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Heretics Anonymous
Michael is an atheist. So as he walks through the doors at St. Clare’s—a strict Catholic school—sporting a plaid tie, things can’t get much worse. His dad has just made the family move again, and Michael needs a friend. When a girl challenges their teacher in class, Michael thinks he might have found one, and a fellow nonbeliever at that. Only this girl, Lucy, is not just Catholic . . . she wants to be a priest.
But Lucy introduces Michael to other St. Clare’s outcasts, and he officially joins Heretics Anonymous, where he can be an atheist, Lucy can be an outspoken feminist, Avi can be Jewish and gay, Max can wear whatever he wants, and Eden can practice paganism. After an incident in theology class, Michael encourages the Heretics to go from secret society to rebels intent on exposing the school’s hypocrisies. When Michael takes one mission too far—putting the other Heretics at risk—he must decide whether to fight for his own freedom, or rely on faith, whatever that means, in God, his friends, or himself.
But Lucy introduces Michael to other St. Clare’s outcasts, and he officially joins Heretics Anonymous, where he can be an atheist, Lucy can be an outspoken feminist, Avi can be Jewish and gay, Max can wear whatever he wants, and Eden can practice paganism. After an incident in theology class, Michael encourages the Heretics to go from secret society to rebels intent on exposing the school’s hypocrisies. When Michael takes one mission too far—putting the other Heretics at risk—he must decide whether to fight for his own freedom, or rely on faith, whatever that means, in God, his friends, or himself.
329 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
247 people are currently reading
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October 17, 2018
Heretics Anonymous
6/5 Stars. Heretics Anonymous is a fascinating and humorous examination of faith and tolerance. This novel has quickly become an all-time favorite of mine.
Check out my non-spoiler video review!: https://t.co/77hRxWGmPD
CW: slut shaming, homophobia (both challenged in text), various jokes about religion
The humor in this book is UNREAL. I was crying of laughter almost from the first page. I feel that young adult books have been recently focusing on contemporary novels featuring dark and serious topics, so it was a breath of fresh air to read something so laughable! Michael’s sarcastic narration was the perfect fit for this story and I feel it is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel.
I’m smitten with the characters in this novel. Following an atheist, a Colombian catholic, a gay jew, a pagan, and a unitarian (who loves to break the dress code), Michael, Lucy, Avi, Eden, and Max are a flawless band of misfits to stir up some much needed discussion in their conservative school. Michael is wonderfully flawed; He’s rash and obnoxious but still loveable and learning how to be a better person. Lucy has endless layers in the way she proudly presents herself as an intelligent feminist, has to take on additional responsibilities at home, and remains loyal to her faith while also challenging the unjust parts of it. Avi is snarky and confrontational in the best way. Out of all the characters, Eden and Max are the least developed, but they remain enjoyable and valuable participants of the story. I love the dynamic of these friends. They act (mostly – I’m looking at you, Michael) in solidarity but are still able to disagree and challenge the beliefs and motivations of one another. It is a very equal, healthy relationship between them all and such a charming story.
Heretics Anonymous follows quite religious themes without infringing on the freedom of it’s characters AND readers. The main message of this story is tolerance. Despite their differences, these friends from all different forms of belief can come together for one purpose and achieve it. There is no “conversion” story. There is no push to follow one belief system. It is about the beauty of coexisting with one another and following what you personally believe in.
I would recommend Heretics Anonymous to absolutely anyone. Whether you want to explore different perspectives of organized religion. Whether you want a story following a strong friendship. Or you just want a reason to laugh. I would highly recommend picking up this immensely unique debut and observing how it changes you.
This book was sent to me unsolicited and for free by Harper Collins. I had no obligation to review this book and all opinions are my own.
6/5 Stars. Heretics Anonymous is a fascinating and humorous examination of faith and tolerance. This novel has quickly become an all-time favorite of mine.
Check out my non-spoiler video review!: https://t.co/77hRxWGmPD
CW: slut shaming, homophobia (both challenged in text), various jokes about religion
The humor in this book is UNREAL. I was crying of laughter almost from the first page. I feel that young adult books have been recently focusing on contemporary novels featuring dark and serious topics, so it was a breath of fresh air to read something so laughable! Michael’s sarcastic narration was the perfect fit for this story and I feel it is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel.
I’m smitten with the characters in this novel. Following an atheist, a Colombian catholic, a gay jew, a pagan, and a unitarian (who loves to break the dress code), Michael, Lucy, Avi, Eden, and Max are a flawless band of misfits to stir up some much needed discussion in their conservative school. Michael is wonderfully flawed; He’s rash and obnoxious but still loveable and learning how to be a better person. Lucy has endless layers in the way she proudly presents herself as an intelligent feminist, has to take on additional responsibilities at home, and remains loyal to her faith while also challenging the unjust parts of it. Avi is snarky and confrontational in the best way. Out of all the characters, Eden and Max are the least developed, but they remain enjoyable and valuable participants of the story. I love the dynamic of these friends. They act (mostly – I’m looking at you, Michael) in solidarity but are still able to disagree and challenge the beliefs and motivations of one another. It is a very equal, healthy relationship between them all and such a charming story.
Heretics Anonymous follows quite religious themes without infringing on the freedom of it’s characters AND readers. The main message of this story is tolerance. Despite their differences, these friends from all different forms of belief can come together for one purpose and achieve it. There is no “conversion” story. There is no push to follow one belief system. It is about the beauty of coexisting with one another and following what you personally believe in.
I would recommend Heretics Anonymous to absolutely anyone. Whether you want to explore different perspectives of organized religion. Whether you want a story following a strong friendship. Or you just want a reason to laugh. I would highly recommend picking up this immensely unique debut and observing how it changes you.
This book was sent to me unsolicited and for free by Harper Collins. I had no obligation to review this book and all opinions are my own.
August 21, 2018
It’s first period and only one person definitely wants me dead. Things are going better than expected.
Heretics Anonymous is one of the few (actually the only one I can recall) YA books that talks specifically about a lack of religion. The protagonist - Michael - is an atheist who is forced to attend a Catholic high school and he, along with some new friends, attempts an amusing challenge of religious hypocrisy and inadequate sex education (read: outright lies).
As an atheist who attended my own Catholic high school, I related to a lot of this. My school was definitely more liberal than St Clare's, public not private, and with regular teachers instead of nuns, but I remember having a lot of questions and issues similar to what Michael has. Also, this is the latest blog update from my old school: http://www.st-wilfrids.bkcat.co.uk/of... 🙄
It's a funny book, not one for those unwilling to laugh at some of the more ridiculous aspects of religion, but it's also respectful of anyone's beliefs as long as they agree everyone has the right to believe their own thing and love who they want. Michael is an atheist but his friends range from devoted Catholic to practicing pagan, with the ultimate message being tolerance and understanding. At the same time as unpacking some of the misconceptions about safe sex, Michael's own arrogance and dismissal of other beliefs is challenged.
“I’m Sister Joseph Marie. You can call me Sister.”
Sister. Father. It’s like getting a whole other family I don’t want to spend time with.
The humour worked well for me and I laughed out loud a few times, but I think this book follows the pattern of a number of other quirky humourous books that have a weak story and weak characters. Underneath the hilarious and quotable lines, the meat of the book is lacking. The characters are forgettable and read more like a bunch of quirks shaped like a person than fully fleshed-out individuals.
While some of the funnier quotes remind me of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the characters are far less memorable. I think this book will work well for readers who enjoy funny lines and jokes, and are willing to sacrifice plot and character development in exchange for said jokes. I think comedy usually translates well to audio, so I'd also be interested how audiobook readers find this.
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April 3, 2021
I looked for other symbols from old heretical Christian groups, but I liked the meaning of the five-fold. We're all in this together. Catholicism never felt like that, for me. It always seemed like I had to squeeze myself in, leave parts of me behind. Now, I feel like my religion wants all of me, because everything and everyone is connected—no matter what we believe.
First and foremost, I'll start off by saying that there are some personal things I decided to write on this review.
Secondly, although I've never mentioned this before, I am a believer of God, but not in religions, so I don’t practice any religion. I am also someone who enjoys hearing other people's opinions on many debatable topics such as this one—religion.
