9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list!
"A novel that attests once again to Ms. Tyler's enormous gifts as a writer."
--T... read full description
"A novel that attests once again to Ms. Tyler's enormous gifts as a writer."
--T... read full description
reviews
Dec 20, 2011
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it: 
I would like to say a lot about this book, but some of it would undoubtedly contain spoilers. I had to consider carefully before rating it, it comes very close (for me) to a 5 star rating. As has been said before, were there half stars I'd go 4.5 easily here.
First, this isn't the typical type book that I usually read or that usually appeals to me. We follow Ian through most of his life, his lack of wisdom, the decisions he makes, their consequences... I picked this book up because I More...
First, this isn't the typical type book that I usually read or that usually appeals to me. We follow Ian through most of his life, his lack of wisdom, the decisions he makes, their consequences... I picked this book up because I More...
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Nov 27, 2011
Jared
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Reading the back-of-the-book synopsis, I expected Saint Maybe to be a sort of grace-centered retread of 1980's Ordinary People, in which a teenager struggles to come to terms with the death of his older, "better" brother (for which he feels partially responsible) with the help of a compassionate psychiatrist. As it happened, there are some superficial parallels, but thematically it turned out to have more in common with 2007's Atonement. (And, for the record, I know that both of the fi
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Apr 23, 2009
MaryAnn
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I read this book a long time ago and have kept it on the shelf as a good friend to revisit. But recently I listened to an abridged version. I don't usually listen to an abridgment because as a rule they are poorly done.
This rendering of Saint Maybe was no exception but the reader was John Lithgow and despite the lousy editing the greatness of the story shone through. The essential message, that we all have an impact on each other all the time, whether we want to or not. And tha More...
This rendering of Saint Maybe was no exception but the reader was John Lithgow and despite the lousy editing the greatness of the story shone through. The essential message, that we all have an impact on each other all the time, whether we want to or not. And tha More...
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Jun 22, 2008
Erik
rated it:
This is a rambling book that takes one direction, then thwarts expectations, moves in another, and then seems to confirm the original path. Maybe because I am just a simpleton who is easily led off on red herring chaces. But I think it has to do with the Author's excellent plotting, slightly off-puting yet quite human characters, and a couple of good literary devices she has up her sleeve. It probably merits a re-reading, but not right away. It is my first Anne Tyler book, which is slightly surp
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Oct 02, 2010
Karen
rated it: 
I think I would actually give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed reading it and found some really good lessons and ideas to think about.
It is the story of a family living in Baltimore, and follows this family through about 30 years. The main character, Saint Maybe, is Ian the youngest son. He finds himself feeling lost and responsible for some very unhappy events that have fallen on his family. He then finds a church which gives him the hope and strength he needs to live his life. H More...
It is the story of a family living in Baltimore, and follows this family through about 30 years. The main character, Saint Maybe, is Ian the youngest son. He finds himself feeling lost and responsible for some very unhappy events that have fallen on his family. He then finds a church which gives him the hope and strength he needs to live his life. H More...
Sep 02, 2009
Alison
rated it:
I LOVE Anne Tyler. Every time I sit down to write a novel (haha, that sounds really funny) I draw on Anne Tyler and Jane Austen for inspiration, because I love the way they make an ordinary person/family, and the minutiae of their daily lives, so fascinating. Argh! If only I could do that, I wouldn't have to spend tons of money and time on a law school education - I could just sit back and let the royalties roll in. Anyway, Anne Tyler as a writer is totally realistic, eccentric, funny, sad, and
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Jun 19, 2009
Joy
rated it:
This is a family drama that starts out in 1965 -- small town, three
grown children. It shows the evolution of families over time. The
youngest child Ian is weighed down by guilt when he discovers the Church
of the Second Chance. He then sets about earning God's forgiveness
through a lot of sacrifice and a lot of love.
Favorite quotes: "Doug fancied he could tell the members from the
visitors. The members had a dowdy, worn, slumping look; the visitors wer More...
grown children. It shows the evolution of families over time. The
youngest child Ian is weighed down by guilt when he discovers the Church
of the Second Chance. He then sets about earning God's forgiveness
through a lot of sacrifice and a lot of love.
Favorite quotes: "Doug fancied he could tell the members from the
visitors. The members had a dowdy, worn, slumping look; the visitors wer More...
Oct 13, 2007
gypsyclk
rated it:
I first read this book because it was on a summer reading list when I was in high school, but I remembered it was one of my favorites that year. A wonderful book about how one mistake can change your life and how life is all about second chances. I love how complex Anne Tyler's characters are and it feels like you grow up with the main character of this novel.
I've since re-read this book as an adult and it is still just as powerful.
I've since re-read this book as an adult and it is still just as powerful.
