Saint Anything, by Sarah Dessen | Book Review

The Children’s Book Review | July 30, 2014

Saint Anything

Written by Sarah Dessen

Paperback: 417 pages

Age Range: 12 and up

Publisher: Viking / Penguin Group 2015

ISBN-13: 978-0451474704

What to expect: Contemporary romance

Sydney was happy with her life before her brother went and ruined everything. When her handsome, enigmatic brother falls down the slippery slope of drinking irresponsibly, he accidentally cripples a young neighborhood boy. Suddenly, Sydney is being stared at everywhere she goes and her brother is sent to prison. Her parents, attentive before the accident, have completely forgotten her. Everything is about her brother, his rehabilitation and his life inside those dark four walls.

That’s when Sydney decides to make a change. Desperate to be anonymous, she transfers to the local public school. As her mother pulls further away from her and blindly defends her brother, Sydney begins to feel like she is the only one burdened with the desperate guilt over the accident. So when she wanders into Seaside Pizza after her first day of school, she’s delighted to meet the Chatham family. Broody and handsome Mac sits behind the counter and makes deliveries, Layla is friendly and fun, and the Chatham parents actually listen. Not that they don’t have their own problems, of course. But will Sydney’s budding romance with Mac jeopardize her relationship with her new and only support system?

Fans of Sarah Dessen will not be disappointed by this expertly-written and perfectly paced summer read. Sydney’s character explores what happens to those left behind after a terrible tragedy, with painful precision—and what it’s like to find a sense of family and acceptance with good friends. Funny interactions over pizza and ketchup spice blends add highlights of levity in this serious novel. You’ll be hungry most of the time you are reading! This is highly recommended for fans of Contemporary Romance or those looking for a beach-read full of emotion and sweet humor. Sarah Dessen truly is the Queen of Young Adult romance!

Add this book to your collection: Saint Anything

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About the Author

Sarah Dessen is one of the most popular writers for young adults. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, which have received numerous awards and rave reviews, and have sold more than seven million copies. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, Jay, and their daughter, Sasha Clementine. Visit her online at www.sarahdessen.com.

Saint Anything, by Sarah Dessen, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Follow along with our articles tagged with Alcoholism, Contemporary Romance Books, Sarah Dessen and Young Adult Books to discover more great books for teens.