When We Were Saints

Rating:
Summary: Not Bad, But Not Great
Review: Despite its thought-provoking and generally positive message, this book is too lengthy and slow-paced to be compelling. Set in rural Appalachia, this tale weaves together themes of spirituality, religion, mental illness, and individual growth. Archie?s grandfather, known by some as a prophet but by most as the town drunk, uses his dying breath to call Archie a saint. Soon after, Archie?s grandmother falls ill, his relationship with his best friend ends, and he meets a strange and beautiful young woman named Clare. In a state of confusion about his grandfather?s dying words and his own life?s meaning, Archie believes Clare when she tells him that they are both saints and must change their lives through constant prayer, starvation, and eventually, a pilgrimage the Cloisters Museum in New York. While the description of the museum is beautifully rendered, the actions of the teens are much less plausible, causing readers to feel unsympathetic toward Archie and his foolish mistakes. Unless you have a need for a spiritual journey that lacks suspense and believable events, pass on this title.

Rating:
Summary: Not Bad, But Not Great
Review: Despite its thought-provoking and generally positive message, this book is too lengthy and slow-paced to be compelling. Set in rural Appalachia, this tale weaves together themes of spirituality, religion, mental illness, and individual growth. Archie's grandfather, known by some as a prophet but by most as the town drunk, uses his dying breath to call Archie a saint. Soon after, Archie's grandmother falls ill, his relationship with his best friend ends, and he meets a strange and beautiful young woman named Clare. In a state of confusion about his grandfather's dying words and his own life's meaning, Archie believes Clare when she tells him that they are both saints and must change their lives through constant prayer, starvation, and eventually, a pilgrimage the Cloisters Museum in New York. While the description of the museum is beautifully rendered, the actions of the teens are much less plausible, causing readers to feel unsympathetic toward Archie and his foolish mistakes. Unless you have a need for a spiritual journey that lacks suspense and believable events, pass on this title.

Rating:
Summary: Amazed
Review: I just finished reading this book -- in two days. As soon as I finished I wanted to go back and read it all over again! I feel like I have actually met both Clare and Archie, the main characters, they come to life. This book is both thought provoking and a "good read." Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Amazed
Review: I just finished reading this book -- in two days. As soon as I finished I wanted to go back and read it all over again! I feel like I have actually met both Clare and Archie, the main characters, they come to life. This book is both thought provoking and a "good read." Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book was even better than I expected. I like this author and I thought the basic story line sounded interesting so I bought it. It was much a much deeper book than I anticipated and I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. The searching and resolution in this story is more than most people figure out in their whole lives. I think many people would benefit from reading this book, not just yound adults.