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Single Riders: A YA Novella
Three 17-year-olds. One Sunday morning. And a single rider line. What could possibly go wrong?
After Seong Duri gets in a fight with her sister, Duri skips church to go to an amusement park. But when she runs into the pastor's son, she asks the next person in line to switch places. She has no idea this decision will change more lives than one.
Alex Danieli is heartbroken after their boyfriend dumped them. Missing him, Alex decides to go on their ex's favorite ride. But when Alex agrees to switch with another single rider, they immediately regret their decision. Alex soon learns, though, that maybe that decision wasn't so bad after all.
Jaya Foster is an aspiring writer with a secret. She's still trying to figure out how to tell her mom when she accidentally gets pulled into drama involving two other single riders. Little does Jaya know this is exactly what she needs to solve her problem.
Single Riders is a fun and touching reminder that you’re not alone. You never know when a future friend is around the corner. Or maybe next in line.
After Seong Duri gets in a fight with her sister, Duri skips church to go to an amusement park. But when she runs into the pastor's son, she asks the next person in line to switch places. She has no idea this decision will change more lives than one.
Alex Danieli is heartbroken after their boyfriend dumped them. Missing him, Alex decides to go on their ex's favorite ride. But when Alex agrees to switch with another single rider, they immediately regret their decision. Alex soon learns, though, that maybe that decision wasn't so bad after all.
Jaya Foster is an aspiring writer with a secret. She's still trying to figure out how to tell her mom when she accidentally gets pulled into drama involving two other single riders. Little does Jaya know this is exactly what she needs to solve her problem.
Single Riders is a fun and touching reminder that you’re not alone. You never know when a future friend is around the corner. Or maybe next in line.
- GenresYoung Adult
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
14 people want to read
About the author
Selys Rivera
8 books11 followersOriginally from Puerto Rico, Selys Rivera (she/they) considers herself a queer, God-loving, and social justice-obsessed chica.
Selys has published articles, poems, and stories in magazines, anthologies, and literary journals, as well as books. Their favorite genres to write in are Fiction, Memoir, and Poetry.
In her free time, you can find her reading too many books, spending time with loved ones, or playing with her red Dachshund named Ketchup.
Visit at www.selysrivera.com to stay connected.
Selys has published articles, poems, and stories in magazines, anthologies, and literary journals, as well as books. Their favorite genres to write in are Fiction, Memoir, and Poetry.
In her free time, you can find her reading too many books, spending time with loved ones, or playing with her red Dachshund named Ketchup.
Visit at www.selysrivera.com to stay connected.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 5, 2022
The author provided me a digital ARC of this novella. Here is my honest review.
This book is a perfect day in the life novella where we get a snippet of the issues plaguing our three main characters and see the heartwarming solutions. The idea of befriending the other single riders in line at a roller coaster made for a story and setting filled with joys and thrills. The characters go on a different sort of ride - of highs and lows - as they open up and get to know one another and confront the hurdles stopping them from getting their hearts’ desires. It was very sweet, easy to read novella.
The book is a good introduction to some LGBTQ+ identities and gender orientations with our three main characters each representing the queer community in some way (Duri is cis and bi; Jaya is cis and asexual; Alex is non-binary and seems to prefer men but never identifies a sexual orientation). Our main characters are also ethnically and racially diverse representing East Asian heritage (specifically Korean), Indian heritage, and African American.
A longer story would have allowed for each character’s voice to develop a little further and make the conclusions a little more cathartic and a little less clichéd but for a novella, this was a quick and enjoyable read where we get to see queer characters find friendship, happiness and hope in a way that is still super significant for the fiction industry.
This book is a perfect day in the life novella where we get a snippet of the issues plaguing our three main characters and see the heartwarming solutions. The idea of befriending the other single riders in line at a roller coaster made for a story and setting filled with joys and thrills. The characters go on a different sort of ride - of highs and lows - as they open up and get to know one another and confront the hurdles stopping them from getting their hearts’ desires. It was very sweet, easy to read novella.
The book is a good introduction to some LGBTQ+ identities and gender orientations with our three main characters each representing the queer community in some way (Duri is cis and bi; Jaya is cis and asexual; Alex is non-binary and seems to prefer men but never identifies a sexual orientation). Our main characters are also ethnically and racially diverse representing East Asian heritage (specifically Korean), Indian heritage, and African American.