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Nov 08, 2007
When I first read this book I thought it crude, graphic and a little too much for my taste. But as life has gone on and my eyes are opened a little more with each experience, I realize just how good this book really is. It portrays life almost perfectly. Tyler does such a wonderful job at showing how quickly and hard life can hit you at any given time. It also shows how through service and sacrifice we are given a second chance.
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Oct 05, 2009
Sisimka
rated it:
Reading Anne Tyler can be a daring experience. It's as if you have to endure your clothes being taken away and your bare skin exposed. Her insight is scary - and I'm sure I'm not the only reader who feels she is writing about me, my thoughts and my motivations.
Saint Maybe is at once both her most depressing yet uplifting novel. In a moment of intense frustration, a seventeen year old boy makes a mistake – he blurts out an accusation to his brother that taken in a rational light in More...
Saint Maybe is at once both her most depressing yet uplifting novel. In a moment of intense frustration, a seventeen year old boy makes a mistake – he blurts out an accusation to his brother that taken in a rational light in More...
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Nov 30, 2008
Jayne
rated it:
I loved Anne Taylor's style of writing. I wanted to read every word. The characters were very interesting. I didn't care for the ending, in fact I almost lost interest in the last couple chapters. The chapters were way too long. What could have been a 5 ended up a 3.
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Aug 25, 2011
Mrsgaskell
rated it:
Anne Tyler's insights into families and relationships always make for good compelling reading. Saint Maybe spans over 25 years in the lives of the Bedloe family. When we meet them in 1965, the two older children have already left home. Daughter Claudia is married and has already given birth to several children, just the start of what will become a large brood. Danny, nearing thirty, the popular and athletic middle child, has a steady job at the post office and although he's had many girlfriends
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Feb 20, 2011
Dolly
rated it:
I discovered this book because it was selected as the book of the month at my local library's book club. I finished it the night of the meeting, but wasn't able to attend. Maybe next month, next book. In any case, this was a terrific story and felt so sincere throughout. The drama and disfunction in this family made for an engaging tale, but it still felt like it could be true. I like that it depicts a young man who is willing to sacrifice his education and future dreams to stay home and su
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Dec 20, 2010
December 5th
pages 3-81
time spent: 45 minutes
The family in the book is the "ideal, apple-pie household: two amiable parents, three good-looking children, a dog, a cat, a scattering of goldfish" (4). This reminds me of my family. No my family is not perfect, but we are very loving like this family. The middle child, Ian, is who I would compare myself to. He is the middle child like I am, but he is constantly being compared to his siblings. Which is exactly wha More...
pages 3-81
time spent: 45 minutes
The family in the book is the "ideal, apple-pie household: two amiable parents, three good-looking children, a dog, a cat, a scattering of goldfish" (4). This reminds me of my family. No my family is not perfect, but we are very loving like this family. The middle child, Ian, is who I would compare myself to. He is the middle child like I am, but he is constantly being compared to his siblings. Which is exactly wha More...
Jul 08, 2011
Beth
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 25, 2010
Danielle
rated it:
Another amazing book by Anne Tyler. This was the story of Ian, a freshman in college who feels responsible for the death of the older brother he idolizes. When Ian believes that his brother's wife is cheating and let's him know, he reacts by getting into his car, driving into a wall, and killing himself. That first tragedy spirals into many and Ian tries to cope with his self-loathing & the secret that his brother's death wasn't accidental. Ultimately, Ian finds redemption but it takes almost a
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Oct 22, 2008
Trista
rated it:
It's not a book that changed my life, but I enjoyed my time spent with it. In fact, the next day I even found myself missing hanging out with the characters! (I don't do that often). She makes some poignant observations about the lines between religious devotion and obsession, and discipleship and hypocrisy.
Jul 27, 2008
Marie
rated it:
This is really an exceptional book. Every time I read a book by Tyler I am surprised by how keen she is at portraying human nature. And what really amazes me is how she can do this without judgment. Her writing is beautiful and so life-affirming. I feel better for having read Saint Maybe.
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Apr 25, 2011
Steve
rated it:
Patented Ann Tyler--a look at the lives and relationships of a slightly off-beat Baltimore family. In this case, the family is the Bedloes. We are led through, in typical Tyler style, the quiet sufferings (particularly Ian Bedloe's) as they cope with often painful transitions of life. Ian struggles to come to terms with the deaths of his older brother, Danny, and his sister-in-law, Lucy; deaths which Ian feels he is directly responsible for through his unsupported accusation to Danny that Luc
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Mar 29, 2009
Karen
rated it:
One of my favorite books of all time. Tyler has an unrivaled talent for describing the small details, the quiet moments, and somehow weaves an entire character's life from these seemingly small details and quiet moments. She has mastered the brushstroke technique, and this is particularly apparent in Saint Maybe. This tale of redemption focuses on Ian Bedloe, a young man who, in a moment of impatient irritation, a moment that could happen to any of us, unthinkingly causes a terrible tragedy i
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Nov 18, 2009
Lora
rated it:
Read this book for book club. Realized that I had alreay read it and loved it the first time. It had so many great principles in it--like restitution being necessary to true repetance. Like the different paths children take and personalities that they develop and the importance of fitting those things in to your family realm. I rarely reread books. I found this reread a little frustrating because I remembered just enough of the book to ruin the plot for myself, but nevertheless, enjoyed it.