Last but not least, I feel this book was more than special to me. One of the biggest reasons is because I’ve only met one atheist in my life. Reading this from an atheists’ point of view somewhat opened my eyes. I mean, I felt like Michael was the friend I’ve probably been needing my whole life but have never looked at it that way.
If it's important to one of us, it's important to all of us. Isn't that what our symbol means?
In Heretics Anonymous we follow Michael as he is telling us that he is about to enter the gates of true hell for him—Catholic School. Michael is an atheist and knows this is not the best idea for him, but he seems to be an outcast in the family, as his dad is always away and doesn't care what Michael has to say and his mother has no say in anything because it's not up to her to decide. When Michael is in class one day, he didn't think he'd ever see a girl challenge their teacher. He realizes this might just be the right moment to befriend her, as he thinks they're the same. Although they may be similar, they're quite very different, as Michael remains an Atheist but this girl, Lucy, is a devoted Catholic. The difference is that she doesn't want to be a nun, she wants to be a priest. As this friendship is introduced, Lucy introduces others like Michael to him. They're all part of a group called Heretics Anonymous that starts off as a support group where each can rely on the other without criticism or discrimination on beliefs or any practices made.
In Heretics Anonymous, the voices of these other outcasts are spoken, as we can see Avi is Jewish, Eden is a Celtic Reconstructionist Polytheist, and Eden is Unitarian. A whole group of students who want to live their life the way they believe is right is allowed in their little hideout, but when Michael comes up with ideas and starts getting himself set up for future consequences he is aware of, Heretics Anonymous might be in danger, and it's up to Michael to take the risk of saving them, whether it's by putting his faith in the god he doesn't believe in, himself, his friends, or all three.
Heretics Anonymous is not only about religion, but it's about finding love in people that are so similar yet quite different than you. It's about trust and relying on the people you never thought you would have met. It's about finding love and hope and having faith in yourself and understanding your own moral beliefs.
“Don’t worry,” she tells me. “There’s room at this school for people like us.”
Us?
As I follow her through the door, I hold on to that word like it's a life preserver.
I was raised a Catholic. I was never a devoted Catholic but instead, I was pretty obligated to believe in Catholicism. The thing is: I never believed in anything, even after being forced for 13 years, except God.
I remember feeling isolated and uncomfortable in Mass. I hated that my mom wanted me to become a nun. I also hated that I had to get baptized without being able to make the choice myself. I I despised the fact that I had to call another mortal being Father or Sister. I absolutely hate remembering that I had to confess my sins to that same man who I had to call father and I also hated that the same human being referred to as father had called me his child even though I knew I only had one dad, one mom, and one Father. I then realized I was in the opposite location of where I should have been after seeing for myself that I didn’t believe in Saints, the Virgin Mary, and the Pope being the leader. This was always true, but I didn’t get to decide, not until I grew older, which was why I decided to become a Christian when I turned 13 and become someone who only believed in God. And of course, little naive Maggie decided to say yes to her mom into attending Christian school (which got taken down because it was so expensive and lame) and I’ve gotta say: I didn’t learn anything from it. I met one of my best friends there so that was nice, but it still didn’t feel like I belonged there. I won’t get into detail there, but thanks to that school I’m one of the only students in my class who is not caught up on history or science because I had to learn the history of Jesus and science was obviously not the same.
Moving on.
Now that I’ve identified as a Christian for 5 years and attended a Christian church, I’ve become very curious of different religions and I wondered why we had to identify as someone. I asked myself: Am I really a Christian? Aren’t I just a mortal who believes? Why do I need an identity? Why do I need a label for what I believe in? I decided to ask my dad what religion we actually are, and he managed to convince me with one word: None. He said that we’re simply believers and that we don’t need a specific religion, only to follow what we believe in. Not only did he convince me, but it was something I always thought of but never truly believed in. I first was obligated to practice Catholicism, then I decided to practice Christianity, but now I don’t. I don’t identify as any of the other Christian denominations either—Baptist, Presbyterian, Evangelist, Protestant, etc.
I no longer attend church. I no longer look at priests or have to refer to other human beings as if they are my family members. I no longer have to listen to people make fun of other religions and not accept people for who they are. Instead, I began seeing more and finding out more things on my own with the help of my dad as he is also building a stronger relationship with God.
I didn’t mean to get all personally religious here, but it felt like I needed to say it.
My personal motto has always been if you've already dug yourself a hole too deep to climb out of, you may as well keep digging.
One of the reasons why I wanted to read this book was specifically because it revolved around a Catholic school and religions. Although it can be offensive to some who are very connected in a sense of the Abrahamic religions, this book can be taken as only an entertaining read and not offensive if you allow it to.
Growing up, I was always told bad things about atheists and how they would end up in hell. I was taught that it is not right for anyone to be part of another religion because only one was right—Catholicism. That was when I was young, naive, and dumbfounded. I believed everything, but little did I know that I would turn down those beliefs, thoughts, and ideas away and start believing and seeing the world from another angle. Now that I'm 18, I have come to accept that I have a few rights according to what I tell myself I believe in: the right to judge is not mine.
I personally believe that Katie lies neutral in this. She created characters that are humorous but also loving, and I was so glad there weren't any intentions to ever offend anyone for their different beliefs. It made me realize how beautiful different religions actually are and how we can allow ourselves to cross the barriers stopping us from befriending people completely different from us. With that being said, this book isn't only about religion, it's also about love, friendships, and firsts. Michael thought there was no one like him, but he wasn't alone. Although not atheist, he made friends who didn't fit in the spectrum of what a Catholic should be. I know this can spark some controversy about Catholicism because of how Christianity and other religions are judged, but the book doesn't do it nor the author. I understand that sometimes Michael challenged views of other people and even mocked some things, but he later grew from it and learned from it. I seemed to find it normal because my one and only atheist friend seems to be like that, so Michael's actions were pretty stupid but so realistic at the same time. Not only that, he learned from his mistakes and made sure to not repeat them because yes, he realized how much of an idiot he was.
Personally, I didn't find this book controversial or as a sort of . . . lesson. Instead, I saw and learned about why these other students are who they are and believe in what they believe in, especially when Eden gave reasons for why she practices Paganism. The author also created a diverse cast, with Lucy being Colombian and a feminist, Avi being gay, and Max possibly being Korean (I'm saying this because his name is Max Kim and I just automatically thought it was his Korean family surname).
When you hurt people, even if you don't mean to, you don't get to choose where they go from there. When you hurt someone, it stops being about you, or what you want.
The friendship in this was something else I found to be portrayed correctly. Although I sometimes got annoyed at Avi, Lucy and Michael, I was glad Michael found a group that accepts him and understands him, and it truly is beautiful seeing how different people are but how accepting they are, and I think that's a message this book wants to deliver, that different beliefs and standards shouldn't stop us from becoming a part of people who think and believe differently than us. It takes courage and strength, but the world would be so boring if we were all the same. We wouldn't be able to learn more from other perspectives and understand different situations because we're all the same.
It's their deal that you can wear a saint medal, but I can't wear earrings with my religious symbols on them? It's their deal that girls have to constantly check how much skin they're showing, and get shamed if they don't?
I also think this has got to be one the the most hilarious YA books I've ever read. It seems like I haven't read so many laughable YA books in my life, but I know that it's really hard to find them. Sometimes the dialogues are too cheesy that instead of funny, they make you cringe. In Heretics Anonymous, I think Katie Henry did a fantastic job in portraying what true 2018 teen dialogue really is. I think Michael was the funniest, mostly because he was a straight up honest troll and literally said whatever was on his mind, and although he made some dumb mistakes, he is a fictional character who I wish were real so I can befriend him and start doing funny shit with him like the crackhead he was. He's sarcastic and sometimes never minded telling someone off, but to be honest, I didn't blame him. Being an isolated kid who knew what it was like to be alone and not accepted because he was so different from everyone else truly sucks. I loved him since the start of the page when he started telling us that he hates plaid. I mean, I even laughed at the thoughts he was having of Lucy.
