Book Review: Saint Anything

I have finally read my first Sarah Dessen book! I always thought these books girly and full of sappy love stories.  I was proven wrong.  I just finished this book, and it was phenomenally written...

Saint Anything

Sarah Dessen

Goodreads summary:
Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

This was my first Sarah Dessen book...I'm not a big fan of "chick lit." BUT, this book is SO much more than that! This story, about a young man drunk driving and injuring and innocent bystander, is unfortunately, our reality these days.  This has happened, and will continue to happen as long as individuals (NOT JUST TEENS) drive drunk.

Sydney is a beautiful character--TRYING to be seen, and the only time she is, it is for the wrong things--the mistakes she makes, because she is always compared to her brother and what he did.  This story is one girl trying to independent, make her own choices, and proving to everyone that she is not her brother, but loves him to death, and she can make so much for herself if people just listen.  I highly recommend this story to any reader of any age, from chick lit. lovers to fantasy fans.  It's worth a try!