Jun
24
2015

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Title: Saint Anything
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Source: ALA MW

Summary from Goodreads:
Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.


Review

There was something about this book that made it un-put-down-able. Maybe it was that Sydney was such a good person – she carried a guilt for her brother’s actions and was the only one in her family to think of the real victim of the crash, David. Maybe it was that my heart couldn’t help but reach out to her as she was repeatedly overshadowed by her brother and unfairly treated by her parents. And maybe it was that I wanted to protect her from the incredibly creepy Ames and anyone else that could possibly inflict more pain on her. For all these reasons and more I was deeply invested in Sydney’s story and wanted good things to come to her. And so I flew through this one waiting for her to have her moment.

I loved how Sydney found a home with another family – one that was accepting of her, understood what she was going through and didn’t make her feel invisible. The Chathams were complicated and crazy but I felt like I really got to know them. They reminded me a little bit of the Garretts from My Life Next Door - at least in a way that their presence was a huge and welcome part of the book.

I loved Sydney’s friendship with Layla – who was this beautiful and vulnerable soul. There was this one particular moment in the book where she protects Sydney from Ames and it literally brought me to tears. It was that sweet. And then Sydney’s slow-burn relationship with Layla’s older brother Mac. Wonderful. The characters in this book and their relationships with one another really shine. This wasn’t just Sydney’s story.

Unfortunately Sydney didn’t get the moment I had hoped she would but her situation did improve by the end. And I guess it was fitting for Sydney’s personality – who wasn’t the shouting, impatient type. Rather than dramatically point out her parent’s unfairness and negligence, her parents kind of came to realize it on their own. I would have exploded much sooner and that’s what I’m used to seeing these types of books come to, so it caught me a little off guard.

But without a doubt, I loved this book. I am no Sarah Dessen expert but in my mind, Saint Anything is just as good as her other books that I’ve read. So if you are already a fan, make sure to pick this one up. Dessen is a contemporary knockout and Saint Anything is just another masterpiece to add to her repertoire. And now I need a copy for my shelves!

divider

Comments (9)

Loading... Logging you in...
  • Logged in as
I've read nearly all of Sarah Dessen's books and have enjoyed most of them. I just think her books are starting to all blend together for me. I really do like the sound of Sydney in this one. I also love the sound of the friendship. I'll have to listen to this one on audio!
Lovely review, Nicole.
My recent post Waiting on Wednesday (121) : The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick + The Blog Most Likely To ... Superlative
I'm usually a pretty big Sarah Dessan fan but Saint Anything just did noooot work for me, haha. I think I just personally felt that the issue with Peyton was never really handled the way I wanted it to be? Who knows. I totally agree that an explosive argument totally wouldn't be Sydney's way - I never thought about that! And totally yes to the moment when Layla sleeps in front of the door - SO SWEET. Loved the review, Nicole!
My recent post Why I Couldn't Like THAT ONE BOOK.
I adored Saint Anything! I thought it was pretty great, particularly the friendships and Sydney's own personal journey from start to finish. While I did have a few reservations (particularly about Ames and about Peyton), overall, it was such a good reading experience.
My recent post Looking Back at Little House
Nice review! You captured much of what I enjoyed in this book. Sydney was such a likable, endearing character. It was impossible not to root for her. I'm with you, as well. If I'd been Sydney, I'd have snapped in two seconds if my parents were being that oblivious.

C.J.
Sarcasm & Lemons
My recent post Book Sins: The first deadly sin, Copycats and Doubles
Pam@YA Escape's avatar

Pam@YA Escape · 510 weeks ago

I enjoyed this one too, although I don't think it's my favorite one of hers. But yes, the family reminded me of the Garretts too. Ames…super creepy. Loved Layla and and Mac. Sarah Dessen writes in such a quiet way, if that makes sense. I'm definitely a fan. Great review!
My recent post Book Review: The Cage by Megan Shepherd
I haven't read Sarah Dessen since I was a teen, but I did like her stuff! As you know, I have a copy of this on my shelf too and have yet to get around to reading it. I will though at some point. It sounds good!
My recent post How Far Would You Go For Your Favorite Books?
I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK! <3
My recent post The Blog Most Likely To... &amp; Giveaway
Lovely review, Nicole! This is a Sarah Dessen book I want to read - it sounds lovely and like it has a great cast of characters.
My recent post Stacking the Shelves [32]
I had heard raves about Dessen's books so, when Saint Anything was on offer at FirsttoRead, I used my points to request a guaranteed copy.

I really enjoyed it! I loved the character of Sydney. I felt for her and resented her parents for their favoritism towards Peyton. Her romance with Mac was so sweet and I loved Layla's loyalty. Ames was so creepy. Also, I wish I knew a family like the Chathams. My Life Next Door is another book that's high on my TBR list.

I will definitely be reading more by Dessen. Thanks for your review :)

Post a new comment

Comments by

Copyright © 2014 The Quiet Concert
Template and Design by New Chapter Designs