Furthermore, although Michael did get on my nerves at times (because when do protagonists not??) Heretics Anonymous is really a support group, but I was glad Michael was able to make it more than that. The 5 friends—Michael, Lucy, Eden, Avi, and Max—supported each other, but never made an attempt to support others, which was their intention. It's pretty normal for the new guy to enter and make many changes to the group, but it had to be there in order to make the plot much more realistic and better.
Pain isn't beautiful. Suffering isn't pretty. But maybe that's the point.
I think that if you're strongly attached to Catholicism, this book can actually be offensive, especially because the narrator, Michael, does point out many things said by the Sisters and Father Peter here as hilarious and absurd. In my point of view, I found them to be hilarious. I nodded at times, I agreed at other times, and I completely laughed out loud on other occasions, but they were out of entertainment, not uncertainty or offensiveness. The book doesn't expect you to change your religious beliefs or whatever you believe in or don't, it just gives you a different side of views in a neutral tone.
I wanna end this by saying that different beliefs and standards shouldn't be the cause for divisions among friendships and relationships. I think you should follow your heart and decide what is right for you. And I also think Michael wants that for you too, to allow yourself to become a part of the lives of people who are just like you with different beliefs.
Saint Clare of Assisi herself said, 'We become what we love. Who we love shapes what we become.' And I would add something else: The way we treat each other proves who we've become. Who are we, St. Clare's? What do we want to become?
October 9, 2019
First of all, I’ll preface this review by saying I think that I get to look at this one from a pretty unique angle. I was raised in an extremely religious and strict Christian household, and though it wasn’t Catholicism, there was SO MUCH in this book that I could relate to 100% from my childhood. On the other hand, I don’t follow an organized religion at all now (if anything, I’d say I’m somewhere along the lines of pagan and pantheist), but my journey to get here took me through several years of atheism that looked remarkably similar to Michael’s various thought processes. Basically, my point is: this book was written for me, and I can acknowledge that long enough to say that, if you are committed to an Abrahamic religion and don’t enjoy critiques of said religious, this is probably one that you would want to steer clear of.
While the book never entirely vilifies any one specific religion, there is a lot of criticism of Christianity and the Bible’s contents. The narrator points out a lot of flaws in the theology, and more than anything, a tremendous amount of hypocrisy in the school’s administration that, while not necessarily exclusive to religious private schools, is certainly to be blamed in this scenario on the specific beliefs of the people in charge at St. Clare.
That said, I’d also like to inform you that something I appreciated about the story is the fact that it never feels like a conversion book. This book is not here to convert you to or away from any particular set of beliefs, but to show you the flaws and qualities to many. With such a diverse cast of characters, I felt that we were offered a lovely number of views, between Lucy’s feminist take on Catholicism, Eden’s paganism (Celtic Reconstructionist Polytheists is the exact label), Max’s Unitarianism, or Avi’s experience as a gay Jewish boy. Time and care are taken to tell us a little bit about each of these paths, and even to clear up misconceptions a few times (especially about Eden’s beliefs and rituals). At the end of the day, the message is clear: differences in religious beliefs do not have to cause divides between friends or even love interests. (ETA: I forgot to mention, but Lucy is Columbian and Max is Korean!)
As someone who was raised in a Christian home, there were so many moments that had me either laughing out loud or cringing from secondhand embarrassment, and you can take that as you will. We see depictions of many common problems in Christian youth settings, such as slut-shaming girls for not waiting until marriage to have sex, removing a woman’s right to consent and bodily autonomy regarding her clothing (such as a uniform inspection scene that was actually a bit triggering for me), firing teachers for not following “morality clauses”, public shaming of children as punishment, and mischaracterizing individuals from other religions in sometimes incredibly harmful ways.
There’s even a scene in which the characters discuss how colonialism is to blame for the wide reaches of Catholicism/Christianity in many countries, and that’s a topic that is not touched upon nearly enough in any setting, so I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of how important it is to accept and address this fact.
All of that aside, there’s more to this story than just a commentary on religion and hypocrisy; there’s also an underlying story of family, friendship, knowing when to follow and when to break rules, and learning how to show forgiveness and empathy for our fellow human beings. We’re shown that there is no “one size fits all” answer, and that religion, despite its flaws, can be a tremendous comfort for many individuals and that’s perfectly acceptable.
The only legitimate complaint I have about this book is the romance, which felt weak and lacking to me most of the time. First of all, with Lucy’s various ideals and goals in life, the relationship didn’t feel to me as though it had the chance for a very solid foundation. Second, I just couldn’t connect to the forming romance enough to root for them or to care much about whether or not they ended up together. Because of this, I’d say this is more of a 4.5/5 rating, but it’s such an important and underrepresented subject matter that it deserves the hype.
All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to Katherine Tegen Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
You can find this review and more on my blog, or you can follow me on twitter, bookstagram, or facebook!
I don’t know why people assume shit like that. Like being an atheist requires some sort of tragic backstory.
While the book never entirely vilifies any one specific religion, there is a lot of criticism of Christianity and the Bible’s contents. The narrator points out a lot of flaws in the theology, and more than anything, a tremendous amount of hypocrisy in the school’s administration that, while not necessarily exclusive to religious private schools, is certainly to be blamed in this scenario on the specific beliefs of the people in charge at St. Clare.
“Don’t worry,” she tells me. “There’s room at this school for people like us.”
That said, I’d also like to inform you that something I appreciated about the story is the fact that it never feels like a conversion book. This book is not here to convert you to or away from any particular set of beliefs, but to show you the flaws and qualities to many. With such a diverse cast of characters, I felt that we were offered a lovely number of views, between Lucy’s feminist take on Catholicism, Eden’s paganism (Celtic Reconstructionist Polytheists is the exact label), Max’s Unitarianism, or Avi’s experience as a gay Jewish boy. Time and care are taken to tell us a little bit about each of these paths, and even to clear up misconceptions a few times (especially about Eden’s beliefs and rituals). At the end of the day, the message is clear: differences in religious beliefs do not have to cause divides between friends or even love interests. (ETA: I forgot to mention, but Lucy is Columbian and Max is Korean!)
“Sister Joseph Marie made me take my earrings off today. Because they have these Celtic spirals on them, and she said that was a pagan symbol so I couldn’t wear it, which is—ugh. Just because it isn’t a cross doesn’t mean it’s evil.”
As someone who was raised in a Christian home, there were so many moments that had me either laughing out loud or cringing from secondhand embarrassment, and you can take that as you will. We see depictions of many common problems in Christian youth settings, such as slut-shaming girls for not waiting until marriage to have sex, removing a woman’s right to consent and bodily autonomy regarding her clothing (such as a uniform inspection scene that was actually a bit triggering for me), firing teachers for not following “morality clauses”, public shaming of children as punishment, and mischaracterizing individuals from other religions in sometimes incredibly harmful ways.
This is the calmest cannibalization ritual I’ve ever seen.
There’s even a scene in which the characters discuss how colonialism is to blame for the wide reaches of Catholicism/Christianity in many countries, and that’s a topic that is not touched upon nearly enough in any setting, so I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of how important it is to accept and address this fact.
“You don’t have a monopoly on suffering, okay? Other people get to be mad about their lives. Your broken leg doesn’t make my sprained ankle hurt any less.”
All of that aside, there’s more to this story than just a commentary on religion and hypocrisy; there’s also an underlying story of family, friendship, knowing when to follow and when to break rules, and learning how to show forgiveness and empathy for our fellow human beings. We’re shown that there is no “one size fits all” answer, and that religion, despite its flaws, can be a tremendous comfort for many individuals and that’s perfectly acceptable.
“You can make mistakes, you can be human, but—you’re still the greatest good I’ve ever known.”
The only legitimate complaint I have about this book is the romance, which felt weak and lacking to me most of the time. First of all, with Lucy’s various ideals and goals in life, the relationship didn’t feel to me as though it had the chance for a very solid foundation. Second, I just couldn’t connect to the forming romance enough to root for them or to care much about whether or not they ended up together. Because of this, I’d say this is more of a 4.5/5 rating, but it’s such an important and underrepresented subject matter that it deserves the hype.
All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to Katherine Tegen Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
You can find this review and more on my blog, or you can follow me on twitter, bookstagram, or facebook!
