What do you think?
Rate this book
A.J. #1
Saving Sailor: A Novel
The year is 1968. After spending the first half of summer vacation driving her Italian family crazy with her fake southern accent, 10-year old A.J. finds a soul mate on the other side of the island to divert her attention.
She is intrigued to learn that Danny shares her same burning desire to know God and realizes that few people her age think as deeply as the two of them do. However, the depth of their newfound faith and friendship is soon tested when Danny's father betrays his wife.
Set in a simpler time, Saving Sailor is a heartwarming tale of how hearts can change and relationships can be restored with God's help.
She is intrigued to learn that Danny shares her same burning desire to know God and realizes that few people her age think as deeply as the two of them do. However, the depth of their newfound faith and friendship is soon tested when Danny's father betrays his wife.
Set in a simpler time, Saving Sailor is a heartwarming tale of how hearts can change and relationships can be restored with God's help.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2007
109 people are currently reading
1,237 people want to read
About the author
Renee Riva
92books89followersRenee Riva has been writing humorous stories ever since she won her first writing contest in second grade. She now has over 20 titles and writes inspirational fiction for David C. Cook, and clean romance for Forget Me Not Romances. Her main categories are: coming of age, YA, romantic comedies, Historical Romance, chapter books and children's picture books.
Renee's ideas come from a happy childhood that she shared with 6 fun, loud Italians, and wouldn't trade those years or her siblings for anything in the world.
She is currently having her books narrated into audio-books for audio listeners.
Renee is a mom, a wife, an animal lover, and a kid at heart. She loves to hear from her readers and tries to answer all of her letters so drop me a line if you like!
Renee's ideas come from a happy childhood that she shared with 6 fun, loud Italians, and wouldn't trade those years or her siblings for anything in the world.
She is currently having her books narrated into audio-books for audio listeners.
Renee is a mom, a wife, an animal lover, and a kid at heart. She loves to hear from her readers and tries to answer all of her letters so drop me a line if you like!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 11, 2017
I wrote it! It was about growing up in the 60's with my big Italian family and I wouldn't trade the memories or my siblings for anything in the world! Thank you for your reviews. :O)
June 18, 2018
{4.5 stars}
This year has just been great. There are still good books out there...you just gotta search for the good ones! This is a true keeper, and I can't wait to read the next in this series, because from the first page, A.J. was a girl that I could resonate with perfectly.
She's nine, almost ten, and has a crazy, Italian family. I say crazy, but they're really just ordinary. That's what's so fun about this book. Ordinary details that turn into fun, hilarious events. I laughed out loud more than twice, and that I consider very important right now. Laughter is an amazing thing!
I seriously can't get over some of the comments A.J.'s father made. I was just dying. He's hysterical, and I thought it adorable how much he loved his wife, and she him. See: 'I think Daddy won Mama because he can make her laugh. Nobody can make Mama laugh the way Daddy can.'
A.J.'s family are Catholic so there are lots of comments about confession, a couple mentions of Mass, and so forth (reason for the 1/2 star off). I thought it interesting that toward the end a man was saved and baptized at the Baptist church. It was interesting to see A.J.'s POV during those scenes, and I liked the that author didn't portray Baptist's in a bad light.
I shall leave you with this quote that brought a huge grin to my face (and it's something my brother and I have said so many times in our own words):
'J. R. cuts in and says, “Can anyone talk about anything around this place besides heartbreakin� men and cryin� women? For Pete’s sake, I feel like I’m living in a soap opera.�'
This year has just been great. There are still good books out there...you just gotta search for the good ones! This is a true keeper, and I can't wait to read the next in this series, because from the first page, A.J. was a girl that I could resonate with perfectly.
She's nine, almost ten, and has a crazy, Italian family. I say crazy, but they're really just ordinary. That's what's so fun about this book. Ordinary details that turn into fun, hilarious events. I laughed out loud more than twice, and that I consider very important right now. Laughter is an amazing thing!
I seriously can't get over some of the comments A.J.'s father made. I was just dying. He's hysterical, and I thought it adorable how much he loved his wife, and she him. See: 'I think Daddy won Mama because he can make her laugh. Nobody can make Mama laugh the way Daddy can.'
A.J.'s family are Catholic so there are lots of comments about confession, a couple mentions of Mass, and so forth (reason for the 1/2 star off). I thought it interesting that toward the end a man was saved and baptized at the Baptist church. It was interesting to see A.J.'s POV during those scenes, and I liked the that author didn't portray Baptist's in a bad light.
