Agnes and Honey have always been best friends, but they haven’t always been so different. Agnes loves being a Believer. She knows the ...
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Dec 24, 2011
Jennifer
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Reviewed by Tasha for TeensReadToo.com
Agnes and Honey have been best friends since they were born. They both live, along with 260 others, in a religious commune called Mount Blessings. Here they abide by severe rules and try to live the most perfect life possible, except that there are some horrendous and not-so-perfect secrets that are kept.
As Honey and Agnes get older, their personalities drift apart, until they are complete opposites of each other. Agnes wants nothing More...
Agnes and Honey have been best friends since they were born. They both live, along with 260 others, in a religious commune called Mount Blessings. Here they abide by severe rules and try to live the most perfect life possible, except that there are some horrendous and not-so-perfect secrets that are kept.
As Honey and Agnes get older, their personalities drift apart, until they are complete opposites of each other. Agnes wants nothing More...
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Oct 12, 2007
Big Apple Book Addict
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I have read many wonderful books since I started working with Bloomsbury, but this novel is truly exceptional. The author handles the characters so wonderfully and delicately that although the book is easily finished in one sitting --- the characters remain with you long after you finished the last page.
Apr 04, 2008
Sarah
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This might actually be a five-star book for me -- haven't decided yet. Let's call it 4.5 for now...
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Nov 13, 2008
Monica
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The story of two teenage girls are raised in seclusion on a religious commune until long hidden secrets begin to reveal themselves. I have to admit that I am pretty interested in the stories of people who live outside of regular society like this, and it was a pretty fast read.
The alternating voices of Agnes and Honey didn't work particularly well for me, especially since I found Agnes so much more believable than Honey. I read here that the author had originally written th More...
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Dec 09, 2008
Aaron
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This beautifully written first novel tells the story of two best friends that have been brought through childhood living on a religious commune called Mount Blessing in Connecticut. Agnes, whose name means lamb, has hopes of becoming a saint as she follows Emmanuel, the leader of the commune, devoutly in all matters. Her best friend Honey is an orphan by virtue of the fact that her mother abandoned the commune right after Honey was born.
All the children on the commune are taken away More...
All the children on the commune are taken away More...
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Aug 11, 2008
Katy
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I loved this book. I read it in about a 8 hour block - it would have been in one sitting except my husband wanted to watch a movie with me. It was a touching story of friendship and faith, and it gave (what seemed to be) a realistic view into what life might be like in a sect that is secluded from the world.
The story rotates between Honey and Agnes, and they both have very distinctive personalities. I don't really understand how Honey was able to become as rebellious as she was - she More...
The story rotates between Honey and Agnes, and they both have very distinctive personalities. I don't really understand how Honey was able to become as rebellious as she was - she More...
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Jul 17, 2008
Khy
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Agnes and Honey have always been best friends, but they haven’t always been so different. Agnes loves being a Believer. She knows the rules at the Mount Blessing religious commune are there to make her a better person. Honey hates Mount Blessing and the control Emmanuel, their leader, has over her life. The only bright spot is the butterfly garden she’s helping to build, and the journal of butterflies that she keeps. When Agnes’s grandmother makes an unexpected visit to the commune, she discover
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May 30, 2008
Ingram's Advance Magazine Supplement for teens recently featured an interview with author Cecilia Galante, which left me really eager to read this book--and it did not disappoint!
14 y.o.'s Agnes and Honey are best friends born and raised in a religious commune in CT. Whereas Agnes accepts everything their leader Emmanuel tells them and strives to be a saint, Honey longs for freedom from false pretenses and harsh rules.
When Agnes' grandmother Nana Pete shows up for an unex More...
14 y.o.'s Agnes and Honey are best friends born and raised in a religious commune in CT. Whereas Agnes accepts everything their leader Emmanuel tells them and strives to be a saint, Honey longs for freedom from false pretenses and harsh rules.
When Agnes' grandmother Nana Pete shows up for an unex More...
