REVIEW: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

(Summary from 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.

As a long-time lover of all of Sarah Dessen's books, I have to say I loved this one the most. It is really different from her other stories and its as so refreshing! I was expecting it to be the typical story with the guy and girl and falling in love. This was so much more. Not only does it deal with family (and the things a family goes through), it also deals with friendships, finding yourself, and loss. 

This book has to be her longest yet. It is VERY long, but honestly there is so much to the story that it is justified… and who would complain about a long Sarah Dessen book? After waiting for her next book for TWO years, it is really worth the wait. 

I loved how the book wasn't JUST focused on the relationship between Sydney and Mac. There was so much more. 

Can we touch on the subject of Ames? I have never hated a character more. How he was described was just creepy! I hated reading about him. 

I loved Syndey. She is such a strong, smart, thoughtful person/character.

The relationships that Dessen rights about seems like they are REAL. They are described so well that it seems like you are reading about real people. 

Five out of five stars.