Every character felt so realistic because people aren't just black and white.

Jun was basically a good Samaritan/arguably a truly Christlike person yet he was still human. this also acknowledges not to idolize a person/have unrealistic expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend and definitely would reread. Of course, there are many gut punches and some of the best family moments/dynamics I have seen. Patron Saints of Nothing masterfully tackles the bystander who looks at injustice and says nothing. “Complex, gripping, haunting and deeply human… a story alive with longing and pain and grace.'Truth is a hungry thing.' (pg 29) 'There are moments when sharing silence can be more meaningful than filling a space with empty chatter.' (pg 123)A thrilling story with a crisp narrative that makes you think and demand change. “Riveting, brilliantly told and deeply moving.' – Francisco X. Searing…The real deal.”– Mark Oshiro, author of Anger Is a Gift “A must-read.” – Erin Entrada Kelly, author of 2018 Newbery Award-winning Hello, Universe 'Compelling and informational' - VOYA Magazine, starred review 'Passionately and fearlessly, Ribay delves into matters of justice, grief, and identity.' - Publishers Weekly, starred review 'A perfect convergence of authentic voice and an emphasis on inner dialogue.' - School Library Journal, starred review 'Deep, nuanced, and painfully real.' -Booklist, starred review 'Powerful and courageous.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred review National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) Freeman Book Award Winner

Hoping to uncover more about Jun and the events that led to his death, Jay is forced to reckon with the many sides of his cousin before he can face the whole horrible truth - and the part he played in it.Īs gripping as it is lyrical, Patron Saints of Nothing is a page-turning portrayal of the struggle to reconcile faith, family, and immigrant identity.Īn NBC News Best Asian American Young Adult Book of the YearĪ Paste Best Young Adult Book of the YearĪ New York Public Library Top 10 Best Book of the YearĪ Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearĪ Raleigh News & Observer Best Book of the Year

But when he discovers that his Filipino cousin Jun was murdered as part of President Duterte's war on drugs, and no one in the family wants to talk about what happened, Jay travels to the Philippines to find out the real story. Jay Reguero plans to spend the last semester of his senior year playing video games before heading to the University of Michigan in the fall. 'A singular voice in the world of literature.' -Jason Reynolds, author of Long Way DownĪ powerful coming-of-age story about grief, guilt, and the risks a Filipino-American teenager takes to uncover the truth about his cousin's murder. 'Brilliant, honest, and equal parts heartbreaking and soul-healing.' -Laurie Halse Anderson, author of SHOUT

Patron saints of nothing book cover