I shall leave you with this quote that brought a huge grin to my face (and it's something my brother and I have said so many times in our own words):
'J. R. cuts in and says, “Can anyone talk about anything around this place besides heartbreakin� men and cryin� women? For Pete’s sake, I feel like I’m living in a soap opera.�'
June 28, 2017
About this book:
“It’s 1968 and ten-year-old A.J. Degulio is having the best summer vacation of her young life, hanging out with her dog Sailor, at the lake; alternately playing and fighting with her four siblings; and driving her mother crazy with her fake Southern accent. And when she meets Danny Morgan—who shares her love for star gazing and deep thoughts—it seems that she’s met a soul mate. But then Danny’s family in falling apart, and the wreckage affects both the Degulios and the Morgans. It takes a tragedy to reveal the high price of betrayal…and the hope that lies in forgiveness.�
Series: Book #1 in the “A..� series.
Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are read; A bit of Witnessing; Prayers & talking to God; Going to Mass & confessions; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; AJ’s family is Roman Catholic; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers, praying over food, & thanking God; Many mentions of churches, church going, Mass, confessions, priests, sisters, & sins; Mentions of talks about God; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of hymns; Mentions of baptisms; Mentions of Catholics & Baptists; Mentions of Mother Teresa & martyrs; Mentions of saints & saint statues; A few mentions of Balaam’s donkey; A few mentions of rosary beads & Hail Marys; A couple mentions of wanting to be a preacher; A couple mentions of the Pope; A couple mentions of a convent; A mention of Billy Graham;
*Note: When AJ messes up she says, “Sometimes I think I must be possessed.�; A couple mentions of Greek love gods; A couple mentions of Hercules & Zeus; A mention of a goddess; A mention of eternal damnation; A mention of being damned to a long stay in purgatory; A mention of a one-way ticket to hell.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah-blah-blah�, a ‘blazin’�, a ‘dang�, a ‘duh�, a ‘hush up�, a ‘stinking�, two forms of ‘darn�, two ‘oh my gosh’s, two ‘sissy’s, two forms of ‘wimp�, five forms of ‘idiot�, six ‘stupid’s, nine ‘dumb’s, Some eye rolling & sass; Mentions of curses (some are written out as “bleeping� and a report to a vacation to the Hoover Dam gets smart); Pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of stitches & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of eating animals that were cared for as pets (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the Zodiac Killer and his victims (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of crimes & prisons; Mentions of cigarettes & smoking; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of boys using the bathroom outside; Mentions of rumors; A few mentions of a car accident & death (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a war & deaths; A few mentions of stealing & thieves; A few mentions of blackmail; A few mentions of dogs on death row in a shelter; A few mentions of wine; A few mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of tattoos; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of diarrhea; A couple mentions of roadkill; A mention of the Mafia; A mention of a human target for a spear contest; A mention of drunks; A mention of horror movies;
*Note: Mentions of pop culture in the 1960s; Mentions of Truth or Dare & pranks; A mention of looking like a zombie; A mention of a vampire; A mention of aliens.
Sexual Content- A bit of Noticing; Blushes; a ‘floozies� (AJ says her sister reminds her of them from the western movies), a ‘hot�, and two ‘baby’s; AJ says she melts over the steamy love scenes in western movies where the guy kisses the girl; Mentions of Danny’s father cheating on his mother (it’s never straight out said, but he’s apparently done it before; mentions of if Danny’s mother will leave him; AJ asks if Danny means that his father is having a sleepover with another lady; no details; *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of AJ’s crush and him kissing her for so long (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of crushes, blushes, boys, island romances, kissing, kisses, boyfriends, girlfriends, & dating; Mentions of a boy trying to kiss AJ; Mentions of pretty women & a married man looking away; Mentions of proms & dances; Mentions of teens swarming around the opposite gender; A few mentions of a guy leading on girl on & already having a girlfriend; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of married couples kissing;
*Note: Mentions of noticing fat & skinny people; A few mentions of behinds, backsides, & fannies; A mention of something butting up to something; A mention of a big man’s tiny swim bottoms.
-Angelina Juliana “AJ� Degulio, age 9-10
1st person P.O.V. of AJ
Set in 1968 {Epilogue in 1976}
217 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’ve actually read this book twice now and I’m pretty sure I enjoyed this second time just as much as the first! AJ, her personality, & her crazy family are hilarious—there were so many parts I had to put the book down to wipe tears from my eyes from laughing so hard!