September 7, 2018
Michael has tried to stay positive. But after his family moves for the fourth time in 10 years—and a month and a half into his junior year of high school, no less—he's starting to lose himself. Especially this time, when his parents have enrolled him at St. Clare's, a prestigious Catholic prep school. Because Michael, you see, is an atheist.
"I didn't lose my faith or anything. I never had it in the first place. I never believed in any kind of God, just like I never believed in werewolves, or ghosts, or that mixing Pop Rocks and soda would make your stomach explode."
Angry at his father for uprooting the family once again and then never being home on top of it all, Michael is still determined to find a friend, just so school doesn't totally suck. In his history class, he witnesses a fellow student exasperating the nun who is their teacher, and he thinks he may have found a fellow atheist. Instead, he discovers that Lucy is a Catholic and wants to be a priest, but she isn't satisfied with the Church's attitude toward, or treatment of, women, among other things.
Outcasts in their own way, Lucy and Michael become friends, and she introduces him to the school's other "fringe" students: Avi, who is Jewish—and gay; Max, who wants to wear a cloak even though it clashes with St. Clare's dress code; and Eden, who is a Celtic Reconstructionist Polytheist (she believes in multiple gods). Together, they are Heretics Anonymous, a secret society which exists mostly to give them an outlet to be free to be whomever they want to be.
As Michael's friendship with his fellow Heretics grows (as do his feelings for Lucy), the group starts to wonder whether it can serve a greater purpose and effect change within the school. But what starts as a set of humorous pranks aimed at highlighting the inconsistencies in some of the school rules (not to mention its treatment of sex), begins to take on a life of its own when something happens to a beloved teacher. Suddenly Michael wants the group to call attention to the school's true hypocrisies, but he doesn't realize just how much he's putting at risk, including his friends.
"The only thing more dangerous than someone who doesn't care about the rules is someone who does—and wants to break them anyway."
When you've finally found a community in which you belong, is that enough to satisfy you? Is it our responsibility to point out to others the hypocrisies that surround them, even if they may not be interested? When you don't believe in something, do you need to pretend you do just to make others happy? In Heretics Anonymous , Katie Henry attempts to answer those questions against the backdrop of familial angst and the heated emotions of high school relationships.
I really enjoyed this book. Henry hooked me from the beginning, and while she did paint some of the school's rules and administration as hypocrites, she didn't make them caricatures, and showed a different side of Catholicism through Lucy's character. While not every character is as fleshed out as I would have liked—I feel that there were some great stories to be told by delving deeper into Avi, Max, and Eden's characters—Lucy and Michael are flawed but utterly fantastic.
While this book is about religion in a small way, it's more about friendship and belonging and trust, about the hopes we hold on to long after we should lay them to rest, and the hurt that we feel when we realize people don't keep their promises. This is a sweet, funny, thought-provoking story, and I wouldn't have minded spending more time with these characters. I'll definitely keep an eye out for what Henry comes up with next!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
"I didn't lose my faith or anything. I never had it in the first place. I never believed in any kind of God, just like I never believed in werewolves, or ghosts, or that mixing Pop Rocks and soda would make your stomach explode."
Angry at his father for uprooting the family once again and then never being home on top of it all, Michael is still determined to find a friend, just so school doesn't totally suck. In his history class, he witnesses a fellow student exasperating the nun who is their teacher, and he thinks he may have found a fellow atheist. Instead, he discovers that Lucy is a Catholic and wants to be a priest, but she isn't satisfied with the Church's attitude toward, or treatment of, women, among other things.
Outcasts in their own way, Lucy and Michael become friends, and she introduces him to the school's other "fringe" students: Avi, who is Jewish—and gay; Max, who wants to wear a cloak even though it clashes with St. Clare's dress code; and Eden, who is a Celtic Reconstructionist Polytheist (she believes in multiple gods). Together, they are Heretics Anonymous, a secret society which exists mostly to give them an outlet to be free to be whomever they want to be.
As Michael's friendship with his fellow Heretics grows (as do his feelings for Lucy), the group starts to wonder whether it can serve a greater purpose and effect change within the school. But what starts as a set of humorous pranks aimed at highlighting the inconsistencies in some of the school rules (not to mention its treatment of sex), begins to take on a life of its own when something happens to a beloved teacher. Suddenly Michael wants the group to call attention to the school's true hypocrisies, but he doesn't realize just how much he's putting at risk, including his friends.
"The only thing more dangerous than someone who doesn't care about the rules is someone who does—and wants to break them anyway."
When you've finally found a community in which you belong, is that enough to satisfy you? Is it our responsibility to point out to others the hypocrisies that surround them, even if they may not be interested? When you don't believe in something, do you need to pretend you do just to make others happy? In Heretics Anonymous , Katie Henry attempts to answer those questions against the backdrop of familial angst and the heated emotions of high school relationships.
I really enjoyed this book. Henry hooked me from the beginning, and while she did paint some of the school's rules and administration as hypocrites, she didn't make them caricatures, and showed a different side of Catholicism through Lucy's character. While not every character is as fleshed out as I would have liked—I feel that there were some great stories to be told by delving deeper into Avi, Max, and Eden's characters—Lucy and Michael are flawed but utterly fantastic.
While this book is about religion in a small way, it's more about friendship and belonging and trust, about the hopes we hold on to long after we should lay them to rest, and the hurt that we feel when we realize people don't keep their promises. This is a sweet, funny, thought-provoking story, and I wouldn't have minded spending more time with these characters. I'll definitely keep an eye out for what Henry comes up with next!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
September 20, 2018
I didn’t hate this, but it definitely did not live up to the hype for me. Mega womp ☹️
June 9, 2019
3 Stars
I want to start this review with a bit of a disclaimer. Though I wasn’t sent to Catholic school, I was raised in a very religious environment. I was homeschooled, meaning most of my education and activities growing up revolved around church. I have experienced first hand growing up queer and non-religious in a church environment. Because of this, this book felt very personal for me, and I’m incapable of remaining fully impartial. There’s a lot others loved about this book that didn’t work for me, but I’m not saying I believe it’s a bad book.
This story starts with Michael, a self-proclaimed atheist whose parents have just enrolled him in Catholic school. Along the way he befriends Lucy, a Catholic feminist, Jewish Avi, and Wiccan Eden. This is the first YA book I’ve encountered that directly grapples with religion. I loved that Michael’s friend-group was diverse and supported each other despite their disagreements. This is also the first book I’ve read that actually uses the word atheist.
I loved that this book wasn’t afraid to showcase the dark-side of institutionalized religion. Michael’s school is filled with sex-shaming propaganda, subtle homophobia and antiquated gender roles. This never seemed over-the-top and instead was handled with sensitivity and at times felt hyper-realistic. But this is not a conversion book. In the same way Michael isn’t pressured to ‘find God’ the book does not try to insist that religion is inherently bad. These harmful behaviors are challenged by many characters and it is strongly indicated that being religious is not what determines your morality—good OR bad.
So while this is a big, important discussion, the rest of the book operates under the pretense that “church” and “community” are synonyms. A church can be community but you do not need church to have a community. And while a church is a community for some, it can be very isolating for others.
If an organization and its people are consistently belittling and marginalizing you and your friends you are not obligated to stay.
This conversation occurs after Avi (who is gay) learns a teacher was fired simply for her same-sex marriage. Avi is understandably upset that his friend, Lucy, continues to support an institution that is blatantly homophobic. This argument sort of fizzles out and the overall theme is that everyone needs to be tolerant of each other. Tolerance shouldn’t include being complacent in your friends marginalization.
I’ve had a really hard time articulating why this book didn’t work for me, and I think I just personally disagree with part of the ending. I don’t agree that being tolerant of different religions means accepting the injustices of organized religion. The narrative states many times that being religious doesn’t mean someone has to be homophobic or sexist, and holds out hope that the younger generations will change these churches and practices that are. I don’t agree that being part of a community means sometimes accepting practices that are harmful.
