Saint Anything

Dessen, Sarah. Saint Anything. 2015. 417p. ISBN 9780451474704. Available at FIC DES on the library shelves.

As a junior, Sydney has always felt eclipsed by her brother Peyton, a charismatic individual who has always been the star of his family. But Peyton went down the wrong path, hung with the wrong crowd, and eventually ran someone over while driving intoxicated. Now he’s been convicted to prison, leaving a large absence in the family and a heavy guilt for the victim Sydney seems to be the only one to feel.

Traumatized by this event, Sydney decides to transfer from her private school, where she is known as Peyton’s sister, to the local high school where no one knows her. The first week of school is overwhelming, but Sydney finds refuge in Seaside Pizza, where she meets Layla and her gorgeous brother Mac. The Chathams lead a chaotic life, and Layla is able to easily relate to Sydney since her sister Rosie was busted with drugs.

But ghosts from Peyton’s past are always around the town, and Sydney seems to run into them often. Can she gain acceptance among her new friends or will she forever remain Peyton’s sister? For more Sarah Dessen, take at look at Lock and Key and The Moon and More.