For teens feeling overshadowed by family problems or struggling to define themselves, this story offers a poignant journey of self-discovery and finding genuine connection amidst chaos.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels invisible in their family, especially when a sibling's problems absorb all the emotional energy at home. 'Saint Anything' follows Sydney, whose life is consumed by the aftermath of her popular brother's drunk driving accident. Feeling ignored by her parents, she transfers schools and discovers a new community and a gentle first love with a family that offers the acceptance she craves. The story explores themes of identity, family loyalty, guilt, and the importance of finding your own support system. Suitable for teens 13 and up, this book validates the experience of the 'good kid' and provides a hopeful model for building your own life and happiness, even when your family is in chaos.
A secondary character is stalked and harassed by an ex-boyfriend, leading to a tense confrontation.
Romantic ContentMild
A sweet, gentle first romance with kissing and affection. Nothing explicit.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with the consequences of substance abuse (alcohol, marijuana) through the central plot of a DUI and its legal and emotional fallout. Family dysfunction and emotional neglect are portrayed directly, not metaphorically. A secondary plot involves a character being stalked and harassed, which is handled with realistic tension and a hopeful resolution where the community protects the victim. The approach is secular.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who feels like the 'good kid' or the 'invisible kid' in their family, especially if a sibling's more dramatic problems (addiction, mental health, behavioral issues) consume all the parental attention. It's for the reader who feels they have to be perfect to avoid causing more trouble and longs for a place to just be themselves.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the subplot involving stalking, as it can be tense. Additionally, the portrayal of Sydney's mother might be challenging. Her complete denial and inability to see Sydney's pain is a core part of the conflict. A parent could preview these scenes to prepare for a conversation about why adults sometimes fail to see what is right in front of them. The book can be read cold, but its themes are potent and warrant discussion. A parent notices their teen has withdrawn or seems lonely within the family unit. They might hear their child say something like, "You only ever care about [sibling]" or "It doesn't matter what I do." The parent is aware that a family crisis is taking up all the oxygen in the room and worries about the child who isn't making waves.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the friendship and romance plotlines: the joy of finding your people and having a first love. An older teen (15-18) will more deeply appreciate the nuanced exploration of complex family dynamics, parental fallibility, and the difficult process of forging an identity separate from one's family.
What Makes It Special
Among many YA books about family problems, this one is unique for its sustained, empathetic focus on the sibling left in the wake of a crisis. It's not about the 'problem child' but about the quiet collateral damage. The powerful contrast between Sydney's cold, repressed family and the warm, messy, unconditionally loving Chatham family provides a clear and comforting blueprint for what a 'chosen family' can be.
Read plot summary
Protagonist Sydney starts a new school to escape the social fallout after her charismatic older brother, Peyton, is imprisoned for a drunk driving accident that severely injured another teen. Feeling invisible to her parents, who are consumed by Peyton's situation, Sydney befriends Layla and Mac Chatham. The Chathams, a warm and boisterous family who run a local pizza parlor, provide Sydney with the sense of belonging she's been missing. Through her growing friendship with Layla and a gentle romance with Mac, Sydney finds the strength to define herself outside of her family's trauma and confront her mother's deep denial.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sydney feels invisible because her parents are so focused on Peyton. How does finding the Chathams help Sydney start to see herself differently?
2
Sydney’s mother struggles to accept the reality of what Peyton did. Why do you think it is so hard for her? How does her denial affect Sydney?
3
The Chatham family is very different from Sydney's. What specific actions or traditions make them feel like a safe harbor for Sydney? What does the book say 'family' really is?
4
Mac is very protective of his family because of his past experiences. How does his history influence the way he treats Sydney and others?
5
Near the end of the book, Sydney finally visits Peyton and speaks her mind. What has changed in her throughout the story that gives her the confidence to do this?
