I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen Series: Standalone
Published by Viking Juvenile on May 5th 2015
Pages: 448
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Amazon・ Good Books・Book Depository
Goodreads
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.
The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.
I used to think that my love for The Truth About Forever couldn’t be matched by any other Sarah Dessen novel. Then, Saint Anything came along and proved me wrong. So much heart! So many incredible yet painful moments! Fantastic characters! My literary heart exploded.
I love how relatable it is because feeling alone and vulnerable is not a foreign concept. Many of us can see ourselves in characters like Sydney. I have siblings and I know how easy it is to feel lost among them. Even though Sydney is a bit of a doormat and it takes her a while to realize this, I was invested in her story from the very beginning. I know I’m in trouble when I care so much about a character. I felt very connected to Sydney’s story and I hated how inferior she felt next to her brother. This opened up old wounds so it definitely touched my heart.
All of the characters have complex storylines so I got to know them really well. I didn’t feel like any character was unnecessary, which is beyond amazing. Instead, all of them contributed to the story in really small but significant ways. Sydney’s new friends are insane but amazing and her parents are frustrating yet interesting in their own way. Also, for the record, Sydney’s friend Layla needs her own book because she’s amazing. Like, I-want-her-to-be-my-best-friend amazing.
I loved how everything developed, especially the romance. It didn’t feel forced or like it happened too fast. It wasn’t cheesy or the center of attention. Ultimately, this is a story about family and friendship so the romantic aspect is secondary. You have no idea how much I loved that! But I still appreciated the little glimpses of romance because they were beyond cute, okay?
Saint Anything is Sarah Dessen at her best. Beautiful, tragic, hopeful…this novel has it all. Basically, this is a must read for any Contemporary fan so please do yourself a favor and read it as soon as possible so we can fangirl together!
Giveaway:
PenguinTeen has a hardcover copy of Saint Anything, a double sided locker poster and necklace to give away to one winner!
Giveaway Rules:
- To enter, please fill out the Raffelcopter form below.
- We ask that all entrants be at least 13 years or older to enter.
- The giveaway is open to US only.
- When the winners are chosen, it will be announced here and the winners will be emailed.
- Please enter your email address in the Rafflecopter form and not the comments.
Paola Carolina
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Beth W
I haven’t read a Sarah Dessen book (I know, I know), but this one really captures my interest. I’m glad to hear the storyline is truly about family connections first, and romance second (because it bothers me when a main character just chucks everyone aside for their romantic interest). Thanks!
Beth W recently posted…Eye of the Week: The Once & Future King
Emily W
Twitter: emilystangledup
I feel the same way about The Truth About Forever, and after reading this review I’m really excited to dive into Saint Anything!
Nia
Twitter: sleepyhollowkid
Your review is amazing. I’m so pumped to read this book! 😀 Thank you for the giveaway! 😀
Also, which other Sarah Dessen books would you recommend? I’ve read and have Someone Like You and haven’t decided which one is second on my list. [Saint Anything being first, of course.] 😀
Nia recently posted…Your Guide To Malhar – A Product of St. Xavier’s, Mumbai.
Paola Carolina
Thank you so much! You should read The Truth About Forever! I haven’t read it in a while but I think of it as my favorite Dessen novel 🙂
Nia
Twitter: sleepyhollowkid
Your review is amazing. I’m so pumped to read this book! 😀 Thank you for the giveaway! 😀
Also, which other Sarah Dessen books would you recommend? I’ve read and have Someone Like You and haven’t decided which one is second on my list. [Saint Anything being first, of course.] 😀
ReadiculousGirl
I’ve never read a Sarah Dessen book before and I’m currently in need of a good contemporary right now, so Saint Anything has perfect timing!
Great review and thanks for the chance to win!
Kalani
I heard that Sarah Dessen’s books are really good and really want to read one of her books!
Bonnie Franks
I have not read this book yet, but I would love to! Your review is great. Thank you for the review and the giveaway!
Anonymous
I’m experiencing trilogy fatigue so I’m excited at the thought of a good stand-alone book. I’ve never heard of or read anything by Sarah Dessen so I look forward to exploring her offerings. Thanks for the giveaway.
Carol
I absolutely love all of Sara Dessen’s books, so I was sure I was going to like Saint Anything too! I’m glad to see so many positive reviews anyway! 😉
Amanda
Twitter: chiknamedumplin
I’ve noticed Saint Anything mentioned several times on several different blogs recently and I’m getting more and more intrigued by it. Definitely going to pick it up.