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Aug 03, 2008
Carter
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This is one of those books that I think will stay with me for a long time. Very good. I can't get over the fact that a book like this was published. It's just so different than anything out there, the subject matter I mean. But thankfully, this book exists.
I like how it doesn't bash religion in the slightest. Certainly it's anti-freaky cult, but then could you imagine a book that was positive in this respect?
One thing I'm wondering is who is the Patron Saint of Butterfl More...
I like how it doesn't bash religion in the slightest. Certainly it's anti-freaky cult, but then could you imagine a book that was positive in this respect?
One thing I'm wondering is who is the Patron Saint of Butterfl More...
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May 20, 2008
Lauren
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This is a really interesting inside look at religious communes, especially given what is going on in the world right now. Thought provoking, without being preachy, this book examines how communities like this become their own little societies, with their own governments, religions, rules, leaders, and beliefs indoctrinating those who live there so they almost become brainwashed and can't think for themselves. While clearly a work of fiction, it is obviously routed in fact. The author was born in
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Dec 23, 2008
Brandi Rae
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The story is told through the alternative views of Agnes and Honey, who live in the religious commune in Connecticut named Mount Blessing. The "True Believers" life a very strict life following the religious teachings of Emmanuel (the commune's father) and Veronica (the commune's mother). Kids are separated from their parents when they are 6 months old until they are 7, during which time they live in a separate nursery. Everyone must where blue robes, pray several times a day and never
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Nov 20, 2011
Suzy
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During class this week we are talking about religions and different conflicts that parents and teens have when it comes to religions. Another book I read was THE PATRON SAINT OF BUTTERFLIES by Cecilia Galante. This was a very interesting but good book. I found it hard to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen. From the very beginning I thought that Emmanuel was to good to be true and I knew something else was going to be happening. Two girls who are more like sisters liv More...
Oct 20, 2010
Cindy
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The story begins in a commune named Mount Blessing in Fairfield, Connecticut. It houses about 260 followers of its founder, Emmanuel. Agnes and Honey, fourteen year old girls, are members of this commune. Agnes strives hard to follow all that Emmanuel teaches and wants to be a good “Believer”. Honey, however, is not too sure about the things they are learning and doing. The two girls have been friends for a long time, but they may not be as much alike as they thought. Agnes’ little brother
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Apr 09, 2010
Sophia
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Shows a disturbing yet possibly all too true way of life that some people drag their children into existing in, following a 'prophet', not quite Mormon but not mainstream Christian either. The story of two teen girls and their struggle to find out for themselves what is real, who they should believe and the impact on their lives that choices that others made for them that decide their fate. I am sure the author is condoning this way of life, but at times with showing us the struggle these girls
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Aug 19, 2009
Corinne
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Agnes and Honey have been best friends since they slept next to each other as babies in the communal nursery. Recently, though, Agnes has started taking her quest for spiritual perfection to a level that Honey thinks is a little crazy. Life in the commune has taught them to avoid music and television, to pray constantly and to strive for absolute obedience to God's will - as defined through Emmanuel, their communal leader. What life in the commune did NOT teach them was how to think for th More...
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Feb 16, 2010
Luciana
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I heard Cecelia Galante read a selection from this book, and I was so impressed with the voice of her characters that I knew I needed to read this. This tale is as much about friendship as it is about self discovery, and Galante masterfully shows us the story from the point of view of two characters, Honey and Agnes. Although they are opposites, they are irrevocably bound by their friendship. As the story progresses, we aren't sure if their friendship will survive the strains of the extreme situ
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Jul 03, 2011
Angela
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Subtext should read: Two teenage girls discover the evils of organized religion.
Honey, atheist wild child (literally a redheaded stepchild), and Agnes, an idealistic saint in training, are such polar extremes that I wonder if the plot wouldn't have been better served by a single, more subtle protagonist with more complex inner conflict and loyalties. Occasionally I wanted to slap both of them. (Though by the end of the book, Agnes is surprisingly sympathetic and not as annoying as I More...
