Saint Anything

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.

-https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23009402-saint-anything

I read this a while ago, but neglected to write an actual review for it oops

This is my first time reading a Sarah Dessen book and I’ve heard many great things about her. I know people say she’s their go-to author when they’re having a bad day and want some fluff or need a happy ending after their favorite character died in another book. Would I agree? Eh…maybe not with this particular book but I haven’t read any other books from her so who am I to say.

Saint Anything wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed reading it. In fact, I found myself staying up a little later than usual reading.

I found all characters to be developed and fleshed out. They also all seem realistic with different problems in their lives, different ways to face situations, etc. However, I did find some of the personalities cliche. Quiet, new student protagonist gets an energetic, quirky, best friend who happens to have a “oh so hot” brother. Pretty sure we all heard something similar to that before (if not in a book, then a chick flick most definitely).

The plot I didn’t find all too special. The “neglecting parents but only on one child” thing I have read in the past. But have I read about that one special child being in jail? (nope) However, if it weren’t for the characters, then I probably would have set this book down.

As for the ending of this book, I definitely felt it was a little bit too rushed. Everything was coming together way too easily. I wished that the author would have solved one conflict at a time, but instead it gets cleared up quickly like those endings of a cheesy movie. (Something like: I have a good relationship with my family now, person a is no longer mad at me and we get along well, person b is sarcastic as always but has learned many things. And me? Well I guess I’ve changed too.) I suppose this is supposed to be Sarah Dessen, who writes those happy ending books, right?

I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!

4/5 pizzas