In Conclusion:
Maybe it’s me. Maybe my experiences have impacted what I took away from this book. I have several friends who really seemed to enjoy it and have vastly different perceptions than me. *insert shrugging GIF here*
—————
Buddy-read with Ad Rocks Socks
(Who is being super kind for putting up with me taking 80 years)
”I didn’t lose my faith or anything, I just never had it in the first place. I never believed in any kind of God.”
I want to start this review with a bit of a disclaimer. Though I wasn’t sent to Catholic school, I was raised in a very religious environment. I was homeschooled, meaning most of my education and activities growing up revolved around church. I have experienced first hand growing up queer and non-religious in a church environment. Because of this, this book felt very personal for me, and I’m incapable of remaining fully impartial. There’s a lot others loved about this book that didn’t work for me, but I’m not saying I believe it’s a bad book.
This story starts with Michael, a self-proclaimed atheist whose parents have just enrolled him in Catholic school. Along the way he befriends Lucy, a Catholic feminist, Jewish Avi, and Wiccan Eden. This is the first YA book I’ve encountered that directly grapples with religion. I loved that Michael’s friend-group was diverse and supported each other despite their disagreements. This is also the first book I’ve read that actually uses the word atheist.
I loved that this book wasn’t afraid to showcase the dark-side of institutionalized religion. Michael’s school is filled with sex-shaming propaganda, subtle homophobia and antiquated gender roles. This never seemed over-the-top and instead was handled with sensitivity and at times felt hyper-realistic. But this is not a conversion book. In the same way Michael isn’t pressured to ‘find God’ the book does not try to insist that religion is inherently bad. These harmful behaviors are challenged by many characters and it is strongly indicated that being religious is not what determines your morality—good OR bad.
So while this is a big, important discussion, the rest of the book operates under the pretense that “church” and “community” are synonyms. A church can be community but you do not need church to have a community. And while a church is a community for some, it can be very isolating for others.
“Why?” Eden asks. “It hurts people you care about. It hurts you. Why can’t you leave?”
“Because it’s my home!” Lucy bursts out. “And it’s a mess. I know it’s a mess. But it’s my home, and I’m going to stay, I have to stay, and make it better.”
If an organization and its people are consistently belittling and marginalizing you and your friends you are not obligated to stay.
“What happened to Ms. Simon isn’t my fault.”
“If you put money in the collection plate, you’re supporting them. You’re literally financially supporting what they do.”
This conversation occurs after Avi (who is gay) learns a teacher was fired simply for her same-sex marriage. Avi is understandably upset that his friend, Lucy, continues to support an institution that is blatantly homophobic. This argument sort of fizzles out and the overall theme is that everyone needs to be tolerant of each other. Tolerance shouldn’t include being complacent in your friends marginalization.
“There will always be people you have to listen to,” Dad says. “There will always be rules you think are wrong or unfair, and you know what? Too bad. You’ll have to learn to make better choices.”
I’ve had a really hard time articulating why this book didn’t work for me, and I think I just personally disagree with part of the ending. I don’t agree that being tolerant of different religions means accepting the injustices of organized religion. The narrative states many times that being religious doesn’t mean someone has to be homophobic or sexist, and holds out hope that the younger generations will change these churches and practices that are. I don’t agree that being part of a community means sometimes accepting practices that are harmful.
In Conclusion:
Maybe it’s me. Maybe my experiences have impacted what I took away from this book. I have several friends who really seemed to enjoy it and have vastly different perceptions than me. *insert shrugging GIF here*
—————
Buddy-read with Ad Rocks Socks
(Who is being super kind for putting up with me taking 80 years)
December 12, 2018
“You can decide you were wrong about something, and it doesn’t mean you were stupid. You just know more now. If I still thought the same as I did in seventh grade, I’d be worried.”
I've never read a book as intensely relatable as this one the only thing it needed was for the school to be forced to sing shout to the lord (which is an actual bop) or john 3:16 to be a perfect imitation of my own high school experience. SO THAT WAS FUN. I'm convinced Katie Henry went to school with me because she nailed it. It was frightening that some conversations and experiences happened to me WORD FOR WORD.
Heretics Anonymous follows Michael, who must navigate his new school, intensely catholic private school St Clare's. Looking for a friend, Michael attaches himself to a girl called Lucy who called out a Sister during class. Michael thought Lucy would be an atheist like him, but it turns out she's actually a devout catholic who wants to be a priest. Soon she introduces Michael to Heretics Anonymous, a group at the school who don't agree with the rules and hypocrisies at their school.
I loved how funny this was! At times I laughed out loud, and like I said it was EXTREMELY relatable. I haven't read many books with this kinda school in it and it was fun to see my experiences reflected back to me here. I also loved the discussions around theology and the discussion around the role the church plays as an institution and community. Again, I have to say this is one of the only books I've read that thoroughly and thoughtfully discusses the role of religion in society, and while lots of it felt like Religion in Society 101 for me since I did this for YEARS in school, it was still interesting, and I think if you don't know a lot about Catholicism and it's beliefs (and how different parts of the church implement them) you'd like this. The only thing I would say annoyed me about this book is the beliefs of the Catholic characters seemed very uniform. All the characters seemed to have quite fundamentalist beliefs, which I thought was a bit annoying since many catholics reject the more fundamentalist church beliefs. I don't think this book went as far as it could have in examining how Catholics interact with church beliefs they don't necessarily agree with. But this was also quite a short book and I understand there isn't time to do everything!
“My personal motto has always been if you've already dug yourself a hole too deep to climb out of, you may as well keep digging.”
lets talk about characters
➵ michael: the main character. He's an atheist who has no interest in Christianity and thinks people who believe in religion are a bit delusional. He also has a tense relationship with his father, and is prone to outbursts. I liked Michael in that I felt he was a real character, his personality seemed pretty well rounded and his arc came to a logical end. The relationship with his father was interesting to follow and I thought it was kind of nice to have a character who is a bit naughty or rebellious because they're kinda rare
➵ lucy: the other main character. she's catholic and wants to be a priest. I liked Lucy's character in that I felt she was well rounded and offered such an interesting opposition to michael. Her backstory is also very sympathetic and I liked her relationship with her friends. But I found her arc was a bit incomplete and I would have liked more, particularly in regards to how she reconciles some of her beliefs, as well as the arc around her family.
➵ avi, max and eden: Avi is jewish and gay, and Eden is Pagan and Max is coded as autistic. I enjoyed these characters but I thought all of them could have been more present. At the end of the story they all (and Avi especially) just kinda disappear. They could have been much more involved in the story. They also weren't that well developed or compelling which is a shame because they were interesting characters in theory.
“You don’t have a monopoly on suffering, okay? Other people get to be mad about their lives. Your broken leg doesn’t make my sprained ankle hurt any less.”
So aside from a few weakly developed characters and character arcs that felt incomplete, I also COULD NOT get on board with the romance. While I supported the relationship in theory, so many of the couples lines and scenes made me cringe or literally say "ew" out loud. For example, I found Michael saying he wants to worship Lucy as his church extremely cringy and cheesy. I also didn't really feel much chemistry between them and felt so many of their relationship issues weren't resolved properly by the end.
“It's theology. Were you expecting sex, drugs, and rock and roll?"
"One out of the three would be nice.”
Overall this book was so fun and I loved the sheer relatability of it. So much in here made me smile or laugh and the high school flashbacks were INTENSE. The characters weren't as well developed as I would have liked, and the romance didn't work for me, it's a short book and the humour makes up for it in many ways. Heretics Anonymous sets itself the task of deconstructing and examining the role of religion in society and it's influence on individuals, and in that pursuit it succeeded enormously. If you're interested in the religious element of this - that being the theological discussion, the experience of going to catholic private school, or you want a blast from the past about your own catholic high school days I'd definitely recommend this. If you want something funny, maybe with humour along the lines of Undead Girl Gang or Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda this book will probably work for you. But if you just want a high school romance, I definitely think there is other books out there to read before this one.
September 13, 2018
Audiobook narrated by Michael Crouch
Every once in a while I listen to a voice that I think is so darn good I have to look up the person. Michael Crouch was terrific AS WAS THIS BOOK!
A few words about Michael Crouch first ( he is the narrator for the character named Michael, too, in “Heretics Anonymous”).