While AJ is ten, I won’t recommend this book for that age range because of certain topics mentioned/discussed. She doesn’t feel very young or immature as some other ten-year-olds, so I think older girls, like myself, should still enjoy. That epilogue is a bit of a spoiler for book #2 & #3, but it’s still so good! :)
Link to review:
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“It’s 1968 and ten-year-old A.J. Degulio is having the best summer vacation of her young life, hanging out with her dog Sailor, at the lake; alternately playing and fighting with her four siblings; and driving her mother crazy with her fake Southern accent. And when she meets Danny Morgan—who shares her love for star gazing and deep thoughts—it seems that she’s met a soul mate. But then Danny’s family in falling apart, and the wreckage affects both the Degulios and the Morgans. It takes a tragedy to reveal the high price of betrayal…and the hope that lies in forgiveness.�
Series: Book #1 in the “A..� series.
Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are read; A bit of Witnessing; Prayers & talking to God; Going to Mass & confessions; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; AJ’s family is Roman Catholic; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers, praying over food, & thanking God; Many mentions of churches, church going, Mass, confessions, priests, sisters, & sins; Mentions of talks about God; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of hymns; Mentions of baptisms; Mentions of Catholics & Baptists; Mentions of Mother Teresa & martyrs; Mentions of saints & saint statues; A few mentions of Balaam’s donkey; A few mentions of rosary beads & Hail Marys; A couple mentions of wanting to be a preacher; A couple mentions of the Pope; A couple mentions of a convent; A mention of Billy Graham;
*Note: When AJ messes up she says, “Sometimes I think I must be possessed.�; A couple mentions of Greek love gods; A couple mentions of Hercules & Zeus; A mention of a goddess; A mention of eternal damnation; A mention of being damned to a long stay in purgatory; A mention of a one-way ticket to hell.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah-blah-blah�, a ‘blazin’�, a ‘dang�, a ‘duh�, a ‘hush up�, a ‘stinking�, two forms of ‘darn�, two ‘oh my gosh’s, two ‘sissy’s, two forms of ‘wimp�, five forms of ‘idiot�, six ‘stupid’s, nine ‘dumb’s, Some eye rolling & sass; Mentions of curses (some are written out as “bleeping� and a report to a vacation to the Hoover Dam gets smart); Pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of stitches & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of eating animals that were cared for as pets (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the Zodiac Killer and his victims (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of crimes & prisons; Mentions of cigarettes & smoking; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of boys using the bathroom outside; Mentions of rumors; A few mentions of a car accident & death (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a war & deaths; A few mentions of stealing & thieves; A few mentions of blackmail; A few mentions of dogs on death row in a shelter; A few mentions of wine; A few mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of tattoos; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of diarrhea; A couple mentions of roadkill; A mention of the Mafia; A mention of a human target for a spear contest; A mention of drunks; A mention of horror movies;
*Note: Mentions of pop culture in the 1960s; Mentions of Truth or Dare & pranks; A mention of looking like a zombie; A mention of a vampire; A mention of aliens.
Sexual Content- A bit of Noticing; Blushes; a ‘floozies� (AJ says her sister reminds her of them from the western movies), a ‘hot�, and two ‘baby’s; AJ says she melts over the steamy love scenes in western movies where the guy kisses the girl; Mentions of Danny’s father cheating on his mother (it’s never straight out said, but he’s apparently done it before; mentions of if Danny’s mother will leave him; AJ asks if Danny means that his father is having a sleepover with another lady; no details; *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of AJ’s crush and him kissing her for so long (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of crushes, blushes, boys, island romances, kissing, kisses, boyfriends, girlfriends, & dating; Mentions of a boy trying to kiss AJ; Mentions of pretty women & a married man looking away; Mentions of proms & dances; Mentions of teens swarming around the opposite gender; A few mentions of a guy leading on girl on & already having a girlfriend; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of married couples kissing;
*Note: Mentions of noticing fat & skinny people; A few mentions of behinds, backsides, & fannies; A mention of something butting up to something; A mention of a big man’s tiny swim bottoms.
-Angelina Juliana “AJ� Degulio, age 9-10
1st person P.O.V. of AJ
Set in 1968 {Epilogue in 1976}
217 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’ve actually read this book twice now and I’m pretty sure I enjoyed this second time just as much as the first! AJ, her personality, & her crazy family are hilarious—there were so many parts I had to put the book down to wipe tears from my eyes from laughing so hard!
