When We Ride

A Novel

By: Rex Ogle

Narrated by: Ramón de Ocampo

Rex Ogle explores bonds of loyalty and friendship and how they’re tested by drugs and violence in this propulsive novel-in-verse.

Diego Benevides works hard. His single mother encourages him to stay focused on school, on getting into college, on getting out of their crumbling neighborhood. That’s why she gave him her car.

Diego’s best friend, Lawson, needs a ride—because Lawson is dealing. As long as Diego’s not carrying, not selling, it’s cool. It’s just weed.

But when Lawson starts carrying powder and pills and worse, their friendship is tested and their lives are threatened. As the lines between dealer and driver blur, everything Diego has worked for is jeopardized, and he faces a deadly reckoning with the choices he and his best friend have made.

Award-winning memoirist and poet Rex Ogle’s searing first novel-in-verse is an unforgettable story of the power and price of loyalty.

"The expertly paced plot twist at the end makes Benny and Lawson’s story heartbreakingly unforgettable. … Achingly, beautifully written."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

©2025 Rex Ogle (P)2025 Recorded Books

Rex and Ramon both do it again.

Ramon, once again, shows his skill with emotions and dialogue, and Rex does the same with writing. No spoilers, but, the ending almost had me crying when I got to it. Was rooting for Benny all the way.

Wow. Amazing story. Incredible narration.

What a listen. The writing grabs you by the heart and mind and the narration makes you feel like you are in the story. Fantastic.

heartbreaking

4.5☆ A complete heartbreaking and beautifully written story. Diego and Lawson, best friends and brothers from other mothers. Both come from similar backgrounds but take different pathways towards their futures. Diego has always been pushed to work hard, do well in school, and go to college. Lawson is expected to be the head of the household, with Diego being the only one who truly has his back while trying to get him to choose a better path. Will Diego reap the rewards or pay the price for his loyalty? The narrator did a beautiful job.

Family is more than blood

Reading this as a mother is so different than being a teen. I was so angry at both Benny and Lawson for the decisions they make. As an adult, it's easy to tell kids to only worry about themselves and put their well being ahead of everything else. As a teenager, your friends are the most important thing in your life. Yes, you love and care for your family, but friendships are such a vital part of teenage life. This book absolutely broke my heart.