Michael Crouch -specializes in narration that requires youthful sound - (pre-teens to early 30s) — predominately literary fiction, young adult, and middle school. Boy....the guy is a natural!!!!!
I just learned that Crouch is also the voice narrator for Patrick Ness’s new young adult book,
“Release”,.... so now I know which format I’d like to choose.
His voice goes right to your soul.....and I look forward to hearing him read again.
ABOUT THE BOOK...( my thoughts)... LOVED IT! I’m a person who watched “The Breakfast Club” a half dozen times....(my kids loved it - their friends- who didn’t like it?)....
Well, if they make a movie of “Heretics Anonymous”.....I’m guessing it will be a great hit with both teens and adults
This story takes place - primarily at Saint Clares’s Private Catholic High school. The school has many strict policies.
Each of the five kids we connect with - follow in this story each come from varied backgrounds. Heretics Anonymous is kinda a support group - a club for people who think a little different. “ people who have beliefs, but not the right kind”.
Or..... “ they might believe in God, yet some of the other beliefs might not match up”.
At their meetings they discuss unfair policies at the school knowing that they can’t change them... but discussing topics such as sexual beliefs- religious beliefs - family life - personal issues - church rules....and the hypocrisy of many of the staff officials. In time — this group takes more action against the school....
think of Breaking and entering......
School begins to change - and they begin to change.....
Michael is new to the school - the new member —( he has had to move 4 times with his family and we learned that he doesn’t or hasn’t in the past made friends easy).
He’s also an atheist. He’s so happy just to be included in a group - have friends - with a crush on Lucy to boot- he’s happy to join the club). Michael is also narrating this story.
Lucy is a Catholic...bright - also a feminist who has put her teachers to the test a few times with her sharp mind.
Avi is Jewish - semi observant -and Gay
Eden - is pagan
Max - the leading dress code delinquent of the group - doesn’t care about following the dress code: ( think vampire type Cloaks).
I don’t want to spoil this story — but it’s really very intelligent - very creative- important messages - very humorous - very thought-provoking - with WONDERFUL CHARACTERS ....and very heartwarming enjoyable!
This is an outstanding debut novel by Katie Henry. I look forward to her next book.
Every once in a while I listen to a voice that I think is so darn good I have to look up the person. Michael Crouch was terrific AS WAS THIS BOOK!
A few words about Michael Crouch first ( he is the narrator for the character named Michael, too, in “Heretics Anonymous”).
Michael Crouch -specializes in narration that requires youthful sound - (pre-teens to early 30s) — predominately literary fiction, young adult, and middle school. Boy....the guy is a natural!!!!!
I just learned that Crouch is also the voice narrator for Patrick Ness’s new young adult book,
“Release”,.... so now I know which format I’d like to choose.
His voice goes right to your soul.....and I look forward to hearing him read again.
ABOUT THE BOOK...( my thoughts)... LOVED IT! I’m a person who watched “The Breakfast Club” a half dozen times....(my kids loved it - their friends- who didn’t like it?)....
Well, if they make a movie of “Heretics Anonymous”.....I’m guessing it will be a great hit with both teens and adults
This story takes place - primarily at Saint Clares’s Private Catholic High school. The school has many strict policies.
Each of the five kids we connect with - follow in this story each come from varied backgrounds. Heretics Anonymous is kinda a support group - a club for people who think a little different. “ people who have beliefs, but not the right kind”.
Or..... “ they might believe in God, yet some of the other beliefs might not match up”.
At their meetings they discuss unfair policies at the school knowing that they can’t change them... but discussing topics such as sexual beliefs- religious beliefs - family life - personal issues - church rules....and the hypocrisy of many of the staff officials. In time — this group takes more action against the school....
think of Breaking and entering......
School begins to change - and they begin to change.....
Michael is new to the school - the new member —( he has had to move 4 times with his family and we learned that he doesn’t or hasn’t in the past made friends easy).
He’s also an atheist. He’s so happy just to be included in a group - have friends - with a crush on Lucy to boot- he’s happy to join the club). Michael is also narrating this story.
Lucy is a Catholic...bright - also a feminist who has put her teachers to the test a few times with her sharp mind.
Avi is Jewish - semi observant -and Gay
Eden - is pagan
Max - the leading dress code delinquent of the group - doesn’t care about following the dress code: ( think vampire type Cloaks).
I don’t want to spoil this story — but it’s really very intelligent - very creative- important messages - very humorous - very thought-provoking - with WONDERFUL CHARACTERS ....and very heartwarming enjoyable!
This is an outstanding debut novel by Katie Henry. I look forward to her next book.
September 30, 2023
Entertaining and engaging from the start! I loved the characters and their relationships and particularly enjoyed the dialogue throughout.
Religion was part of the novel and I learnt a few things. However to me the novel was more about belonging and friendship, which the author portrayed beautifully.
Religion was part of the novel and I learnt a few things. However to me the novel was more about belonging and friendship, which the author portrayed beautifully.
January 6, 2021
4.5 stars
This is one of the most heartwarming and delightful books I've read in a long time. It's another shameful episode of "I know I'm going to love this book, but I'll still wait years to pick it up", why do I do this to myself? But I'm glad I read it now.
I know this book is not for everyone, religion is a very controversial and delicate topic, especially if looked at from the perspective of an atheist main character. I'm very lucky to be able to say that for me that's one of the reasons why I loved this book. I grew up in a very Catholic family and right now I find it very unjust that I was forced to believe in something right after my birth, without my consent, and that I had to continue to practice that belief when I barely had the age to understand what I was getting into. I spent all my high school time trying to secretly reject everything that was taught to me about Catholicism. I vividly remember asking my religion teacher in front of the entire class, why shouldn't I believe in Zeus and believe in god instead? If one is fake, how can you say the other one isn't as well? I kind of regret putting her in that position, but also not really lol. After a while I stopped going to her class altogether, but my parents had no idea. I've been an atheist for many years now, and while my parents are not that strict as before, I still have to fake with the rest of my family. All that to make you understand how much I related to this book.
Micheal and Lucy's relationship was the most cute and authentic ever. The friend group was special. They believe in different things, but the fact that they understand each other no matter what made my day. My heart was so warm and cozy after that ending, I didn't want to resurface from the book anymore. This book is literally what my life philosophy would look like in book form. Let people believe in what they want, let people choose what they want to do with their life.
I love that this book was narrated by Micheal, he was both incredibly funny and a breath of fresh air after all the YA I've read with a female pov. Every page made me laugh out loud, and I really needed that. The audiobook definitely made me love Micheal more, the narrator was fantastic and had the perfect voice for his character. I completely identified with Micheal and if that's not a win I don't know what is.
While this book is super funny, it also tackles a lot of issues at the same time, but in a lighthearted way and it WORKS.
If you decide to read this book, I will tell you, the cutest thing you'll ever encounter is Max and his cape. Me the first time he appeared:
This is one of the most heartwarming and delightful books I've read in a long time. It's another shameful episode of "I know I'm going to love this book, but I'll still wait years to pick it up", why do I do this to myself? But I'm glad I read it now.
I know this book is not for everyone, religion is a very controversial and delicate topic, especially if looked at from the perspective of an atheist main character. I'm very lucky to be able to say that for me that's one of the reasons why I loved this book. I grew up in a very Catholic family and right now I find it very unjust that I was forced to believe in something right after my birth, without my consent, and that I had to continue to practice that belief when I barely had the age to understand what I was getting into. I spent all my high school time trying to secretly reject everything that was taught to me about Catholicism. I vividly remember asking my religion teacher in front of the entire class, why shouldn't I believe in Zeus and believe in god instead? If one is fake, how can you say the other one isn't as well? I kind of regret putting her in that position, but also not really lol. After a while I stopped going to her class altogether, but my parents had no idea. I've been an atheist for many years now, and while my parents are not that strict as before, I still have to fake with the rest of my family. All that to make you understand how much I related to this book.
Micheal and Lucy's relationship was the most cute and authentic ever. The friend group was special. They believe in different things, but the fact that they understand each other no matter what made my day. My heart was so warm and cozy after that ending, I didn't want to resurface from the book anymore. This book is literally what my life philosophy would look like in book form. Let people believe in what they want, let people choose what they want to do with their life.