A longer story would have allowed for each character’s voice to develop a little further and make the conclusions a little more cathartic and a little less clichéd but for a novella, this was a quick and enjoyable read where we get to see queer characters find friendship, happiness and hope in a way that is still super significant for the fiction industry.
October 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I read this as an ARC!! This book was such a cute book!! I love how Duri, Alex, and Jaya became friends at an amusement park while trying to ride a roller coaster that was a single rider. I love how they all had struggles and they did figured it out how to deal with it and they helped each other out.
I read this as an ARC!! This book was such a cute book!! I love how Duri, Alex, and Jaya became friends at an amusement park while trying to ride a roller coaster that was a single rider. I love how they all had struggles and they did figured it out how to deal with it and they helped each other out.
October 13, 2022
Coming out November 1st!
I was provided a digital ARC and this is my honest review of the novella.
This is a short read that keeps you engaged, asking questions from start to finish. The story flows with details explaining each main character, their complicated backgrounds, and how they come together to get closure.
The coming of age confrontations in this novella hit me right in the heart. I could put myself in their shoes, all of the main characters, and imagine how I would want the situations to work out. We meet fun, unique individuals who learn communication skills and how to find their own voice.
This was my first read from this author and I’ll be adding more to my TBR!
I was provided a digital ARC and this is my honest review of the novella.
This is a short read that keeps you engaged, asking questions from start to finish. The story flows with details explaining each main character, their complicated backgrounds, and how they come together to get closure.
The coming of age confrontations in this novella hit me right in the heart. I could put myself in their shoes, all of the main characters, and imagine how I would want the situations to work out. We meet fun, unique individuals who learn communication skills and how to find their own voice.
This was my first read from this author and I’ll be adding more to my TBR!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
In a world in desperate need of diversity in literal, Selys Rivera creates characters that almost within a few pages feel like they could step off the page. They felt like people I wanted to get to know better. I struggle to get through books, but this story kept me invested til the end. My only minor critic is that I felt the climax point for each character was not unique and felt a little too quick, neat and repetitive. However, some of that might be just due to it being a novella.
Whatever this author writes next, I am here for it! Their voice offers something this world desperately needs.
Whatever this author writes next, I am here for it! Their voice offers something this world desperately needs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
This story had me hooked from the get-go. I simply couldn’t put it down and have re-read it several times!
I truly loved this story and every single one of the characters!
I would love to one day see more of Alex after Ben. And of Jaya’s road to self-discovery! She might be my favorite character.
I found the portrayal of these relationships and their growing friendship to be extremely heartwarming, realistic and relevant.
I truly loved this story and every single one of the characters!
I would love to one day see more of Alex after Ben. And of Jaya’s road to self-discovery! She might be my favorite character.
I found the portrayal of these relationships and their growing friendship to be extremely heartwarming, realistic and relevant.
October 5, 2022
This book comes out in November 01!
The author approached me to receive a digital arc of this novella in exchange for an honest review. And from now on I tell you that I liked it a lot and that I would have liked it to be longer.
This novella begins with our main characters Duri, Alex and Jaya, who are 3 teenagers waiting for their turn in line for single riders, but each having their own dilemmas of who will be next in line, they start a very nice friendship. Later, when they are getting to know each other better, they realize that the three of them have problems that are similar to a certain point, and since they identify with each other, they advise and help each other, and we see how they solve their problems over the course of the novella.
That being said, I will mention some of the aspects that I liked the most about the novella.
• I loved seeing all the diversity in representation that was here and how these topics were treated in addition to other serious topics (mention of mental health and learning disabilities)
•I loved the characters a lot, they were so sweet and I loved how quickly they created such a beautiful friendship
•I liked that it was a novella, but I would have loved it to be a novel because I loved the story and the characters. I wish it was longer so I could see more about their relationships and futures.
• I can’t believe how much I felt identified with Duri and Jaya, in the aspects of struggling picking a college and what to do with their future
TW/CW:
-Homophobia
-Transphobia
-Misgendering
-Learning disability
-Mental health
-Racism
-Xenophobia
-Unhealthy relationships
Rating: 4.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
A huge thank you to the author for this beautiful arc! 🥰
The author approached me to receive a digital arc of this novella in exchange for an honest review. And from now on I tell you that I liked it a lot and that I would have liked it to be longer.
This novella begins with our main characters Duri, Alex and Jaya, who are 3 teenagers waiting for their turn in line for single riders, but each having their own dilemmas of who will be next in line, they start a very nice friendship. Later, when they are getting to know each other better, they realize that the three of them have problems that are similar to a certain point, and since they identify with each other, they advise and help each other, and we see how they solve their problems over the course of the novella.