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Apr 14, 2009
Mike
rated it:
I've enjoyed Tyler's novels and hope to read most of her work..this one came next. She does such a good job relating how fairly typical Americans face up to challenging or, in this case, tragedy-induced circumstances. Here, highschool senior Ian Bedloe deals with soul scarring grief and guilt over the tragic loss of a beloved brother, whose death he feels responsble for. A further tragedy a few months later sends him reeling. Ian happens upon a storefront church and its solemn, plain-spoken pr
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Feb 14, 2010
Paige
rated it:
Anne Tyler has made an art of the ordinary stuff of our lives and heroes from those who think of themselves as just living. This book is a perfect example of that. One act changes the entire course of a young man's life and this story chronicles how he a life that is completely different than anything he expected. The great thing about Anne Tyler's writing is how she describes such minute acts and elevates them. All of her books that I have read have been set in Baltimore, MD, and span the d
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Jun 18, 2010
Emily
rated it:
I was sooo into this book. Anne Tyler is one of my absolute favorite authors ever. Her stories are just about life and often nothing terribly drastic, and yet you HAVE to keep reading to find out what becomes of her characters. Plus she isn't cheap, she is clean. She is too good of a writer to have to stoop to putting in trash just so she can get people to read it. Anyway, I had avoided getting this one for a while because I knew it was about someone "turning their life around" an
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Jul 22, 2009
Emily
rated it:
I love Anne Tyler's characters. She writes about inter-family relationships with more poise, nuance, and sensitivity than almost any writers out there.
Perhaps I got spoiled with "When We Were Grown-ups" or just read it at the right time, because it said so much more about the complex relationship between love and obligation than "Saint Maybe" could approach, although the characters' situations were somewhat similar. It seems that "When We Were Grown-ups" More...
Perhaps I got spoiled with "When We Were Grown-ups" or just read it at the right time, because it said so much more about the complex relationship between love and obligation than "Saint Maybe" could approach, although the characters' situations were somewhat similar. It seems that "When We Were Grown-ups" More...
Feb 12, 2010
Barbara
rated it:
This is one of Tyler's earlier novels about what starts as an ordinary family in so many ways, then turns into a family beset by a number of problems. Ian, the book's main character, spends his life -- and most of the book -- atoning for a tragic event that he may -- or may not -- have caused. Ian's salvation comes about after he finds himself in a little known -- or known-about -- church. For me, his religiosity became tedious, but as usual most of Tyler's characters became people one knows and
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Jan 29, 2012
Jennyreadsexcessively
rated it:
Another yummy, comfort family drama from Tyler. I always find her characters and her Baltimore setting spot-on. In 1965, the Bedloe family is living the great life, when tragedy strikes and their youngest son blames himself. Ian seeks refuge in The Church of the Second Chance and sets out to right the wrongs by sacrificing his own happiness. Similar to Perrotta's The Abstinence Teacher, which I recently read, this novel tackles the subject of faith fairly, without the snide overtones that are of
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Jan 14, 2009
Su
rated it:
I really love Anne Tyler's writings. She writes about ordinary Americans, going about their routine lives, and yet she gives them such purpose and direction. In this story, Ian Bedsloe is riddled with guilt over the death of his older brother and he ends up raising three children that aren't even related to him. He is 19 when he becomes a surrogate father and the story ends with him being 42 and a father of his own son. In between we see how principled he is and although he often questions h
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Jul 29, 2011
notgettingenough
rated it:
Review of 'Saint Maybe' and 'Stigmata'
There were clues in the titles, I realise retrospectively, that these were both books about God: ‘Saint’ in one, ‘Stigmata’ in the other…a complete coincidence that I read them back to back.
But what different takes – well, they would be different, wouldn’t they? Tyler and Dick. Not two authors one would typically mention in the same breath.
Saint Maybe deals with a person who needs God. He has planned a hot date with his girlfrie More...
There were clues in the titles, I realise retrospectively, that these were both books about God: ‘Saint’ in one, ‘Stigmata’ in the other…a complete coincidence that I read them back to back.
But what different takes – well, they would be different, wouldn’t they? Tyler and Dick. Not two authors one would typically mention in the same breath.
Saint Maybe deals with a person who needs God. He has planned a hot date with his girlfrie More...
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