A review by bookedbymadeline
Saints of the Household by Ari Tison

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Listened to this on audio and really felt pulled in from the start! Saints of the Household by Ari Tison is a YA contemporary novel that looks at two brothers, Max and Jay, told in alternating POVs. The book also sometimes has poems throughout. One of the only YA novels I’ve read where it’s more vibes than plot and I loved it!

The chapters are short and the book mainly explores a violent event that land Jay and Max into counseling, their family dynamics, and indigenous stories from their Bribri background. Author and characters are Bribri, which is one of the indigenous groups of modern day Costa Rica!

I loved getting to hear the stories and learn more about Bribri culture. I also loved the narration itself, the narrators did such a great job that at times you really hear the emotion in their voices!

Overall this was such a moving, unique story that I knew from the start would be a new favorite! The novel explores brotherhood, generational trauma, and healing especially how it looks different for everyone. I would highly recommend this especially on audio 🧡

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