Honey, atheist wild child (literally a redheaded stepchild), and Agnes, an idealistic saint in training, are such polar extremes that I wonder if the plot wouldn't have been better served by a single, more subtle protagonist with more complex inner conflict and loyalties. Occasionally I wanted to slap both of them. (Though by the end of the book, Agnes is surprisingly sympathetic and not as annoying as I More...
Sep 21, 2008
Jessica
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Brilliant!
An amazing look at how two people growing up in the same environment can turn out so differently. Also, a frightening look at the inner workings of a cult. Two girls, both born and raised as Believers under the charismatic leader Emmanuel begin to grow apart as one of them longs to be free of the commune and the other strives to be its most perfect follower. Both voices are crystal clear and vastly different, and the book was gripping.
An amazing look at how two people growing up in the same environment can turn out so differently. Also, a frightening look at the inner workings of a cult. Two girls, both born and raised as Believers under the charismatic leader Emmanuel begin to grow apart as one of them longs to be free of the commune and the other strives to be its most perfect follower. Both voices are crystal clear and vastly different, and the book was gripping.
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Jul 08, 2010
Lisa
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This book was very well written. It also had distinctive characters and an intriguing plot.
When I hear about religious cults/communes, I wonder how people could be so drawn to their leader as to lose the ability to think for themselves. Oh, I know about charismatic figures and brainwashing, but I still find it difficult to understand how anyone could hand over their total being to the arbitrary rules of one man or woman. While I can muster some empathy for the followers of THE ONE More...
When I hear about religious cults/communes, I wonder how people could be so drawn to their leader as to lose the ability to think for themselves. Oh, I know about charismatic figures and brainwashing, but I still find it difficult to understand how anyone could hand over their total being to the arbitrary rules of one man or woman. While I can muster some empathy for the followers of THE ONE More...
Nov 13, 2011
Jessica
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My first thought when I finished The Patron Saint of Butterflies amounted to only this: WOW. Following that, I sat down to consider why I was so blown away. I've narrowed it down and it definitely has to do with the uniqueness of this book. Ceclia Galante deals with some topics in this story that aren't generally addressed, and she does it through the eyes of young people. There is no sugar coating here, no hand holding, just truth that comes from the experiences of these characters. In other wo
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Jan 31, 2010
Sarah
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Agnes and Honey have lived their whole lives among the Believers of Mount Blessing. But lately, they are growing apart and Honey is questioning Emmanuel, their holy leader. When an unexpected visit by Nana Pete and a terrible accident coincide, everything changes for these two girls and they enter the real world. But when an even bigger secret is revealed, what will be the future for them?
Pretty well done story. I found Agnes a bit of an annoying character. Maybe that is just because More...
Pretty well done story. I found Agnes a bit of an annoying character. Maybe that is just because More...
Sep 29, 2008
Kate Hastings
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Agnes and Honey have grown up in a religious commune called Mount Blessing. Here, their leader Emmanuel, calls all the shots. Children spend the first seven years of their lives in a nursery away from their parents so that Emmanuel can become their father.
Sainthood, perfection, and love of God are perverted into an abusive lifestyle. Children are whipped and beaten-- but nobody questions Emmanuel's ways.
Great book. Creepy.
Sainthood, perfection, and love of God are perverted into an abusive lifestyle. Children are whipped and beaten-- but nobody questions Emmanuel's ways.
Great book. Creepy.
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Nov 18, 2010
Julie
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Agnes, her brother Benny and their parents live in Mount Blessing a religious commune led by Emmanuel. Agnes used to have fun like most other children. But when she turned 12 and received her book of “The Saints Way” she put aside having fun and started working on becoming perfect like the saints.
Honey is Agnes’ best friend. Her mother left her at the commune when she was just a baby. All that she has of her mother’s is a cat figurine that she carries around with her. Honey hates the More...
Honey is Agnes’ best friend. Her mother left her at the commune when she was just a baby. All that she has of her mother’s is a cat figurine that she carries around with her. Honey hates the More...
