Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay: A Thought-Provoking Coming-of-Age Tale
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay is an emotionally engaging and thought-provoking story that follows Jay Reguero, a Filipino-American teenager who discovers the truth about his cousin, Jun, who was killed in the Philippines’ war on drugs. Throughout the novel, Jay embarks on an emotional and physical journey to uncover the secrets behind Jun’s death and to reconcile himself with his role in it. Ribay’s captivating writing style keeps readers engaged as they follow Jay throughout his exploration of identity, family, and loss. The novel is filled with raw emotion, intense political commentary, and honest reflections about the human condition. Despite its heavy topics, Patron Saints of Nothing offers a hopeful message of love, resilience, and healing. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to explore themes such as power dynamics, family loyalty, and morality.