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Patron Saints of Nothing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Randy Ribay

Patron Saints of Nothing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Philippines • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.4

19,505 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Patron Saints of Nothing?

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.

4.4

19,505 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Jason “Jay” Reguero

Jay is a Filipino-American teenager grappling with his cultural identity, whose journey to the Philippines prompts a deeper understanding of his family and heritage.

Jun is Jay's cousin who, though deceased, influences Jay’s quest for understanding through the memories and letters he left behind.

Grace is Jun’s younger sister, whose activism and balanced perspective provide Jay with inspiration and guidance on his journey.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Philippines • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

840L

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