Patron Saints of Nothing

 

Patron Saints of Nothing is a powerful and poignant young adult novel by Randy Ribay. The audiobook, narrated by Ramón de Ocampo, tells the story of Jay Reguero, a Filipino-American teenager who travels to the Philippines to uncover the truth about his cousin's death and to confront his own cultural identity.

Jay is a high school senior who lives in Michigan with his family. He receives an unexpected email from his aunt in the Philippines, informing him that his cousin Jun has been killed in President Duterte's war on drugs. Jay is shocked and confused by the news, as he hasn't spoken to Jun in years. He feels guilty for not keeping in touch with his cousin and for not knowing more about what's happening in the Philippines. Jay decides to travel to the Philippines during his winter break to find out what really happened to Jun.

The novel is a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and family. Jay's journey to the Philippines is not only a physical one, but also a journey of self-discovery. He grapples with his Filipino heritage and his American upbringing, and he struggles to reconcile the two. He realizes that he knows very little about the country his parents came from, and he feels guilty for not caring enough to learn more. Through his interactions with his relatives, Jay learns about the complex history and politics of the Philippines, and he begins to understand why Jun was involved in the drug trade.

The audiobook is narrated by Ramón de Ocampo, who does an excellent job of capturing Jay's voice and emotions. He brings the characters to life with his expressive reading and adds depth to the story. His narration is engaging and compelling, making it hard to stop listening.

The novel also deals with the issue of Duterte's war on drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines. Ribay's portrayal of the political situation in the country is nuanced and thought-provoking. He explores the effects of the drug war on families and communities, and he raises important questions about justice, human rights, and accountability.

Patron Saints of Nothing is a gripping and emotional novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a story about the power of family, the importance of understanding one's roots, and the need for empathy and compassion in a world that often seems divided. The audiobook is a great way to experience the novel, and Ramón de Ocampo's narration adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the already powerful story.