Reviews

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

thelibrarian390's review against another edition

3.0

Definitely an interesting read that would pair well with a lesson about current Philippine politics. You sort of hate J, the main character because he is so... lackadaisical and not quite self-absorbed but a little. It definitely gave me more insight into the upbringing of a friend of mine that is part Philipino and why her mom was a giant jerk. It's a necessary voice in literature. I cannot think of many Philipino reads, especially for teenagers.

haileyjay's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

finn_w's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad fast-paced

5.0

This hit close to home as my heritage has a lot of similarities with Filipino culture and the Philippines as a whole. I related heavily with being an outsider in a culture that is your own but not your own at the same time and trying to navigate what/how/how much you can criticize. When people told Jay he had no right since he doesn't understand and that he's looking at it from a very America lens, it reminded me of things my mom has said to me. 
This made me cry.
I loved this book, and I will read more from this author. It is heavy in many ways so def check trigger/content warnings.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Colonisation, Classism, Addiction, Alcohol, Child death, Abandonment, Drug abuse, Death, Drug use, Grief, and Mental illness

alexan13's review against another edition

5.0

Easily one of the best books I've read all year. Floored.

cheskasshi's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

emmabear_2427's review

informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

laura_corsi's review against another edition

4.0

A poignant coming of age story. A young Filipino-American comes into his own.

aroundthecorner's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

crypticghosti's review against another edition

4.0

Im not really the biggest fan of YA but I think this book definitely deserves five stars. Its beautiful in a way that everyone will be able to understand. It beautifully discusses loss, grief, anger and guilt while also delving into conversation about being an outsider to an issue and whether its fair for you to criticize. A great read!