A review by rynstagram
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Wow I’ve been lucky with books lately. Randy Ribay is the king of beautiful metaphors and complicated characters. I loved that Jay would admit when he was wrong or didn’t understand something, even if it took someone else to call him out on it. He eventually would notice these things himself much of the time. I also love that Jay’s simple view of his cousin as only good is challenged in a way that doesn’t erase the good, only adds to the many-sidedness of humans. 

The language is beautiful, as well. 

I docked a star mainly because it felt like a lot of things were repeated and reversed several times. I do think this adds to the story in some ways but also took a little bit away for me. 

This book is about hope and the many layers of grief and how we can become closer to others when a mutual loved one dies. 
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