While AJ is ten, I won’t recommend this book for that age range because of certain topics mentioned/discussed. She doesn’t feel very young or immature as some other ten-year-olds, so I think older girls, like myself, should still enjoy. That epilogue is a bit of a spoiler for book #2 & #3, but it’s still so good! :)
Link to review:
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
July 9, 2018
Oh my goodness! This book is the best!
The Characters:
A.J. - yes, girl, I'm sticking to your nickname, not your real one (Angelina). She was so much fun! Her personality was hilarious, her quirks were even better, and she didn't fail to make me laugh! The way she said things made me giggle out-loud! And I love how she just talked southern, even though she's Italian! Loved her!!!! And of course her dog, Sailor!
Her family - can I just say they were the funniest family that ever lived??! Of course, they had their struggles, like normal families, but they were hilarious! The Dad cracked me up - the times he used the megaphone were the best -...and the Mom? Well, she was crazy! :D A.J's siblings �. wow! *grins*
Danny - AW!! Absolutely loved him! His family were pretty great too, being Baptist and all. ;)
All the rest - okay, there was so some pretty hilarious characters in this book, but I can't mention them all!!
The Story-line:
It's about a girl and her family on a vacation! Of course things happen while they're on it, but that's what makes it funny!! It was definitely a great story!
Okay, the MC and her family are Catholics, so there are lots of mentions of that stuff - confessions, loads of Saints, Mass, Sisters - but I didn't feel completely uncomfortable reading it. I like how the author talks about the Baptists in some detail as well!
Content:
Having lots of boyfriends, and kissing mentioned.
All-in-all:
If you ever get the chance to read this, you need to! It will make you so happy - it did so much to me! I'm definitely going to read it again � and the others in the series if I ever have the chance!
Favourite Quotes:
I have never told anyone this, but, I have got the biggest crush on Little Joe Cartwright, from Bonanza.
Why would God make a flower as pretty as a daisy smell like dog doo?
And there's my uncle Nick sittin' up on the back of the driver's seat, wearin' tony black swim bottoms that look very small on his big hairy body. He looks like a gorilla in Jockey shorts.
"Oh please, spare me," my mom whispers to my dad, but I heard it anyway.
"I look around, and I see my boys fishing on a pond full of trout, and I remember being a boy here myself, I see my oldest daughter lying in the sun, listening to music. I've been watching my youngest daughter and her dog, beneath a shady tree, watching the clouds go by. I'm sitting by the most beautiful woman in the world, wondering how a guy like me ever go this lucky. And all I am thinking inside is, Thank You, God, for life is good.
I have just never been able to eat anything that still looks like the animal itself. Take hamburgers. At least when you see those round blobs of beef cookin' away on the grill, they aren't in the shape of a cow. But fish, there's no gettin' around that. A fish looks like a fish the whole time it's cookin'. Even if you cut the head and eyes off, you can still tell it's a fish.
Such a fun read!
The Characters:
A.J. - yes, girl, I'm sticking to your nickname, not your real one (Angelina). She was so much fun! Her personality was hilarious, her quirks were even better, and she didn't fail to make me laugh! The way she said things made me giggle out-loud! And I love how she just talked southern, even though she's Italian! Loved her!!!! And of course her dog, Sailor!
Her family - can I just say they were the funniest family that ever lived??! Of course, they had their struggles, like normal families, but they were hilarious! The Dad cracked me up - the times he used the megaphone were the best -...and the Mom? Well, she was crazy! :D A.J's siblings �. wow! *grins*
Danny - AW!! Absolutely loved him! His family were pretty great too, being Baptist and all. ;)
All the rest - okay, there was so some pretty hilarious characters in this book, but I can't mention them all!!
The Story-line:
It's about a girl and her family on a vacation! Of course things happen while they're on it, but that's what makes it funny!! It was definitely a great story!
Okay, the MC and her family are Catholics, so there are lots of mentions of that stuff - confessions, loads of Saints, Mass, Sisters - but I didn't feel completely uncomfortable reading it. I like how the author talks about the Baptists in some detail as well!
Content:
Having lots of boyfriends, and kissing mentioned.
All-in-all:
If you ever get the chance to read this, you need to! It will make you so happy - it did so much to me! I'm definitely going to read it again � and the others in the series if I ever have the chance!
Favourite Quotes:
I have never told anyone this, but, I have got the biggest crush on Little Joe Cartwright, from Bonanza.
Why would God make a flower as pretty as a daisy smell like dog doo?