I love that this book was narrated by Micheal, he was both incredibly funny and a breath of fresh air after all the YA I've read with a female pov. Every page made me laugh out loud, and I really needed that. The audiobook definitely made me love Micheal more, the narrator was fantastic and had the perfect voice for his character. I completely identified with Micheal and if that's not a win I don't know what is.
While this book is super funny, it also tackles a lot of issues at the same time, but in a lighthearted way and it WORKS.
If you decide to read this book, I will tell you, the cutest thing you'll ever encounter is Max and his cape. Me the first time he appeared:
August 6, 2023
Zabierałam się do niej kilka lat, a przeczytałam ją w jeden dzień. Luźna, trafna i mimo wszystko realistyczna. Główny bohater ma 15 lat i to mocno widać - myślę, że te kilka lat temu bardzo bym się z nim utożsamiła.
January 28, 2019
I'm not the biggest fan of YA but when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. Its concept is different from any other YA book I've read, and I think an important one, especially in today's world where we're all interconnected and people of many faiths or no faith must live and get along together. Our hero Michael is an atheist who is newly attending a Catholic school. Believing (ha, ha!) he will be alone in not accepting the Catholic faith, he is pleasantly surprised to meet a group of self-described heretics. They invite him to join their club Heretics Anonymous where they discuss their views on religion, listening to each other and accepting that it's OK for people to believe different things. One of the members is a feminist Catholic, another Jewish, yet another is a Celtic Reconstructionist Polytheist (is a real thing or made up for this book?) . What they believe is not important; what is important is that they are able to get along and treat each other with respect. What's also important for me is that they think for themselves and not just accept what they're told to believe. Maybe it's because I never had children, but I like that the teens were in a sense rebellious. (I didn't like that Michael smokes weed, but at least it wasn't anything stronger.) I think it's important for teens to push the boundaries, as long as they're not doing something illegal or putting themselves or others in harm's way. I think it's important for teens to challenge the adults around them, and that's what the teens in this book do.
There is some romance in the book as well; not my thing especially when it's F/M romance; however, I think people who enjoy YA will really love this book, as long as you don't mind a bit of irreverence and free-thought. It does not bash believers, nor does it make the atheist character out as a bad person who needs to be converted. It does point out some of the hypocrisy in the church, but in a fairly mild manner, such as a teacher being fired for marrying her same-sex partner but a teacher who married his just-graduated student is not. A teacher who had an abortion and another who is divorced and remarried, both of which go against the teachings of the Catholic church, are allowed to keep their jobs. Another example: "I don't understand how the St. Clare's library can ban so many books for being 'inappropriate' when they have a whole row of Bibles. Harry Potter might be a wizard, but I'm sure he never hacked a woman to pieces."
It's really a 4 star for me, but given that I think it's unique in YA literature and carrying an important message, I'm bumping it up to 5 stars.
December 22, 2018
This has restored my faith in YA contemporary. Full RTC!
August 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and very enjoyable.
As someone who is studying a Religion minor, this book was very informative. There were things that I haven't learnt yet but they were discussed in here.
I do highly recommend you read this
As someone who is studying a Religion minor, this book was very informative. There were things that I haven't learnt yet but they were discussed in here.
I do highly recommend you read this
July 21, 2019
this was SO GOOD that I feel like it’s unfair to any other YA books about religion, you know? because it gets it. it reminds you that educating yourself about religion and understanding it is different than actually believing in it. it pushes this message that we are all capable of loving each other, because that’s the core of every religion.
we *can* get along. and im so...like, this makes so much sense to me. the entire part where he tells Lucy that his church is her? that hit me in such a real way. because when i pray to the portraits of the Hindu gods in my home, I don’t do it because I believe in them. I do it because I believe in my mother and the amount of faith she has in them. so I pray to her, for her, more than anything.
god I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK PLEASE READ IT
we *can* get along. and im so...like, this makes so much sense to me. the entire part where he tells Lucy that his church is her? that hit me in such a real way. because when i pray to the portraits of the Hindu gods in my home, I don’t do it because I believe in them. I do it because I believe in my mother and the amount of faith she has in them. so I pray to her, for her, more than anything.
god I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK PLEASE READ IT
December 10, 2018
I meant to write this review a day after I read the book, but that didn't happen. However, here is my review!
This book is about Michael, who is a junior in high school and his experience going to a new school. The story mainly focuses on how he adapts to a Catholic school and finding out more about himself.
Overall, this book was...relatively entertaining. I wasn't bored of the story. It was definitely interesting to read about a Catholic high school; Katie definitely hit the nail on the head when it came to what rules those schools have (which I can say based on experience with those schools).
It was interesting to listen to the characters discuss various religions and what those religions mean to them. It was also interesting to see the things that Heretics Anonymous did. This book also had some LGBT+ representation, which I liked.
While I enjoyed this book, I couldn't really relate to any of the characters. Michael also annoyed me a little bit and I think he was a bit too.....ah, focused on Lucy in the beginning of the book. His fascination (for lack of a better term) made me feel unsettled at some points.
I do believe that there wasn't any real (interesting) climax to the book. Yes, Michael definitely experiences character development throughout the book, but I found the ending a bit underwhelming. Perhaps I wanted Michael to find a religion that he found interesting, but that wasn't the point of the book, I suppose. Another thing I did not like:
While this book did have some flaws, I did think that it dealt with some interesting topics.
Initial Rating: 3.5/5
New Rating: 2/5
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I've heard really good things about this book, especially the audiobook, so I'm looking forward to listening to this story.
This book is about Michael, who is a junior in high school and his experience going to a new school. The story mainly focuses on how he adapts to a Catholic school and finding out more about himself.
Overall, this book was...relatively entertaining. I wasn't bored of the story. It was definitely interesting to read about a Catholic high school; Katie definitely hit the nail on the head when it came to what rules those schools have (which I can say based on experience with those schools).
It was interesting to listen to the characters discuss various religions and what those religions mean to them. It was also interesting to see the things that Heretics Anonymous did. This book also had some LGBT+ representation, which I liked.
While I enjoyed this book, I couldn't really relate to any of the characters. Michael also annoyed me a little bit and I think he was a bit too.....ah, focused on Lucy in the beginning of the book. His fascination (for lack of a better term) made me feel unsettled at some points.
I do believe that there wasn't any real (interesting) climax to the book. Yes, Michael definitely experiences character development throughout the book, but I found the ending a bit underwhelming. Perhaps I wanted Michael to find a religion that he found interesting, but that wasn't the point of the book, I suppose. Another thing I did not like:
While this book did have some flaws, I did think that it dealt with some interesting topics.
Initial Rating: 3.5/5
New Rating: 2/5
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I've heard really good things about this book, especially the audiobook, so I'm looking forward to listening to this story.
May 6, 2021
3,5-4/5
May 28, 2018
3.5 stars
A very rare YA novel that dares to talk about religion. It challenges Catholic dogma, while being understanding and respectful of faith in general - not a small fit.
I found the YA part much less compelling, the main characters felt like carriers of traits rather than full personalities, especially the narrator - a 16-year boy of a very bland, self-insert kind who eventually is involved in an equally bland romance, although with a significantly more interesting girl. Which made me question why he was the narrator at all.
A very rare YA novel that dares to talk about religion. It challenges Catholic dogma, while being understanding and respectful of faith in general - not a small fit.
I found the YA part much less compelling, the main characters felt like carriers of traits rather than full personalities, especially the narrator - a 16-year boy of a very bland, self-insert kind who eventually is involved in an equally bland romance, although with a significantly more interesting girl. Which made me question why he was the narrator at all.
August 23, 2020
Plus za wątek rodzinny.
