NPR's Book of the Day Rex Ogle's 'When We Ride' is a novel-in-verse about a best friendship under pressure
Apr 16, 2025
Seventeen-year-old Benny juggles his dreams of college with the strain of a friendship that's changing. His best friend Lawson's descent into the drug world raises moral dilemmas and challenges their bond. The conversation unfolds around the complexities of loyalty, societal pressures, and the heart-wrenching nature of friendship breakups. Listeners will explore the impact of socioeconomic divides and personal stories that reveal the delicate balance between support and sacrifice in relationships.
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Friendship Born from Protection
- Benny and Lawson's friendship began when Lawson defended Benny from bullying as kids.
- This act created a deep bond in absence of father figures, leading them to look out for each other.
Friendship Strains with Growing Differences
- Differences between friends grow sharper as they mature into different life paths.
- What once was simple camaraderie becomes a visible social and economic divide.
Author's Real Life Friendship Battle
- Rex Ogle shares from his own life: his best friend dealt drugs to support family needs.
- Despite their deep friendship, divergent choices caused Benny to judge Lawson while still loving him.
