In this humorous (sacrilegious?) look at how to become a Saint in the afterlife, Sidley actually provides a great deal of information. From the first chapter ( a message from God himself) to the profiles of actual saints, to the steps that must be taken before the Catholic Church declares someone a Saint, this is a great read. I was raised Catholic and attended 12 years of Catholic school, but there was even some new information for me. Yes, this is sometimes a cringy look at the process. Some devoutly religious people will likely find some passages offensive, but what did you expect from a staff writer for the Colbert Show? Clearly well researched with the footnotes and a list of resources at the end. Read this with a wink and a smile, understanding the purpose behind the book, and you will discover a book that's a lot of fun and also very informative. Also, maybe you'll be on your way to becoming a saint yourself. :)

I enjoy a good irreverent(ish) book about religion, particularly when the writing is good. I enjoyed the forward by Stephen Colbert as well. It's a non serious romp through sainthood and Catholicism.

How to Be a Saint by Kate Sidley was an unexpected gem—like finding out your hilariously sarcastic friend has a secret PhD in obscure Catholic trivia and wants to spill all the tea over wine. I usually can’t commit to a full book of humor without needing a palate cleanser, but this one? This one hit the sweet spot. I read it in little bites—10, maybe 20 minutes at a time—and each time I came away both laughing and weirdly more informed about religious history. Who knew enlightenment could be this entertaining?

Sidley has this incredible way of mixing legit historical facts with just the right amount of irreverent sparkle. It felt less like reading a book and more like being let in on centuries of ecclesiastical gossip. Did I expect to snort-laugh over “mystic abilities” being ranked by skill level and provability? No. Did it happen? Absolutely. I mean, saints who never decomposed? That’s both horrifying and fascinating, and I loved every bit of it.

What really makes the book work is the tone. It never crosses into mean-spirited or mocking—just gently cheeky, smart, and genuinely respectful in its own playful way. You’re learning real stuff here, but without the heavy-handed sermon vibes. Honestly, I’d recommend this to anyone who likes their nonfiction with a twist of humor and isn’t afraid of a little holy irreverence. Bless this book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of How to Be a Saint by Kate Sidley.
How to Be a Saint is a collection of stories about saints, how to be Catholic, and how to become a saint. This book is written by a comedy writer, but being Catholic, I did not find the jokes funny but sacrilegious. I spent the majority of the book feeling like Sidley was making fun of the Catholic Church.

Absolutely hilarious! I might have actually enjoyed all the time I had to spend in Catholic school, religion classes and mass if we had been taught like this! Plus, the author does a great job explaining things so that people of different religious backgrounds can understand as well!

The blurb doesn't lie when it says Sidley's book is "part history lesson. Part sacrilege. An entirely good time." If the tone of the blurb doesn't do it for you, then you probably won't chuckle or smile to yourself while reading. While some of the jokes didn't land for me, felt somewhat juvenile, the type of humor doesn't shift throughout the book, so you will know fairly quickly if it's suited for you or not. So long as you're a reader open to a dash of humor bordering on irreverence, and (light) critique towards the Catholic Church, you should be fine to read the well-researched information presented in the book.
It's quirky and goofy enough to keep the tone light, though the bulk of information is presented in an easy to follow, not-getting-lured-by-the-Pied-Piper sorta way. Humor aside, Sidley has presented the information one needs to try to become a Saint with many examples of the Catholic Church's biggest names. She presents the wannabe Saint with a checklist, with encouraging words along the way, a few examples of what to do, and a timeline of how arduous and expensive the process of canonization is (and, wow, it's expensive). There are real Saints and there are fictional Saints, but they've both got words for you. It's well-written and very informative. I think even some of the most devout believers will learn something from this book.
The book is full of information, though, so as Stephen Colbert says, in the introduction, buy the book so Kate's kids can attend college. Read before or after your sexy elf book.
*There are some layout issues if you're reading through Kindle. Some of the errors in text are easy to decipher but there were a few that were wholly out of order and I had to skip over entirely.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS for eARC!

Okay, this was delightful. Informative and humorous, with excellent visuals, as a non-Catholic I learned, I laughed, I loved. Definitely adding this to my pre-orders list, because it's just that much fun. Gave me Michael Largo vibes, and he's one of my favorites so I welcomed it. Kate's writing has a natural, easy flow to it, and the book is quite approachable for any reader. Extensive, diligent research went into this, and it's shown through the work (and list of resources at the back in the bibliography.) A glossary is included, very helpful. You can also make your own holy card and certificate of saintification!

Written by a writer from Stephen Colbert's comedy central show, this book is humorous and nostalgic. Catholicism is often subjected to mockery, but the author writes this as a love letter to a religion she was raised in, with a healthy amount of skepticism. As a millennial who attended Catholic school, I loved reading about the lives of the saints, and the wilder the stories the better. This has a lot of the elements I enjoy, as well as being astonishingly well-researched into the process of canonization.

I loved reading this, and enjoyed the introduction by Stephen Colbert, who is also the best at making great humor from Catholicism.

