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I’ve been working on checking books off of my summer reading list and recently finished Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen. I’m a YA junkie and Sarah Dessen is my favorite author, so of course it was first on my list.
About the Book
Sydney has always felt invisible. She’s grown accustomed to her brother, Peyton, being the focus of the family’s attention and, lately, concern. Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction. Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton’s serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world.
Then she meets the Chatham family. Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There’s effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who’s had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it’s with older brother Mac—quiet, watchful, and protective—that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last.
Saint Anything is Sarah Dessen’s deepest and most psychologically probing novel yet, telling an engrossing story of a girl discovering friendship, love, and herself.
My Thoughts
It was easy for me to connect with Sydney. I think one of the biggest reasons is that sometimes I feel invisible to my family. I’m just kind of here.
I’ll admit that it took a while to really get into the book, but it hit a point to where I stayed up the entire night to finish reading because I could not put it down. There was one part where I actually threw the book across the bed because I was so upset with what happened and there was another part where I had to put the book down so I could have a good cry.
The mother in the book irritated the heck out of me. I kept wanting to scream at her to pay attention and realize what she was putting her daughter through. This was an aspect that really hit home. My mom and I don’t have the best relationship.
I quickly fell in love with Mac, Layla’s older brother. He was like a ray of sunshine in the book, always there when he was needed. I also like that she didn’t shove the romance of the book down our throat. There was just the right amount.
One last thing, this book left me wanting lots of pizza, french fries and Dum Dum lollipops.
Favorite Quote
“It wasn’t that I’d broken down, but that I hadn’t been alone when I did so. You only really fall apart in front of the people you know can piece you back together.”
This part hit me right in the heart. I keep everything bottled up inside and if I ever open up, it’s only because I’m talking to my best friend (who I haven’t seen in years). I don’t fall apart in front of others. I don’t like putting my burdens on other people. Dessen took the thoughts I’ve always had in my mind and put them into words perfectly.
Rating
4/5 stars – I definitely recommend it.
What are you reading this summer?
Linking up with Mama Kat this week for Writer’s Workshop
I’m so sorry you and your mom don’t have a good relashionship. 🙁
This book sounds interesting but I don’t think I would be able to handle the psycological part of it: I would feel so much pressure with the main character. But sounds like a good storyline.
Oh, I love that quote (painful as it is!). Thx for sharing your review! Stopping by from Mama Kat’s!
I am also sorry you don’t get along with your mother – I don’t know what I would do without mine.
This is an EXCELLENT book review. I love that you relate it to life and that you put in a memorable quote from your experience with the book. Kudos to your writing here.
YA lit is the best! This sounds like a great read and I think that quote is so true. We protect ourselves from people we know can’t help us.