Minus za irytującego bohatera oraz za fakt, że książka niby ma być o tolerancji i akceptacji wszystkich wierzeń, ale okazuje się, że dla katolicyzmu tej tolerancji być nie musi i przedstawiamy go jako najgorsze zło z mnóstwem absurdów (które być może są, ale trzeba też spojrzeć z innej perspektywy, neutralnej, zamiast ciągle je podkreślać, budząc u czytelnika negatywne odczucia). To tolerancja na zasadzie "szanuję twoją inność, ale twojej to już nie, bo jest głupia". Pewnie dla osób niewierzących będzie to świetna książka, bo dostaną jak na tacy, że jakakolwiek wiara w cokolwiek jest bezsensowna i dobrze, że w nic nie wierzą. Więc gdzie ta tolerancja? Gdzie obiektywne spojrzenie na ważne dla ludzi wartości? Co więcej to szukanie absurdów w wierzeniach często nie bodło danej religii, tylko personalnie konkretnego człowieka i jego prawa, bez znaczenia na to, w co wierzy. Za dużo negatywnych odczuć przez pierwszą połowę książki, by naprawił to końcowy moralizatorski plasterek.
April 8, 2019
Mamo, to było tak dobre 🤯
May 13, 2019
Intrigued by this book, since I kept hearing recommendations from Emma Books. So here I am now.💫
December 31, 2021
Let’s be real honest, this one had me at the Jesus Toast cover. But when I saw the blurb? The Breakfast Club meets Saved?????
And want it I did. I marched my happy ass right down to the library post haste to grab a copy. If you know me you know I love the thrillers and stabbies and dark and dingies, but this was such a refreshing change of pace – full of truly laugh out loud moments. This was a book all about finding your people and navigating that awkward time between being a kid and being a grown up – about questioning authority and making waves in the name of tolerance and acceptance. I really dug it.
And want it I did. I marched my happy ass right down to the library post haste to grab a copy. If you know me you know I love the thrillers and stabbies and dark and dingies, but this was such a refreshing change of pace – full of truly laugh out loud moments. This was a book all about finding your people and navigating that awkward time between being a kid and being a grown up – about questioning authority and making waves in the name of tolerance and acceptance. I really dug it.
November 3, 2018
Yes yes yes! Five stars!
I'm an atheist, but I don't look down on religion. This book spoke to my soul! Every person can believe, or not believe, as they wish. As long as you do no harm, carry on!
I'm an atheist, but I don't look down on religion. This book spoke to my soul! Every person can believe, or not believe, as they wish. As long as you do no harm, carry on!
September 3, 2018
(Full disclosure, I taught the author for 2-1/2 of her four years in high school. I am mentioned in the acknowledgements. Neither of these factors have determined my rating of this book. It's really really good.)
There is so much to enjoy in this book, whether one is a drifted Catholic such as myself or not. Henry writes a novel about community and friendship and, well, what it means to be Catholic (or to subscribe to any faith) in this day and age. Don't let the YA appellation fool you. HA for everyone who either is a teenager or who remembers what it was to be a teenager.
That, and ANY book that references Judges 19 is a book worthy of reading.
I do have a theory about the end of the novel. I have told the author I have a theory about the end of the novel. But I will not divulge it here. Just know - HA is a keeper.
There is so much to enjoy in this book, whether one is a drifted Catholic such as myself or not. Henry writes a novel about community and friendship and, well, what it means to be Catholic (or to subscribe to any faith) in this day and age. Don't let the YA appellation fool you. HA for everyone who either is a teenager or who remembers what it was to be a teenager.
That, and ANY book that references Judges 19 is a book worthy of reading.
I do have a theory about the end of the novel. I have told the author I have a theory about the end of the novel. But I will not divulge it here. Just know - HA is a keeper.
July 2, 2020
Zdecydowanie trafia na listę moich ulubionych młodzieżówek i pokuszę się nawet o stwierdzenie, że chętnie wrócę do niej w przyszłości! 🖤
July 23, 2020
Co to była za książka?! Dla niej nawet 5 gwiazdek nie wystarcza! 🤯 Jedna z najlepszych młodzieżowek jakie czytałam, Katie Henry stworzyła coś jedynego w swoim rodzaju. Może mogłabym się przyczepić do zakończenia, bo na pewno było przewidywalne, znalazło się tam też kilka schematów, ale szczerze - zupełnie mi to nie przeszkadzało, bo nie o to tutaj chodziło. Fabuła była naprawdę interesującą i angażująca. Każdy z bohaterów miał własny charakter, pomimo wspólnych cech, wyraźnie się odznaczali i dzięki temu czytelnik mógł znaleźć osobę, z którą by się utożsamiał. Narrator - Michael był momentami irytujący, ale jednocześnie prawdziwy. Podobnie Lucy, to zdecydowanie moja nowa ulubiona postać książkowa, dziewczyna była bardzo stanowcza w swoich poglądach i czynach, ale nie wyidealizowana, miała też swoje wady i słabe strony, co sprawiło, że była bardzo realna i przekonująca. Świetnie pokazana była również szkoła i codzienność bohaterów. Autorka przedstawiła w bardzo prosty sposób zarówno codzienne, przyziemne problemy z jakimi zmaga się młodzież, jak i trudniejsze i poważniejsze tematy. Przede wszystkim było tutaj dużo, bardzo sprawnie wplecionych wątków związanych z religią i tolerancją. Bardzo dobrze poruszone były również wątki relacji, szczególnie rodzinnych i przyjacielskich, które w piękny sposób się rozwijały. Zdecydowanie na plus był również wątek wdzięczności i niezrozumienia. W książce znalazło się wiele pięknych, inspirujących czy najzwyczajniej w świecie prawdziwych cytatów, fragmentów. Wciąż nie mogę wyjść z podziwu dla Kate Henry, której niezwykle dobrze udało się wpleść w lekką i przyjemną fabułę wiele ważnych i aktualnych tematów, które rzadko poruszane są w książkach dla młodzieży, a powinny i liczę na to, że będą w przyszłości. Zachwycił mnie również styl pisania autorki, który był prosty i przyjemny, ale równocześnie swego rodzaju wyjątkowy, zdecydowanie przekonał mnie do siebie i zachęcił do sięgnięcia po poprzednią i kolejne wydawane przez autorkę książki. Myślę, że mogłabym o tej książce pisać jeszcze bardzo długo i wciąż w pełni nie potrafiłabym opowiedzieć o tym jak bardzo mi się podobała. To jest coś, co poprostu musicie przeczytać i przekonać się samemu.
September 22, 2018
I have a lot of feelings about this book.
RTC :)
RTC :)
August 17, 2018
An atheist at a Catholic school falls in with a group of kids who want to undermine the school's authority -- and also falls in love with a devout Catholic girl.
I love books with religious themes and loved that this tackled issues like whether teachers at a religious school can and should be held to the religion's rules in their private lives. Or how to judge religious beliefs that don't seem politically correct in today's world. Not easy issues!
I liked the overall story, but didn't really connect with the (male) narrator all that much. He just wasn't very interesting. Plus, there was a reallllly weird scene where the narrator's morning boner has dialogue. Yes, you read that correctly. I wish the story had been told by Jenny or Lucy. Or maybe multiple POVs. But not by a body part.
Gave me fond memories of a book called The Cat Ate My Gymsuit which I remember being obsessed with as a tween. It's about Marcy, an overweight girl who gains confidence from an outspoken teacher, who gets fired for her outspokenness. Marcy stands up to her father (who is kind of a bully) and the school administration.
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Check out my Bookstagram! Or check out my Jen In Ten reviews on Youtube - get the lowdown on current books in 10-30 seconds!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
I love books with religious themes and loved that this tackled issues like whether teachers at a religious school can and should be held to the religion's rules in their private lives. Or how to judge religious beliefs that don't seem politically correct in today's world. Not easy issues!
I liked the overall story, but didn't really connect with the (male) narrator all that much. He just wasn't very interesting. Plus, there was a reallllly weird scene where the narrator's morning boner has dialogue. Yes, you read that correctly. I wish the story had been told by Jenny or Lucy. Or maybe multiple POVs. But not by a body part.
Gave me fond memories of a book called The Cat Ate My Gymsuit which I remember being obsessed with as a tween. It's about Marcy, an overweight girl who gains confidence from an outspoken teacher, who gets fired for her outspokenness. Marcy stands up to her father (who is kind of a bully) and the school administration.
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Check out my Bookstagram! Or check out my Jen In Ten reviews on Youtube - get the lowdown on current books in 10-30 seconds!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
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