This book is completely hilarious, mildly offensive and somewhat sacrilegious. However, it was a fun read that would appeal to those readers who were raised on stories of the saints. I laughed out loud while reading this book. The chapters include the canonization process and stories of the saints, as well as a checklist to guide readers along the path to sainthood.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

In "How to Be a Saint," Kate Sidley presents a humorous take on the process of canonization within the Catholic Church. While the book is likely most enjoyable for Roman Catholics familiar with the church's quirks, Sidley's wit shines through as she critiques the often absurd hoops that individuals must jump through to be declared saints. The author infuses the narrative with engaging anecdotes, making it a comedic yet informative guide.
Sidley's background as a comedy writer for Stephen Colbert adds a unique flavor to the book, which contains interesting historical tidbits about saints, some of whom may be more legend than reality. Despite the humor, the book reveals the surprising costs and bureaucratic challenges involved in canonization, shedding light on the devotion many Catholics have toward saints.
I thought the book was funny. There are references to pop culture, much like you would find on tv. I also thought it was really informative in terms of the process of sainthood, some of the terminology like reliquary, asceticism, dogma, encyclical were defined and explained - so very Catholic terms to a possible non-Catholic audience. I"m a little bothered by the unclaimed miracles list in that parents should be able to breastfeed in public without weirdos making a big deal out of it. I'm on board with that idea - but the fact that the word "mothes" has been reduced to "parent" does not sit right with me. I also am bothered by the use of the secular CE and BCE. If she is writing about Catholic history, why not use BC and AD? I like the list of cities that have been listed by the author and some of the history of why they were named after saints. It is a really well researched book, with an extensive bibliography.
Overall, "How to Be a Saint" is characterized as a light-hearted exploration of saint-making, suitable for those looking to learn about saints in an entertaining way. While it may not satisfy those seeking a serious theological treatise, it offers a fun perspective on a complex subject, making it a recommended read for Catholics and curious non-Catholics alike.

Lighthearted book about Catholicism, mostly for Catholics but I suppose of interest to other folks generally interested in Catholic history. It's written by a comedian and Catholic, so there's a fair bit of in jokes. I'd say this is something like a coffee table book, designed primarily to spark discussion. It would also be a fun gag gift

*How to Be a Saint* by Kate Sidley is a quirky, charming read that mixes humor with a bit of introspection. The story follows an ordinary woman on an extraordinary quest to become a "saint" in her own life, and it’s a fun journey from start to finish. Sidley’s writing is light and easy to read, with just the right balance of wit and wisdom. Some parts felt a little predictable, but the book’s uplifting message and lovable characters kept me hooked. If you’re in the mood for something heartwarming and a little offbeat, *How to Be a Saint* is definitely worth a read!

A very fun introduction to the saints! As a Catholic who works at a Catholic school library, the saints are the hottest topic around. The variety and explanations of all the saints were funny and evocative.

This is an interesting look at saints and the process of canonization in the Catholic Church. It is definitely “mildly sacrilegious” (as the subtitle indicates)—I found the humor well-placed for the most part, although in a few places I’d suggest that Sidley went a little too far. It is a good attempt to explain how people become saints, for laypeople and those who are not scholars of religious history. There are a few factual errors, for example, it is possible for a priest who is not a bishop to become a cardinal, although it is uncommon. But, for a broad audience it is a well-written perspective on saint-making, which is a complicated and lengthy process in most cases, told with humor. The stories of saints will inform and educate, and I especially enjoyed the chapters near the end examining cities, food, and holidays connected to saints. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

A fun, lighthearted, and dare I say, interesting look at canonization. I definitely learned more about the process than my Catholic school and time in Catholic church taught me, so really, any time I have fun and learn something, I consider it a non-fic win.

How To Be A Saint is a true handbook for becoming a saint, albeit the most tongue in cheek handbook for sure! I liked the style of this book - I know a good amount about Catholicism, but the way the author outlined the ways to become a Saint in a very light hearted, was a fun way to introduce people to this topic. An easy read, although maybe not for people who take Catholicism too seriously!

It probably isn't a requirement that one be Roman Catholic to enjoy this book but I think it helps. That is, if you're not too sensitive about the institution of the church and some of it's odder rules.

Personally, I found this book hilarious. And the things the author (Kate Sidley) pokes fun at have nothing to do with faith but more the hoops one has to jump through to become a saint.

There's a lot of interesting information in this book but that wouldn't be my most important reason to read it.

My reason is that it's hilarious. This is a how-to guide on, as the title lays out, to become a saint and every page had something--or things--that made me laugh.

Although less amusing and a big surprise to me is how expensive the process of canonization is. I'm thinking of saints very differently now (those that are real--Sidley tells of many saints who though legendary probably--or definitely--did not exist outside the imagination.

There is a handy checklist after each part of the process that is worth holding on to, if that is a goal of the reader.

I went around telling people they must read this book, something I rarely do. But I need some people to share quotes. This is a book that longs to be shared with others.

Sidley is a writer for Stephen Colbert--another Catholic with a biting sense of humor that still manages--for me--to include a strong Catholic faith with a willingness to look at and critique, however amusingly, the foibles of the institution that carries.

This book immediately became one of my favorite--not just this year but of all the books I've read and I'm sure I will be rereading it.

A suitable Christmas gift?

How to Be a Saint: An Extremely Weird and Mildly Sacrilegious History of The Catholic Church's Biggest Names by Kate Sidley will be published by Sourcebooks in 2025.

This is a highly informative book on how to become a saint with short bios of saints through history. Wonderfully snarky, fun to read, and packed full of other related trivia-- it's surprising a book this short can hold so much. This would be a fun gift or coffee table book.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Fun, informative and fast paced. The author is a saint for effectively covering such a complicated topic in a single book.

Kate Sidley is a writer for "The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert, and Colbert, himself a fellow Catholic, wrote the intro to this book. While there is a lot of humor in this book, I was amazed at just how packed with information it is. Sidley really did her homework on the canonization process and explaining some of the basics of Catholicism. I'm a cradle Catholic and I learned quite a few things myself, while at the same time can vouch that she's right on the money with the facts. This is the sort of book I'd recommend for a Catholic, or someone who is curious about Catholicism, who also has a great sense of humor.
Thanks to @netgalley and @sourcebooks for the ARC. Book to be published August 19, 2025