Feb 15, 2009
Terri
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Wow! What a great surprise! I love this book for its literary merit, it's fast moving plot, its memorable characters, and its thematic content. This book escaped my attention until it was listed as a"2008 Editor's Choice" in VOYA - they gave it a score of 9 out of 10 points and named it one of the top 12 books for teens of 2008! I read it on their recommendation. They said: "Absolutely riveting, this book examines life in a religious commune and the consequences of challenging a m
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Sep 20, 2010
Ann
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(Ages 11+ - abuse)
14 year old Agnes has grown up in Mount Blessing, a community of 260 "Believers." Since her 12th birthday, she has been devoted to becoming a Saint - down to following the penances that historical saints followed, such as wearing a string tightly around her waist and fasting. Her friend, rebellious orphan Honey, no longer seems to have use for the strict life of Mount Blessing. The chapters alternate between the points of view of these two girls.
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14 year old Agnes has grown up in Mount Blessing, a community of 260 "Believers." Since her 12th birthday, she has been devoted to becoming a Saint - down to following the penances that historical saints followed, such as wearing a string tightly around her waist and fasting. Her friend, rebellious orphan Honey, no longer seems to have use for the strict life of Mount Blessing. The chapters alternate between the points of view of these two girls.
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Oct 06, 2009
Rebecca
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Agnes and Honey were raised together in a compound of "Believers" and have been best friends since birth. As they grow up, they spiritually take different paths. Agnes becomes devout in her beliefs while Honey not only pushes the limits, but defies and ignores them altogther. Since they are living in a compound of "believers", they must unquestionably obey their leader, Emmanuel. While both girls despise the strict discipline thrust upon them by the hand of Emmanuel More...
Aug 18, 2009
Laura
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On the surface, Agnes and Honey are as different as night and day. Inside of the commune walls of Mount Blessing, these two best friends are going through typical teenage rivalry. Honey, an orphaned child who lives with the physically and mentally challenged gardener Winky, is a wild child who chafes at the restrictions she is forced to live under. Her best friend, the pious Agnes, is determined to become a saint and continually chastises Honey for her rebellious behavior.
The one thi More...
The one thi More...
Dec 06, 2008
Librarianforhim
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Honey and Agnes were raised in a cult commune. Agnes' grandmother shows up for a surprise visit. When she learns exactly what goes on there and following a horrific accident, Nana Pete kidnaps Honey, Agnes, and Agnes' brother Benny.
Honey is more than ready to leave it all behind, but Agnes isn't so sure. As the story progresses Agnes has some hard choices to make. Her decisions will change the lives of everyone in the commune. This is a fast-paced story that will leave the reader fe More...
Honey is more than ready to leave it all behind, but Agnes isn't so sure. As the story progresses Agnes has some hard choices to make. Her decisions will change the lives of everyone in the commune. This is a fast-paced story that will leave the reader fe More...
Mar 17, 2011
Carolyn
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Not only is the story well-paced and engaging, the author handles the subject matter with great dexterity, born from personal experience that she remembers without bitterness.
There is no aim to stir up undue malice or fear regarding religion, but instead to give us a glimpse of the heart and soul of two girls bound to each other, but fearing how their relationship is changing in ways they don't fully understand. It brought back familiar feelings from my adolescence. That is why the More...
There is no aim to stir up undue malice or fear regarding religion, but instead to give us a glimpse of the heart and soul of two girls bound to each other, but fearing how their relationship is changing in ways they don't fully understand. It brought back familiar feelings from my adolescence. That is why the More...
Aug 31, 2009
E.
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I’m the last of my colleagues to read this book, and I must say, it is just as sweet, wonderful, heartbreaking, and important as they have all told me it would be. It’s the story of two girls - Honey and Agnes - who both live on a religious commune on the East Coast. Agnes longs to be saintly, and does everything she can to follow their leader, Emmanuel’s, rules. Honey suspects that their life is not normal, and, being orphaned, lives on the fringes of the community with a fellow outcast. Her pe
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