out of nowhere and sends her skidding.

Riding the Universe was fast and fun read. There are some serious elements presented, so I wouldn’t describe it as fluff, but it was just an easy read. If that makes any sense at all. The plot was engaging, but at the same time it was pretty simplistic.

This was my first experience with Triana’s writing and I’m a fan. Her characterization is fabulous. Chloe was definitely a well developed character, and I enjoyed watching her focus throughout the story change. It was refreshing to read about a character that seemed so real.

It may have been a little predictable, I had the story figured out fairly soon, but it didn’t take away the enjoyment of reading the story. Basically it was just a really fun book to read, and Chloe made it all the more worthwhile.