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| | | Cookbooks | Home » » » When We Were Saints | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | Archibald Caswell could never please his domineering granddaddy Silas. Now with Granddaddy gone, Archie finds himself lost, confused, and wondering what his grandfather could have possibly meant by his dying words: "Young man, you are a saint!"
Clare Simpson knows exactly what Silas meant. She convinces Archie to dedicate his life to God, give up his possessions, steal his granddaddy's truck, and head north to the Cloisters in New York, where she and Archie secretly live after museum hours. For Clare the journey is a return to the only place where she has felt happy and loved. For Archie, the pilgrimage leads him to a closer relationship with God--and a burning desire for home.
Includes a reader's guide and an interview with the author.
| | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Han Nolan | | Paperback:
| 291 pages | | Publisher:
| Graphia | | Publication Date:
| March 01, 2005 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0152053220 | | Product Length:
| 7.22 inches | | Product Width:
| 5.04 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.85 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.47 pounds | | Package Length:
| 6.8 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.9 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.0 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.45 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 7 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 7 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 ExcellentFeb 25, 2004
This book was even better than I expected. I like this author and I thought the basic story line sounded interesting so I bought it. It was much a much deeper book than I anticipated and I read it from beginning to end in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. The searching and resolution in this story is more than most people figure out in their whole lives. I think many people would benefit from reading this book, not just yound adults.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Boy's Journey to Find HimselfMay 25, 2010
By Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books)
When We Were Saints is the story of Archibald Lee Caswell, your everyday, average 14 year old boy, who goes on a pilgrimage to become a saint. Archie's life drastically changes the day his grandfather Silas, an old prophet, dies and tells Archie he is a saint. The day of the funeral, a young girl comes up to Archie and hands him a card that basically says the same thing. Clare Simpson, the girl from the funeral is a very religious 15 year old who convinces Archie that he truly is saintly and that the two of them are soul mates. From there, Archie goes on a journey to find God and become the saint he believes he is destined to be.
This book was a rollercoaster of a ride for me. There isn't a lot of action or crazy things happening, but it truly made me think. Archie's journey to sainthood is moving and made me think about religion in an entirely different way. That being said, this book is filled with the Catholic religion. I think that alone may make a lot of readers pass on this. I'm not particularly religious, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Nolan has created an unforgettable character in Archie. He is your average boy, but unique in the so many ways. His devotion to Clare is startling at times, but almost understandable. Clare herself is a startling character. Her complete, unwavering devotion to God is incredible and terrifying. Archie wants what she has and almost loses himself to find it. Their pilgrimage moved me to tears.
I couldn't even put the book down towards the end because I was so connected to Archie and I needed to know what was going to happen to him. It's impossible not to care for him. Archie is so young and naïve and he has so much love pouring out of him that I instantly felt connected with him. I never really felt that way with Clare, but I don't think the reader is supposed to. Clare is the catalyst for the pilgrimage and Archie's reason for wanting to be closer to God, but she does so much more than that for him. Their journey isn't just about finding God, it is about finding the goodness in humankind and becoming saintly in ways that aren't even related to religion.
When We Were Saints isn't a love story and it isn't necessarily a story about finding God either. It is a story about a boy finding himself. Archie goes on a pilgrimage to be closer to God, but he actually discovers the person he is and the person he wants to be. It is a moving, emotional journey that will stay with me for a long time.
Opening line: Archibald Lee Caswell had named the still he and his best friend, Armory Mitchell, had built in the basement of his grandparents' home The Last Hurrah, in honor of Armory, who was moving with his family to Washington, D.C.
Favorite line: Maybe that's all it really takes to be a saint - those simple acts of kindness.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Not Bad, But Not GreatMar 13, 2004
By Jessi Platt
Despite its thought-provoking and generally positive message, this book is too lengthy and slow-paced to be compelling. Set in rural Appalachia, this tale weaves together themes of spirituality, religion, mental illness, and individual growth. Archie?s grandfather, known by some as a prophet but by most as the town drunk, uses his dying breath to call Archie a saint. Soon after, Archie?s grandmother falls ill, his relationship with his best friend ends, and he meets a strange and beautiful young woman named Clare. In a state of confusion about his grandfather?s dying words and his own life?s meaning, Archie believes Clare when she tells him that they are both saints and must change their lives through constant prayer, starvation, and eventually, a pilgrimage the Cloisters Museum in New York. While the description of the museum is beautifully rendered, the actions of the teens are much less plausible, causing readers to feel unsympathetic toward Archie and his foolish mistakes. Unless you have a need for a spiritual journey that lacks suspense and believable events, pass on this title.
A Moving and Engrossing Book!Apr 28, 2008
By Atticus
This is what literature needs to be like these days. I picked up this book in the Young Adult section of my library, and I was amazed. Engrossing, interesting, and moving. A wonderful book!
AmazedApr 26, 2004
By Freckled Momma
I just finished reading this book -- in two days. As soon as I finished I wanted to go back and read it all over again! I feel like I have actually met both Clare and Archie, the main characters, they come to life. This book is both thought provoking and a "good read." Highly recommended.
See all 7 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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