Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Saint Anything

by Sarah Dessen

A New York Times bestseller

A TIME Magazine Top 10 Children's Book of 2015

"Saint Anything is a poignant, honest story about how we might suffer the misfortune of someone else's bad choices, how people who love us can become family when we desperately need it, and how starting over might - miraculously - mean taking a solid leap forward." —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling novelist of Leaving Time and My Sister’s Keeper

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.

Reviewed by Stephanie on

5 of 5 stars

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This review was originally posted on Once Upon a Chapter



I decided top ick up Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen for a lot of reasons. The main reason is that Alexa loves her and Saint Anything was just released. Everyone seemed to really be enjoy8ing it so it seemed like a good place to start.

Sydney was such a great character. Her family has been struck by tragedy and they are going through a time of adjustment. It's particularly hard on Sydney as she's still in the school where she and Payton have attended.

The Chathams were a lot of fun but not without their own troubles. What I really loved about Saint Anything is the difference in how the two families dealt with their troubles. Neither way is wrong. Each person is going to grieve and mourn in their own way. I hope that if I ever have to face this kind of adversity I can handle it like the Chathams.

One of the things I really liked about Saint Anything is that Dessen doesn't give more information than is necessary but still paints a vivid picture. There are no unnecessary characters. And the woman can write a food description that'll make you stand up and beg for it! ;) Seriously I was craving pizza so hard after reading this. Actually it was during this book that I swung through and got some breakfast pizza.

Reading this book wasn't easy. The subject matter is a little heavy but I really enjoyed this one. I will definitely be catching up with Dessen's back list!

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  • Started reading
  • 14 June, 2015: Finished reading
  • 14 June, 2015: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • 14 June, 2015: Finished reading
  • 14 June, 2015: Reviewed