And there's my uncle Nick sittin' up on the back of the driver's seat, wearin' tony black swim bottoms that look very small on his big hairy body. He looks like a gorilla in Jockey shorts.
"Oh please, spare me," my mom whispers to my dad, but I heard it anyway.
"I look around, and I see my boys fishing on a pond full of trout, and I remember being a boy here myself, I see my oldest daughter lying in the sun, listening to music. I've been watching my youngest daughter and her dog, beneath a shady tree, watching the clouds go by. I'm sitting by the most beautiful woman in the world, wondering how a guy like me ever go this lucky. And all I am thinking inside is, Thank You, God, for life is good.
I have just never been able to eat anything that still looks like the animal itself. Take hamburgers. At least when you see those round blobs of beef cookin' away on the grill, they aren't in the shape of a cow. But fish, there's no gettin' around that. A fish looks like a fish the whole time it's cookin'. Even if you cut the head and eyes off, you can still tell it's a fish.
Such a fun read!
August 7, 2012
A refreshing change-of-pace (no junkies, dandies, demons, unemployed actors or glove manufacturers) : it's the idyllic adventures of an enviably strong Italian family as they enjoy - and share - their own private Idaho of 1968.
Now, most Americans have had at least one youthful summer that they carry around in their soul as they would a prize firefly in a mason jar under their arm, and Riva stays true to that Bradburian summer.
And for most sane folk, it's not the one that resembles an MTV realityfest of sex and drugs: it's actually the one where the world held for you - one final time before the heartbreaks and disappointments and doubts started coming in through the out door like so many Admiral Halseys and Uncle Alberts - infinite mysteries and palatial promises and...and, oh-oh-ho-ho-oh, that word: hope.
Hope.
Now, most Americans have had at least one youthful summer that they carry around in their soul as they would a prize firefly in a mason jar under their arm, and Riva stays true to that Bradburian summer.
And for most sane folk, it's not the one that resembles an MTV realityfest of sex and drugs: it's actually the one where the world held for you - one final time before the heartbreaks and disappointments and doubts started coming in through the out door like so many Admiral Halseys and Uncle Alberts - infinite mysteries and palatial promises and...and, oh-oh-ho-ho-oh, that word: hope.
Hope.
September 19, 2013
I loved escaping back to 1968 when relationships were valued more than technology. In the story Saving Sailor by Renee Riva 5 children and their parents live on a Pacific Northwest Island during the summer. A.J. is a young girl that is honest, silly, an animal lover, and a loyal friend. She and her dog, Sailor, almost die, but are saved bonding them to a friend for life. Her families Christian values, desire to live life to it's fullest with joy, being grateful for each other, and her parents ability to entertain make the others on the island and the reader wanting more examples of their family beliefs. I wish I would have met A.J. when I was 10.
October 28, 2015
Oh to be ten again. I officially deem this the "Feel Good Story of the Summer"! I can't remember a time when I connected so closely to a character in a book. I won't even try to number off the things A.J. and my ten-year-old self had in common. Let it be said, it's a little spooky. Her voice was crystal clear and full of innocent wit that transported me to a simpler time. I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud all throughout, as well as choking up over little things and all those "life-is-good" moments that often go unnoticed.
July 6, 2020
Cute YA book. Well written and a great story.
March 29, 2024
My favorite book as a young adult!! ❤️
June 13, 2019
So Incredibly Refreshing To Read A Delightful Family Story Without The Snarkiness So Common Today!
November 27, 2011
Format: Paperback
Saving Sailor is such a sweet'feel good' story about one family's summer vacation that it really surprised me that the author created such a nice family,as that is so seldom portrayed today. It really is a delight to read and some wonderful humor as well.
This book is not overly religious,but A.J. does ponder some about God,(what normal 10 year old doesn't)and her thoughts on God's creation of the Daisy is 'milk through your nose' funny,LOL!
A really nice and fun read that would be great to read aloud to your children,or get for them or yourself to enjoy on their/your own.
April 18, 2012
"Saving Sailor" is a very sweet and heartwarming story about two kids who become "soul mates" and deal with some family drama with the help of each other and the help of God. It was sweet because the kids had fun and quirky personalities, and the setting was pretty idyllic. I also love stories about dogs. I'm not too big on stories about God, because I'm an atheist. I feel that people are stronger than they think they are and can be strong completely without belief in a supernatural being. But I tried to look at the situation as I would at some other culture, and the story was still awfully sweet.
August 8, 2012
I laughed throughout the entire book. I could see my kids (at times). It was a nice easy short read.
