Book Boyfriend Spotlight: Mac from SAINT ANYTHING

What’s Happening

Here at Penguin Teen HQ, we know one thing for sure: falling for a fictional character is a 100% real phenomenon. That’s why we’ve decided to spotlight some of our most eligible book boyfriends–the ones readers can’t stop thinking about. Why? Because the only thing better than crushing on a fictional character is getting your friends to join in.

This week, we’re talking about Mac from Sarah Dessen’s Saint Anything.

Who is Mac?

Mac Chatham is the quiet older brother of Sydney’s new best friend, Layla. The two quickly bond over predicting pizza orders and their quiet, strong personalities. Mac is completely devoted to his family, he’s in a band, and he’s quite health conscious. Did we mention he’s handsome? He’s really handsome.

Why should Mac be your next book boyfriend? We’re glad you asked.

1. He has an admirable view of the world.

“There’s no shame in trying to make stuff work, is how I see it. It’s better than just accepting the broken.”

2. He’s observant in a way that can make you feel truly seen.

“You had a shirt with mushrooms on it, and your hair was pulled back. Silver earrings. Pepperoni slice. No lollipop. The first time you came into Seaside. You weren’t invisible, not to me. Just so you know.”

3. He can seriously bring the swoons.

“I took my hand from Mac’s then reached up to touch his cheek. When I did, his fingers moved to my waist, pulling me in closer. It was fluid and easy, like everything had been since we’d met, as I stood on my tiptoes and finally, finally kissed him. There, in the woods, on a late fall Thursday afternoon, it was perfect. I had no way of knowing this when I did it, of course. It was just a hunch.”

I mean, don’t just take our word for it–here’s what the internet had to say!

I finished SAINT ANYTHING by @sarahdessen last night. I dreamt of Mac and guys like him. I’m book hangovering hard today. So hard.

— AmandaGernentzHanson (@amandamariegh) May 29, 2016

Listening to SAINT ANYTHING at work and giggling like a little girl anytime Mac appears. @sarahdessen #favoritebooks #readingitagain

— Vicky S (@MNIBibliophile) November 19, 2015

i already have a mad book crush on mac from saint anything by sarah dessen

— Lт (@yslhood) January 6, 2016

@sarahdessen Currently reading Saint Anything at 22, read Mac say “Hate Spinnerbait” and my 16-year-old self squealed out loud ❤️

— Marlena (@marlenamontero) February 16, 2016

@sarahdessen I think I had Saint Anything on my mind when I named my puppy in July: Mac! He’s adorable & kind, too! pic.twitter.com/biqWyoghjO

— Brittany Drehobl (@brittdrehobl) February 5, 2016

The only hazard of prepping for a SAINT ANYTHING/@sarahdessen book club is that now I want pizza. Preferably served by Mac.

— Vikki VanSickle (@vikkivansickle) November 8, 2015

Shoot, just give me a boy like Mac in Saint Anything, and I’ll be happy. Sa-woon. @sarahdessen

— emily kaitlin • (@emilyk_lambert) June 15, 2015

@sarahdessen oh goodness, I’m more than halfway through Saint Anything and I ship Mac and Sydney so hard 😍😍😍

— bree (@brixnnalynn_) August 18, 2015

Just finished reading Saint Anything.&Wow. It was great!I will now be adding Mac to my list of fictional guys I wish were real @sarahdessen

— Brenda Castaneda (@Brenda_Edith08) August 14, 2015

Read Saint Anything by @sarahdessen in like a day and well not surprised by how perfect it was #Mac

— Maridsa (@maridsa_) July 11, 2015

Just finished Saint Anything by @sarahdessen. Anyone know where I can get some great pizza and/or my own Mac?

— Amanda (@broken_salt) June 29, 2015

@sarahdessen read Saint anything for the 7th time last night and I still get heart palpitations bc Mac

— m (@maggie_zakkak) June 12, 2015

I’m reading (& loving) Sarah Dessen’s ‘Saint Anything’ atm…& in my head, Mac looks just like Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You 😻

— Meggie Dennis (@meggiereads) June 30, 2015

I mean…we’re super into that.

Suggested first date with Mac?

Mac is always up for an adventure. The two of you could easily get lost in the woods for a few hours, discovering hidden treasures and new places. Bonus: he’ll always be able to hook you up with free pizza.