Patron Saints of Nothing

This is an interesting perspective that I'm glad I took the time to read. This story follows high school senior Jason, born in the Philippines and raised in the Midwest, on a journey of discovery. After he finds out his cousin has been murdered, Jay takes it upon himself to return to the Philippines and investigate. Though this is a work of fiction, the political backdrop of Duterte's drug war is all too real. And this landscape is the one that Jay must try to navigate in his search for the truth. Social justice, complex family relationships, and the interplay of grief and guilt are all main themes of this novel. Obviously it's not the happiest of stories, but it's also not all doom and gloom. A solid addition to YA lit.