September 27, 2012
A nostalgic look at a young girl and her eccentric family... Lighthearted and a great read!
May 9, 2017
Great story from a child's view point but for all ages.
At first I rather cringed at the crazy antics of the parents, but then I came to love it when I saw it as another side to their happy marriage. I might even have some of my seriousness loosened up a bit. This story was light and funny enough to laugh our loud a few time, and seriousness enough to have pain and forgiveness and second chances. Loved how this is a story of sub-stories. It's also very Catholic (with a touch of Baptist thrown in) and it was fun to have some insight into that church life. This is an inspiring book no matter what your background.
At first I rather cringed at the crazy antics of the parents, but then I came to love it when I saw it as another side to their happy marriage. I might even have some of my seriousness loosened up a bit. This story was light and funny enough to laugh our loud a few time, and seriousness enough to have pain and forgiveness and second chances. Loved how this is a story of sub-stories. It's also very Catholic (with a touch of Baptist thrown in) and it was fun to have some insight into that church life. This is an inspiring book no matter what your background.
January 23, 2025
Rereading this series is always my favorite part of visiting my parents. I read hundreds of books as a kid, but not a single one spoke to me like Saving Sailor did. It’s eye-opening now, 15 years after first reading it, to go back through and remember just how much of a lifeline this book was throughout my childhood. I probably read it 20 times between the ages of 10 and 18. And I’ve read it a few more since. And I’ll read it a few more times in the future. So thanks to the author for writing this. Thanks to my aunt for buying it for me at a random farmers market 15 years ago. I would not be who I am without it.
June 6, 2019
Saving Sailor: A Quirky Girl, A Faithful Dog, and One Unforgettable Summer (A.J., #1) was another great read by Renee Riva. A.J. has spent her 1968 summer vacation driving her Italian family crazy with her fake southern accent. She finds Danny and A.J. have strong faith and desire to know God. They grow closer and their faith is tested when Danny's father betrays his wife. This was another fun read by Renee Riva.
September 2, 2023
She saved Sailor right at the beginning. I kept expecting Sailor to need saving again.
This story is about A.J.'s favorite summer and all the quirky things that happened. Some were good,some were bad, and some were very, very good. Sometimes the good won't happen if the bad don't happen first.
The ending hints of more good to come.
This story is about A.J.'s favorite summer and all the quirky things that happened. Some were good,some were bad, and some were very, very good. Sometimes the good won't happen if the bad don't happen first.
The ending hints of more good to come.
January 27, 2025
Read this book for the first time when I was in middle school and it quickly became my all time favorite. For many years it has never been topped for me. A.j. is such a relatable character. Reading as an adult gave me a new perspective on this book and it became my favorite in a new light. My book club is reading this next. I cannot wait to see how much they love it.
July 23, 2018
Beautiful Story During a Simpler Time
I loved the way it took place away from the city and out in nature. A girl and her dog going on adventures and learning the truths about life and faith.
I loved the way it took place away from the city and out in nature. A girl and her dog going on adventures and learning the truths about life and faith.
April 25, 2020
A Summer of Dreams
Such a fabulous story of a long ago summer surrounded by a strong family of faith. Follow AJ on her summer adventure at the island that she will never trade in for another. Having had a blessed childhood myself I saw myself in their escapades.
Such a fabulous story of a long ago summer surrounded by a strong family of faith. Follow AJ on her summer adventure at the island that she will never trade in for another. Having had a blessed childhood myself I saw myself in their escapades.
November 28, 2017
Very good nook, kept me interested.
Kept me reading till I was done with the book. It was clean and well written. Reminded me of my childhood.
Kept me reading till I was done with the book. It was clean and well written. Reminded me of my childhood.
December 5, 2017
I love this book!!!! I have read it over and over and always love every moment of it!
March 14, 2018
My favorite part was when everyone was happy again. My least favorite part was when A.J. tried to take Ruby somewhere safer, and Ruby drowned. At least Sailor helped to save A.J.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
One of my favorite books! I have read and re-read it many times!
July 3, 2018
Great book....kids, dogs, Italians, Catholics...a heartwarming, funny, Christian book.
October 25, 2018
Cute, clean story.
February 23, 2019
A good family friendly book that easily draws you into the characters world. Wishing you were there also drifting down the river.
April 26, 2021
It was cute. Probably not something I would have normally picked up, but I enjoyed the characters and the story.
September 20, 2023
My favourite book growing up. The hopeless romantic in me LOVES Danny and AJ too much to let go of this book 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.