Quest For Justice: Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

-


Patron Saints of Nothing is authored by Randy Ribay and this is a novel about a high school senior Jay Reguero, in the middle of figuring out his future after getting into the University of Michigan, faces the puzzling death of his cousin Jun in the Philippines. Jay, with a Filipino dad and a white mom, dives into finding out what really happened to Jun during the tough drug war in the country. Battling with guilt for losing touch with Jun, Jay goes on a journey to uncover the truth, dealing with family tensions, different cultures, and lots of surprising things about Jun's life. Even with all the confusion, Jay shows how strong he is by facing tough feelings, wanting fairness for Jun, and learning that facing hard truths can help find peace inside. Jay’s a determined, kind, and thoughtful guy, trying to figure out who he is while learning about Jun's sad story. In the end, he discovers that being honest and dealing with tough stuff helps heal not just yourself but also strained relationships, like the one with his dad.


The story vividly captures a specific historical time, evident through references to events like the 2016 drug war and contemporary technologies like the PS4. Geographical accuracy shines through descriptions of places in the Philippines and cultural landmarks, grounding the narrative in authenticity. Characters are deeply rooted in their values and emotions, driving the protagonist's quest for justice and revealing the reserved nature of Tito Maning. The narrative's authenticity not only deepens the storyline but also invites readers to grapple with contemporary societal issues through the lens of historical and cultural accuracy. It tactfully integrates pivotal historical events and societal norms without bias, allowing readers to gain insights into the complexities of different eras and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, the genuine portrayal of the characters' Christian faith serves as a bridge, fostering understanding and empathy while highlighting the universal values shared across diverse cultures and belief systems.


I will not recommend this book to SDA(Seventh-day Adventist) schools due to containing language unsuitable for a Christian school, depicting violent socio-political affairs, and potentially normalizing same-sex relationships and illegal drug use as the book might lead readers to consider these as acceptable due to its portrayal. Additionally, it evokes a view that disagrees with the court of law regarding the drug war, potentially creating confusion and presenting misleading information about the past socio-political affairs. The book talks about family disagreements and differences between generations, which might bring up ideas that some schools find difficult to talk about or include in their lessons.  It also looks at how young people and their parents or grandparents might see the world in different ways, which could make some schools uncomfortable discussing these varying perspectives in their teaching. The book might touch on topics that some schools prefer not to tackle due to their sensitive or challenging nature that teachers might feel it is not their role to pass judgements on those matters.





  



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Witnessing A Humorous Expedition: Ang Pitong Tanga by Severino Reyes

-
Image
Ang Pitong Tanga or also known as The Seven Idiots by Severino Reyes is a hilarious story about seven silly folks making foolish choices during their ridiculous adventure. The story commences by introducing the characters, namely Huwan, Kanuto, Aleho, Heremias, Tiago, Kosme, and Nikolas, as they enjoy a refreshing swim in the Rio Grande de Cagayan.  Huwan suggests a headcount, notably excludes himself from the count, causing concern among the group, fearing someone might have drowned. Aleho follows suit, also excluding himself. They eventually abandon the effort and offer prayers for the soul of the presumed missing member. During this incident, Tandang Nano observes the situation and invites the seven individuals, known as the Seven Fools, to his home where the real adventure begins.  The art style of the story is Folk Art, given by the fact it shows about the cultural setting of the Philippines specifically in the Cagayan of Luzon.  The story offers insights into the Filipino way of
Read more

The Mats by Francisco Arcellana

-
Image
In this poignant narrative, Mr. Angeles' return from a trip to the South promises a special surprise for his family: personalized sleeping mats woven with vibrant colors symbolizing each family member's birthstone. The anticipation grows among the children, eager to see these unique creations. However, as Mr. Angeles unveils the mats, the joyful atmosphere shifts dramatically. The mats carry not only the living children's names but also those of deceased siblings. This revelation brings a haunting and somber tone to the occasion, contrasting sharply with the initial excitement. The family is gripped by an overwhelming and silent sorrow, as the mats meant for the departed ones evoke a poignant sense of loss and remembrance. Mr. Angeles' attempt to honor the memories of the deceased through these mats results in a moment of profound reflection, causing a painful rift in the celebratory atmosphere and revealing the enduring grief embedded within the family's history.  
Read more

Unveiling the Enigma of the Largest: Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is? by Robert E. Wells

-
Image
    Robert E. Wells' book, 'Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?' starts with the enormous blue whale, the biggest animal on Earth. The book then prompts kids to imagine something amazing: what if Mount Everest, the tallest mountain, was empty inside and could hold lots of these huge whales? But the book doesn't stop there. It goes on to show that even the giant Mount Everest is tiny compared to the whole Earth. Thus, putting Earth into a significantly large bag and subjecting it to comparisons with the Sun, and continuing this process until the largest thing to ever exist is mentioned. This book is an exciting children's book that explores the world of size and proportions. Using fun pictures and easy-to-understand explanations, the author shows young readers how different things compare in size. Additionally, this book sparks children's imaginations and fosters a love for learning about the incredible scales of our world and beyond. It's an educati
Read more