Title: Patron Saints of Nothing
Author: Randy Ribay
First published June 18, 2019
323 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525554912 (ISBN10: 0525554912)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
In Randy Ribay’s Patron Saints of Nothing, readers are taken on a poignant journey of self-discovery, as a young Filipino-American grapples with grief, guilt, and the search for truth. Jay Reguero has big plans for his last semester of high school, but when he learns of his cousin Jun’s murder in the Philippines, Jay’s world is turned upside down.
With no one in his family willing to talk about the tragedy, Jay embarks on a journey to uncover the real story behind Jun’s death. Along the way, he must confront the many facets of his cousin’s life and his own role in the events that led to the tragedy.
With heart-wrenching honesty and a raw, unflinching look at the consequences of political violence, Patron Saints of Nothing is a must-read for anyone seeking a powerful coming-of-age story.
About the Author
Meet Randy Ribay, a talented author known for his captivating contemporary young adult novels. He’s penned titles such as “Patron Saints of Nothing,” published by Kokila/Penguin in 2019, “After the Shot Drops,” published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2018, and “An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes,” published by Merit Press/Simon & Schuster in 2015.
When he’s not crafting gripping stories, Randy is a dedicated high school English teacher who enjoys losing himself in a good read, playing video games, and watching top-notch TV shows. He’s also a loving husband and proud father to two adorable dog-children.
If you’re looking for him, you might catch him somewhere making impressive lightsaber sound effects with his mouth.
Editoral Review
Randy Ribay’s latest novel, Patron Saints of Nothing, is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking exploration of identity, culture, and family. Published on June 18, 2019, this young adult novel has received critical acclaim for its powerful and emotional storytelling.
The author, Randy Ribay, is a Filipino-American writer known for his previous works, such as After the Shot Drops and An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes. A graduate of the University of Colorado and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Ribay channels his passion for social justice and education in his writing.
Set in the Philippines, Patron Saints of Nothing tells the story of Jay Reguero, a Filipino-American teenage boy who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his cousin’s death. As Jay delves deeper into his cousin’s life and the social and political issues that plague the country, he confronts his own privileged identity and grapples with questions of belonging and responsibility.
Ribay’s writing style is clear and concise, yet evocative and impactful. He brings to life vivid and immersive descriptions of the Philippines, painting a portrait of a country grappling with corruption, drug addiction, and violence.
Through Jay’s experiences, Ribay seamlessly weaves together themes of family, grief, and the complexities of identity, while also addressing issues of race, class, and cultural heritage. The characters in Patron Saints of Nothing are well-rounded and authentic, with well-developed personalities and backstories.
Jay is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and growth is inspiring and thought-provoking. The supporting cast, including Jay’s long-lost relatives, his estranged father, and his best friend, provide insight into the nuances and contradictions of Filipino society, as well as the complexities of family ties and broken relationships.
One of the strongest aspects of Patron Saints of Nothing is its relevance to current events and social issues. Ribay’s exploration of the war on drugs in the Philippines, the impact of colonialism and authoritarianism, and the immigrant experience in America, are timely and powerful.
Additionally, his portrayal of intersectionality and the intersectional experiences of marginalized communities is commendable. Despite its strengths, the novel is not without its flaws.
The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Nevertheless, these are minor flaws that do not detract from the overall impact of the novel.
In conclusion, Patron Saints of Nothing is a captivating and moving novel that speaks to the universal themes of identity, family, and belonging. Randy Ribay’s prose is a joy to read, and his storytelling is both poignant and thought-provoking.
We recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of culture, identity, and social justice. It deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on its emotional resonance, writing quality, and cultural significance.
