62 pages • 2 hours read
352
Novel • Fiction
Philippines • 2010s
2019
YA
14-18 years
840L
In Randy Ribay's Patron Saints of Nothing, Filipino American high school senior Jason Reguero travels to the Philippines during spring break to investigate the suspicious death of his cousin, Jun, who was entangled in the government’s harsh drug crackdown. Jay's journey uncovers complex truths about his cousin's struggles and leads him to a deeper understanding of his cultural identity, social activism, and the many layers of familial love and responsibility. Sensitive topics include drug addiction, police violence, and government corruption.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
19,505 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Randy Ribay's Patron Saints of Nothing has been praised for its compelling exploration of identity, culture, and socio-political issues in the Philippines. Reviews highlight its emotional depth and strong character development. However, some critics note the pacing issues and occasional lack of nuanced dialogue, though these do not significantly detract from the overall impact.
A reader who would enjoy Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay is someone interested in contemporary YA fiction that deals with identity, family, and social justice. Fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Dear Martin by Nic Stone will appreciate this thought-provoking exploration of cultural connections and moral dilemmas.
19,505 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Philippines • 2010s
2019
YA
14-18 years
840L
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