Amanda recently posted…Guess who’s back, back again
elena
ok you just evoked TTAF, one of my favorite novels EVER, so now I’m even more excited to read this. yay for stories about family and friendship (which obviously what TTAF was great at!).
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Paola Carolina
Isn’t great??? I have to reread it soon!
Kristen
I’ve been hearing great things about this book, so I’ll definitely be picking it up soon! 🙂
Kristen recently posted…Release Day Blitz: The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh (Giveaway)
Mirriam Neal
I adore Sarah Dessen and am sO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK. MAYBE IT WILL TOP ‘THIS LULLABYE.’
Kaethe
Well, Dreamland is the most recent one I’ve read, so it is currently my favorite Dessen book. Her best is just so amazingly good, I’m really looking forward to this one.
Jodie
I loved this one too. Sarah Dessen was one of the first YA authors I ever read back in the day. Fond memories.
Jodie recently posted…How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Lia
Twitter: AudreyMcDelenci
My favorite Sarah Dessen books are This Lullaby followed by Just Listen. So excited for this one 🙂
Rebecca
Twitter: readingwishes
I’ve read one Dessen book so far, but it wasn’t my thing. I’ve been rec’d Along for the Ride from someone who thinks I’d love it yet have not got round to it. You know how it is, so many books, so little time. I just had this arrive yesterday and after hearing you say this is a must for contemporary fans? Well, I’m now intrigued! Thanks for the review and the nudge 🙂
Rebecca recently posted…Dive Into Diversity: How Diverse Are Your Shelves? Experiment
Paola Carolina
I hope you read it! Sarah Dessen can be very hit-or-miss sometimes so give this one a chance! 🙂
Grace Radford/Anna Pett
I’ve yet to read any books by Sarah Dessen but it’s always nice to know that her newest one is good. And I’m always in the mood for a good contemporary. 🙂
Alex / AnimeGirl
I’m really intrigued, I admit I had checked out on Sarah Dessen a bit because I didn’t love the last two books by her that I read and I didn’t even bother with the Moon and More because it just didn’t sound interesting to me.
But this does sound more like the Sarah Dessen I know and love!
Alex / AnimeGirl recently posted…Book Review: The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan
Paola Carolina
Yes! I was apprehensive when I started this one because I didn’t love The Moon and More (so boring) but Saint Anything is definitely one of her best novels.
Sandy
I’ve been hearing how wonderful this book is and I’m so glad it’s finally out in the world! I haven’t picked up a Dessen book since LOCK & KEY (I know, I know, unforgivable!). Thank you for the review and the giveaway 😀
Sandy recently posted…Supergirl trailer 😀
Emma S.
The cover for Saint Anything is so pretty! I’m really excited about this one!
Ashley @The Quiet Concert
I have yet to read Sarah Dessen book but am looking forward to changing that!
Ashley @The Quiet Concert recently posted…Seriously Wicked by Tina Connolly
Alyssa
Still searching for my first Sarah Dessen book, and I know I’m going to love her. But, not sure what to read first…This book is really intriguing by the cover, but idk about starting it as my first.
Alyssa recently posted…Bout of Books 13: Day 4
Paola Carolina
Hmmmm. Honestly, I can only recommend this one and The Truth About Forever. I’ve read a few of her other novels but I didn’t love them as much.
Danielle D.
I’m even more excited to read this, now that I’ve read your review! Thanks for the giveaway!
Kristilyn (A Little Time To Read)
I think whenever I read a new Sarah Dessen book, I think it will NEVER live up to the beauty of her last book … and then it totally does. This one was wonderful and if I had the time, I would’ve read it all in one sitting!
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Ashley
Every time a new Sarah Dessen comes out, I worry. Not because I don’t have faith in her writing, but because she just has so many great books and it seems impossible that she’ll be able to recreate the magic another time. While my absolute favorites are a little older (The Truth About Forever, Just Listen), she’s just really consistent and that’s so impressive.
I haven’t read Saint Anything yet, but I had seen reviews that it was darker and maybe not as good, so I’m glad that you enjoyed this. I can’t wait to read it!
Michelle Lee
Thank you for this amazing chance! I’m a big fan of Sarah Dessen. I’m looking forward to Saint Anything! 🙂