That being said, I will mention some of the aspects that I liked the most about the novella.
• I loved seeing all the diversity in representation that was here and how these topics were treated in addition to other serious topics (mention of mental health and learning disabilities)
•I loved the characters a lot, they were so sweet and I loved how quickly they created such a beautiful friendship
•I liked that it was a novella, but I would have loved it to be a novel because I loved the story and the characters. I wish it was longer so I could see more about their relationships and futures.
• I can’t believe how much I felt identified with Duri and Jaya, in the aspects of struggling picking a college and what to do with their future
TW/CW:
-Homophobia
-Transphobia
-Misgendering
-Learning disability
-Mental health
-Racism
-Xenophobia
-Unhealthy relationships
Rating: 4.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
A huge thank you to the author for this beautiful arc! 🥰
October 25, 2022
Thoughts and Themes: When I heard about this book I knew that this was something that I really wanted to read. I tend to visit theme parks on my own a lot and have always thought how cool it would be to make friends in line. I loved that this whole book takes place in a matter of a few hours because it definitely feels like more time has passed than that.
I also like how each of these characters has something that is stressing them out regarding the future, and how they understand this for each other. I really liked the way that they introduce their problems to one another but also how we get the back story for these problems. I also like the idea of everything being resolved at the end of the day because your new friends gave you the courage to stand up for yourself.
Characters: In this book you are introduced to our three main characters, Alex, Duri, and Jaya, along with a few of the important people in their life closer to the end of the story. I really liked how the story focuses on the three main characters without really introducing us to the people who impact their lives until the very end.
I liked how naturally this friendship develops between the three of our main characters and how quick they are to support one another. I like how easily they became friends and what things brought them together.
Writing Style: This novella alternates between three different perspectives, Alex, Duri, and Jaya, told in first person. I really enjoyed getting to read this story through each of their perspectives as we get to know their back story in each of their sections. I also really like that we get to see how each of them feels in each moment as things play out for them.
I also like how each of these characters has something that is stressing them out regarding the future, and how they understand this for each other. I really liked the way that they introduce their problems to one another but also how we get the back story for these problems. I also like the idea of everything being resolved at the end of the day because your new friends gave you the courage to stand up for yourself.
Characters: In this book you are introduced to our three main characters, Alex, Duri, and Jaya, along with a few of the important people in their life closer to the end of the story. I really liked how the story focuses on the three main characters without really introducing us to the people who impact their lives until the very end.
I liked how naturally this friendship develops between the three of our main characters and how quick they are to support one another. I like how easily they became friends and what things brought them together.
Writing Style: This novella alternates between three different perspectives, Alex, Duri, and Jaya, told in first person. I really enjoyed getting to read this story through each of their perspectives as we get to know their back story in each of their sections. I also really like that we get to see how each of them feels in each moment as things play out for them.
October 7, 2022
I received the arc for this novella and arcs make me nervous because I want to be supportive and honest. But I have to say I really did enjoy this novella and though I feel the length of it makes sense I really wanted it to be longer.
The story is filled with diverse characters and LGBTQ representation. It also had a lot of Gen Z influence and it was honestly refreshing how easily these characters grow comfortable enough with each other in such a short amount of time. Have you ever thought why sometimes it’s easier to talk to a complete stranger about your problems than talking them out with people that are close to you? I feel like this book does exactly that. I’ve had similar experiences to the ones these characters go through. I’ve met strangers before that I’ve ended up spilling my guts to and vice versa. I like to think these people are put in our path by the universe to help us along the way and that’s exactly what I felt when reading this novella.
If you’re looking for a short, sweet, diverse and LGBTQ read I definitely recommend reading Single Riders: A YA Novella.
*While I think the author did a good job representing certain issues I want to highlight a few trigger warnings or content warnings since I want to be sensitive as to what certain people might or might not feel comfortable reading.
TW:
Misgendering
Homophobia
Racist Micro aggressions
The story is filled with diverse characters and LGBTQ representation. It also had a lot of Gen Z influence and it was honestly refreshing how easily these characters grow comfortable enough with each other in such a short amount of time. Have you ever thought why sometimes it’s easier to talk to a complete stranger about your problems than talking them out with people that are close to you? I feel like this book does exactly that. I’ve had similar experiences to the ones these characters go through. I’ve met strangers before that I’ve ended up spilling my guts to and vice versa. I like to think these people are put in our path by the universe to help us along the way and that’s exactly what I felt when reading this novella.
