If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a saint, Kate Sidley’s How to Be a Saint: An Extremely Weird and Mildly Sacrilegious History of the Catholic Church’s Biggest Names is here to enlighten you with laughter, wit, and a touch of holy mischief. Equal parts history lesson and comedy show, Sidley transforms the often solemn world of canonization into something gloriously entertaining and unexpectedly educational.
From the very first chapter, Sidley sets the tone: this isn’t a reverent theological deep dive, but a tongue-in-cheek “how-to” manual for aspiring saints. Using a five-step guide, she walks readers through the bizarre, bureaucratic, and sometimes downright absurd process of achieving sainthood. Along the way, she introduces us to flying friars, self-flagellating hermits, virgin martyrs, and the occasional severed head. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s absolutely fascinating.
Sidley’s humor is sharp yet affectionate. Raised Catholic herself, she writes with the familiarity of an insider who loves the faith but isn’t blind to its quirks. Readers who grew up Catholic will find themselves chuckling at references to baptism candles collecting dust in the attic, or holy cards that no one quite knows what to do with. Those who didn’t grow up within the Church will still be able to appreciate the absurdity of the canonization process, from miracle verification to Vatican-level paperwork.
What makes the book especially enjoyable is Sidley’s comedic rhythm. A seven-time Emmy-nominated comedy writer and contributor to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she brings the same wry sensibility to this book. Her jokes hit just the right balance between playful and pointed, and her timing especially in the audiobook, which she narrates herself is impeccable.
Despite the irreverence, How to Be a Saint doesn’t feel mean-spirited. Instead, it reads like a loving roast of Catholic culture. As reviewer Brendan from “History Nerds United” puts it, this is the kind of humor that only a fellow Catholic could pull off. It’s the laughter of someone who knows the rituals, the saints, and the strange beauty of it all and still can’t help but giggle at its contradictions.
Readers have noted that Sidley’s structure keeps the book light and accessible. Short, snappy chapters make it perfect for quick reading sessions or long car rides. The format even includes handy “checklists” after each section, outlining the steps to sainthood a tongue-in-cheek touch that somehow makes the subject matter both ridiculous and relatable.
The book also sheds surprising light on how complex and costly the canonization process actually is. Between layers of investigation, miracle verification, and papal approval, becoming a saint looks a lot like applying for the world’s most expensive and slow-moving job. Sidley cleverly uses this to satirize religious bureaucracy while highlighting just how human the system really is.
Of course, this isn’t a book for everyone. Devout readers who prefer their theology untouched by humor might find Sidley’s irreverence unsettling. But for anyone with an open mind and a good sense of humor How to Be a Saint is an absolute treat.
Ultimately, Kate Sidley has written one of the funniest and most original books about religion in recent memory. Beneath the jokes lies a genuine affection for faith, community, and the oddities that make belief such a deeply human experience. Whether you’re Catholic, ex-Catholic, or just curious about the strange world of saints, this book will make you laugh, think, and maybe even appreciate the holiness of a good punchline.
Final Verdict:
Witty, irreverent, and unexpectedly insightful, How to Be a Saint is a must-read for anyone who enjoys history, humor, and a dash of the divine. A perfect gift for Catholics with a sense of humor or anyone who’s ever wondered what it really takes to get a halo.
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