Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

 

Jay Reguero is soon to be graduating from high school and heading off to the University of Michigan. Spring break of his senior year is approaching, and all he wants to do is play video games with his friend Seth. Jay's life is comfortable with his Philippine born father a nurse, and his American born mother a doctor. Jay's plans change when his father tells him that his cousin Jun was murdered in the Philippines. Tremendous guilt sets in, as Jay hasn't communicated with Jun in four years. Jun sent him letters but he never responded. When he presses his father for more information, he gets nothing. He only knows he was murdered, and that Jun's family didn't have a funeral for him. Jay is angered by his father's indifference and unwillingness to communicate. Jay wants to know more.

Jay learns through his friend Seth that the elected President Duarte has declared war on drugs and has endorsed the vicious murder of anyone associated with drug trafficking. Jun's father, Tito (uncle) Maning is the Manila chief of police, and has disowned his son. Jay out of guilt and anger, persuades his parents to let him go to the Philippines during his spring break. He goes under the guise to re-connect with his Philippine family, but what he really wants is answers. Why was Jun murdered? Why did his family disown him? Why was there no funeral? Could Tito Maning have murdered his own son?

Fast paced and well written, the plot takes some unexpected turns and is not predictable. True to the current situation in the Philippines, the author draws upon his own personal experience, to make this a vivid and realistic portrayal of the politics and life in the island country. Character development is somewhat lacking, but this plot driven novel more than compensates.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 5.3  •  Interest Level: 9-12 • AR Points: 12  •  Lexile Level: 840 •  Publisher: Penguin • Pages: 331 • Copyright: 2020 • ISBN: 978-0-525-55492-9 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding