Contributed by: Megan Clabby
Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry follows the story of
a sixteen year old boy named Michael who is forced to attend a Catholic school
after his father’s new job uproots him, his sister Sophia, and his mother to
yet another new house in another new neighborhood with another new school. Only
this time the school he is set to attend is none other than St. Claire’s
Preparatory School, a Catholic school. This is a problem for Michael because he
is an atheist. He has been a nonbeliever for as long as he can remember and not
just in religion but anything that offered another opposing, more plausible
explanation such as Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny. Michael’s one goal is to
find someone like him, to find a friend that can help him survive the school
year. On the first day he befriends Lucy, who challenges the teacher on a basic
religious principle taught by the school. Michael believes she is the same as
him although quickly realizes she believes heavily in God and Religion as a
whole. However, after learning more about Lucy and meeting her three friends he
finds out that they all hold and value beliefs not necessarily accepted within
St. Claire’s High and the Catholic Church- Heretic
values. Lucy, for example, wants to become a priest. These heretic beliefs
unite the five friends as Michael is offered membership into the “Heretics
Anonymous” club formed by Lucy and her friends. The club’s agenda, originally
designed to be a support group for its members and their varying beliefs, comes
into question when Michael suggests HA goes public at St. Claire’s. But, how
does one anonymous group voice radical ideas intended to change life at St.
Claire’s and beyond- the Catholic church? And, how far are they willing to go
for change?
Filled with humor, and charm, Heretics Anonymous explores the concepts of feminist theology,
progression, rebelion, and power along with the painfully real struggle of
finding, understanding, and coming to terms with the meaning of faith. Any and
all can relate to Michael’s story as he comes to understand this new world and
discovers things about himself along the way. Heretics Anonymous addresses prominent themes that are shared with
our world today. Themes such as defiance, revolution, and change. Katy Henry
emphasizes the relatable struggle of being a revolutionary minded young adult
in today’s pre-revolutionary world. Heretics
Anonymous explores the frustration of understanding one’s ever changing
identity in a world that is constantly defining you, while entertaining the
radical ideas of harnessing change.
I adored this book. Michael is a very relatable character
with lots of wit and charm. He is very funny, and offers humorous commentary
throughout the novel. The themes and characters are thoughtfully crafted while
still allowing the reader to make their own decisions regarding “right” and
“wrong,” and even exploring that gray areas in between. Much praise (pun intended!) for Heretics Anonymous.
Rate:
5/5 stars :)
I think that this book sounds very humors mostly because I know someone who sounds just like the main character. I enjoy books with a funny circumstance like in this book. This book really sounds like something I would enjoy mostly because I can see my friend as the main character. This book does sound very interesting to me and I would really enjoy reading this.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a light and funny book yet at the same time it covers deeper topics during the read. To me that sounds interesting and neat. I think that this book could keep me laughing and thinking at the same time. seems like a very good read
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like it’s so fun to read. I love how it can be humorous yet serious at the same time. I feel like this is the type of book that really makes you think and makes you put yourself in the main characters shoes. My favorite types of books are when you can relate to the main character so I think i would really like this book and so would many other students.
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ReplyDeleteThis book sounds good. Unlike the main character, Michael, I believe in God. However like Michael I'm not a Catholic, but I am Christian. In this book it sounds like Catholics aren't open to change, therefore the group had to form in secret. At the church I go to, we appreciate everyone's opinions and view points on what should change or evolve.
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