If you’re looking for a short, sweet, diverse and LGBTQ read I definitely recommend reading Single Riders: A YA Novella.
*While I think the author did a good job representing certain issues I want to highlight a few trigger warnings or content warnings since I want to be sensitive as to what certain people might or might not feel comfortable reading.
TW:
Misgendering
Homophobia
Racist Micro aggressions
October 11, 2022
Thank you to the author for sending me a digital ARC of this novella
This was such a wonderful slice of life story with strong queer friendship and found family themes. The story follows 3 individuals, all belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, who are in the single riders line for a ride at a space themed amusement park. While in line, they get to know each other and quickly learn their similarities, as well as what makes each other unique. I loved how each of the 3 main characters, Duri, Alex, and Jaya, had such distinct personalities. They all felt very real, and their instant connection with each other as members of the queer community felt very realistic and familiar. Selys did a wonderful job of telling a story that takes place in a short amount of time (just a couple hours) while also creating such cogent and endearing characters that I understood where they came from and where they were going. If you're looking for a quick, wholesome, and well written novella with strong queer rep, I definitely recommend trying this one out!
This was such a wonderful slice of life story with strong queer friendship and found family themes. The story follows 3 individuals, all belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, who are in the single riders line for a ride at a space themed amusement park. While in line, they get to know each other and quickly learn their similarities, as well as what makes each other unique. I loved how each of the 3 main characters, Duri, Alex, and Jaya, had such distinct personalities. They all felt very real, and their instant connection with each other as members of the queer community felt very realistic and familiar. Selys did a wonderful job of telling a story that takes place in a short amount of time (just a couple hours) while also creating such cogent and endearing characters that I understood where they came from and where they were going. If you're looking for a quick, wholesome, and well written novella with strong queer rep, I definitely recommend trying this one out!
October 14, 2022
I was very fortunate to receive a digital arc for this novella now I'll say this right now the only criticism I'll give this book is the length I honestly wish it was longer because from the beginning I was hooked and was so in love with the characters and the chemistry they shared wit one another again I do wish it was longer as that'll give the characters a more in depth voice but for me personally it still gave us a good glimpse of these characters and their lives.
What I genuinely love was the diversity, even if you aren't a part of the communities talked about in the book you can relate to these characters and their internal struggles the author gives a unique voice to each character that it doesn't feel as if they are overlapping nor does it feel as any character and their problems is downplayed or ignored it gives a good show of why so many of us would rather share our struggles with strangers than our loved ones. Overall this was a beautiful and heartwarming story and I'm looking forward to see any future works of the author
What I genuinely love was the diversity, even if you aren't a part of the communities talked about in the book you can relate to these characters and their internal struggles the author gives a unique voice to each character that it doesn't feel as if they are overlapping nor does it feel as any character and their problems is downplayed or ignored it gives a good show of why so many of us would rather share our struggles with strangers than our loved ones. Overall this was a beautiful and heartwarming story and I'm looking forward to see any future works of the author
October 2, 2022
I received this book from the author as a digital arc in the promise that I would review it after reading.
First and foremost I wish it was longer. I crave to know more about the characters and to see the development of their friendships and futures. That being said I did truly enjoy this novella. The language was simple and easy to follow. The characters were likeable and entertaining. The author does a great job of capturing the “teen experience” and how simple it is to find commonalities with people your age. I did find some of it to be a little on the nose but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. I do appreciate the diversity featured in the story as well.
First and foremost I wish it was longer. I crave to know more about the characters and to see the development of their friendships and futures. That being said I did truly enjoy this novella. The language was simple and easy to follow. The characters were likeable and entertaining. The author does a great job of capturing the “teen experience” and how simple it is to find commonalities with people your age. I did find some of it to be a little on the nose but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. I do appreciate the diversity featured in the story as well.
