Last Ride

Tom killed his best friend, Logan, in a street-racing accident a year ago. He tries to make amends to Logan’s girlfriend and keep his promise to never race again, but Tom thinks he is haunted by his dead friend. He thinks Logan is trying to tell him something. Not only that but because Tom faces huge medical bills from the accident and may have to give up his car, the pressure to race is almost unbearable. 

Last Ride focuses on Tom, who is living in guilt and fear. When Tom starts seeing Logan’s ghost, Tom thinks he’s being haunted because Logan is angry—angry that Tom caused Logan’s death and angry that Tom has a crush on Hannah, Logan’s girl. In addition to feeling guilty about Logan’s death, Tom also feels terrible that he has left his mom drowning in medical bills. While the details of Logan’s death are never explored, one thing is clear: Tom feels that without racing, he has no value. 

When Logan’s ghost finally gets Tom’s attention, Tom is surprised at Logan’s message: the accident wasn’t his fault. In addition, Logan wants Tom to stop living in fear. Logan says, “You’re scared you don’t measure up. . . You think you’re nothing without five thousand pounds of steel between you and the world.”  

Logan’s words make Tom examine his fears. Tom is afraid that without racing, he will lose his car, his chance to help his mom and his pride. He also worries, “What if I give it all up, and Hannah still doesn’t want me?” In the end, Tom finally finds the strength to give up racing and to make plans for the future. Plans that don’t include illegal activities, but instead focus on going to school to become a licensed mechanic. 

While most readers won’t relate to Tom’s conflicts, his insecurities, and uncertainty about the future will resonate with many teens. As a part of the Orca Soundings Series, which is specifically written for teens, Last Ride is an easy-to-read story that uses large text, short chapters, and a relatable protagonist to keep readers engaged. 

Last Ride gives readers a glimpse into the life of a street racing teen and shows the negative side effects of living a life involved in illegal activities. While Tom’s problems are not explored in detail, he regrets his past actions and is determined to change his life for the better. Even though readers get an inside look at Tom’s emotional conflicts, the story still has enough drama to keep readers interested until the end. Plus, Tom’s experiences show that people’s value doesn’t come from the car they drive or the possessions they own. 

Sexual Content  

• Tom goes to a party. When he gets there, Aisha wants to dance with Tom. She “plants a wet, sloppy kiss on my cheek.” Another guy notices Aisha. “Cole’s eyes are trained on Aisha’s breasts, which are practically spilling out of her tank top.”  
• While in class, Tom is talking to Hannah. However, Tom isn’t thinking about what Hannah is saying. Instead, “I’ve been mostly thinking about her breasts in that sweater.” Later, he thinks, “I wish I could throw my arms around her neck and kiss her. I wish I had the hots for someone other than my dead buddy’s girlfriend.”  
• While at school, Hannah walks up to Cole, a classmate. Cole “pulls her into the crook of his arm and kisses her temple.” 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• Tom goes to a party at a teen’s house. When Tom enters the house, “The overpowering smell of smoke and booze hits my nose.” Several of the guys are “doing shooters.” There is plenty of alcohol at the party including tequila, beer, and vodka.  
• The man Tom works for smokes cigarettes.  
• While at work, Tom’s boss eats pizza and drinks a beer. 

Language  

• Profanity is used occasionally. Profanity includes ass, badass, crap, damn, hell, holy shit, and pissed. 
• A teen calls Tom’s boss a prick. 
• The ghost of Logan calls Tom a dweeb, a wuss, and a loser.

Supernatural 

• Tom keeps seeing flashes of his best friend, Logan. Before he sees Logan, Tom smells cherry Twizzlers, Logan’s favorite treat. While racing, Tom feels “that familiar prickle. . . There’s a flash of movement off to my right. It’s Logan. Staring at me from the passenger seat. One side of his face is cut and bleeding, the other is smashed beyond recognition.”  
• Logan’s ghost wants Tom to stop living in fear. After talking, “Logan dips his head the way he used to. For a second, I [Tom] forget about his blood and ripped skin and exposed flesh. I see Logan, my friend. And I miss him.” Then, Logan disappears.  

Spiritual Content  

• Tom sees Logan’s sister walking across the street. He slinks down so she doesn’t see him. Tom thinks, “Thank God I’m in the car. Thank God my steel shell is protecting me. I couldn’t stand her seeing me like this.”