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 psychological probing novel yet, telling an engrossing story of a girl discovering friendship, love, and herself.
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Family, Romance
I first discovered Sarah Dessen's books about 8 years ago. I was 13, maybe a bit too young for her intended audience, but I loved her writing instantly. I'm a character development kind of gal, and Sarah's novels have always spoken to me in that way. Sure, her novels can get repetitive and slow at times, but I've always been able to look past it because of her narrators. First person can be tricky to write because the reader is put directly into the head of a character--if the reader can't connect, then they're done--but Sarah has got the right formula. The writing and voice are very approachable, and I'm constantly impressed by it.
Her newest novel, Saint Anything, will most definitely be one of my favorites of hers. Putting aside some personal connections, it's a wonderful book that can speak to everyone. It's got her classic family issues/romance theme to it, but this novel seems like a new and improved version. It's a little darker, more organized, and has better focus. Sydney comes first in all aspects (which I find ironic since Sydney personally thinks she's invisible), and the romance or drama doesn't take away from that. Every character is given at least some focus and background, but it's never unnecessary. And even though Sydney puts other before herself, the reader is always on her side like her own guardian angel. A fierce connection is created between Sydney and the reader, and it's hard to let her go.
There were some symbols or reoccurring ideas that I wasn't quite sure were needed, or they seemed a bit too cliche, but they were small enough that it didn't take too much away from the story.
Overall, I will admit some bias when it comes to Sarah Dessen, but I truly believe Saint Anything is one of her best yet.
(And yes, that is my personal signed copy in the picture above that I ordered online from Flyleaf Books.)
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