October 3, 2022
Rating: 4/5
TW/CW: Racism, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Miss gendering
Single Riders was a quick and easy read. This book begins with our three main characters meeting in a single rider's line while waiting their turn. Throughout, you'll experience each character's internal dilemma and how they solve it later in the book. Although the tw's sound scary these characters do an excellent job tackling each subject. I loved how short this novella was. It was very fun and it did an amazing job addressing serious topics that need to be discussed. Definitely recommend! :)
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW/CW: Racism, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Miss gendering
Single Riders was a quick and easy read. This book begins with our three main characters meeting in a single rider's line while waiting their turn. Throughout, you'll experience each character's internal dilemma and how they solve it later in the book. Although the tw's sound scary these characters do an excellent job tackling each subject. I loved how short this novella was. It was very fun and it did an amazing job addressing serious topics that need to be discussed. Definitely recommend! :)
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
Thank you to the author for sending me a digital ARC of this novella. I really enjoyed this short and sweet stories about these three strangers that form an unforgettable bond. The story of told from all three point view with made the book more of a conversation that is easy to follows with great descriptive writing that paints a clear picture. Every character is unique and part of the LGBTQIA community in there way giving great representation that we don’t often see on writing. I love the found family tropes and how the book had me smiling throughout. If you’re looking for a quick and sweet read about queer friendships with great diversity you should check this novella out!
October 22, 2022
I received an Arc from the author and this is my honest review.
When I first heard the synopsis of this book o thought this was going to be a silly teen coming of age story; but it wasn't. It was a heartfelt novella that was very believable.
Pros: The written chemistry between the characters had me smiling.
With each pov you could tell the difference between the characters.
We learn so much from the characters in a short time.
I really wanted to see more of the friendship and how it grew from just meeting in line.
This novella was enjoyable and I adored the writing.
When I first heard the synopsis of this book o thought this was going to be a silly teen coming of age story; but it wasn't. It was a heartfelt novella that was very believable.
Pros: The written chemistry between the characters had me smiling.
With each pov you could tell the difference between the characters.
We learn so much from the characters in a short time.
I really wanted to see more of the friendship and how it grew from just meeting in line.
This novella was enjoyable and I adored the writing.
November 8, 2022
loveable characters
3.5 stars. This novella did a wonderful job creating three compelling characters who I enjoyed learning about. Aspects of the writing style was not my favourite but it didn’t take away from the overall story.
3.5 stars. This novella did a wonderful job creating three compelling characters who I enjoyed learning about. Aspects of the writing style was not my favourite but it didn’t take away from the overall story.
February 15, 2023
Loved this little quick read! It took me awhile to get back to with life getting in the way, but I finally just sat down and read it all in one sitting. Loved the characters and all their quirks!
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September 16, 2022Editorial Review:
“I truly loved this story and every single one of the characters! I found the portrayal of these relationships and their growing friendship to be extremely heartwarming, realistic and relevant.” - Amanda Rodrigues, Author*
“It’s heartwarming in general, but the ending particularly so.” - Anthony Woodside, Writer*
“It felt like being in high school again and re-living an interesting night out with a great group of friends.” - S.C. Muir, Author*
*Received a copy from the author in the hopes of an honest review.
“I truly loved this story and every single one of the characters! I found the portrayal of these relationships and their growing friendship to be extremely heartwarming, realistic and relevant.” - Amanda Rodrigues, Author*
“It’s heartwarming in general, but the ending particularly so.” - Anthony Woodside, Writer*
“It felt like being in high school again and re-living an interesting night out with a great group of friends.” - S.C. Muir, Author*
*Received a copy from the author in the hopes of an honest review.
November 2, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I received this book as a digital ARC from the author. I liked this book so much, I wish it was longer!
This book follows 3 teenagers (Duri, Alex, and Jaya) who meet in a single riders line at an amusement park. After the ride they don’t say goodbye and begin talking. They become fast friends, and share intimate details about each of their lives (I don’t want to give spoilers, but it’s good).
My favorite things about this book is how quickly the 3 become friends. Teenagers are amazing, and it’s seems like they can find friends anywhere. I love how supportive they were throughout this book. This is the perfect book for young adults! You are not alone 🥰
**Check trigger warnings**
-Author had all TW listed in the beginning of the book
I received this book as a digital ARC from the author. I liked this book so much, I wish it was longer!
This book follows 3 teenagers (Duri, Alex, and Jaya) who meet in a single riders line at an amusement park. After the ride they don’t say goodbye and begin talking. They become fast friends, and share intimate details about each of their lives (I don’t want to give spoilers, but it’s good).
My favorite things about this book is how quickly the 3 become friends. Teenagers are amazing, and it’s seems like they can find friends anywhere. I love how supportive they were throughout this book. This is the perfect book for young adults! You are not alone 🥰
**Check trigger warnings**
-Author had all TW listed in the beginning of the book
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews