SuitabookSaint Anything
Sarah Dessen
- Reading
- Read in manageable sections, pausing after major family or friendship shifts. Offer space to discuss substance-related harm and sexual vulnerability without demanding personal disclosure.
- Themes
- Responsibility and repair: Sydney is affected by her brother’s harmful actions and by her family’s responses, while the story emphasises honest communication and attempts to repair damage. The book appears to distinguish between causing harm and helping address its effects, without making Sydney responsible for another person’s actions.
- Substance-related harm: Drinking and drug use contribute to serious disruption, including a drunk-driving injury, imprisonment and damage associated with painkiller addiction. The described treatment is clearly disapproving: intoxicated characters are portrayed as repulsive or making selfish choices, with harm to themselves and others foregrounded.
- Friendship and belonging: After leaving her private school, Sydney meets Mac and Layla and becomes connected with their welcoming family and pizza business. Friendship is presented as loyal, patient and protective, offering Sydney connection while she feels overlooked at home.
- Worth knowing
- Before reading, consider whether themes of drunk-driving consequences, addiction, an unwanted sexual advance, family neglect and occasional strong language are suitable for the individual reader and your preferred level of discussion.