The Altar Boy
by Phil Stephens
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Nov 16 2016 | Archive Date Apr 04 2019
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Description
Black-robed nuns, priests, bishops, the select fraternity of Altar Boys, and the ancient ceremonies of the Catholic Church. Music of the 60s, boyhood shenanigans, Cootie doctors, and coming of age. Set in the socially and politically tumultuous period of the 1960s,
The Altar Boy is the fictionalized tale of Carl Sanders, a funny, sensitive kid, who s caught in the middle when his family is fractured by his parents faltering marriage and the appearance of a powerful priest. We follow Carl's confusion and pain as he watches the pious façade of the Church fall away to reveal unholy carte blanche, pain and grief.
The book opens in the late 1980s. Carl and his brother down beer after beer at a favorite pub, trying to piece together their family s chaotic past. The stakes are high someone is about to return after a 20-year absence, threatening to re-ignite the family conflict. As the brothers painful recollections of their past become more traumatic, Carl drifts back in time to the era he tried for so many years to forget.
The story is realistic, poignant, and at times very funny. Stephens shines a timely spotlight on the then-unquestioned power of the Church, while taking the reader back to the 60s era of rock & roll, Catholic schools, social upheaval, and boyhood pranks.
Advance Praise
"It made me laugh in spots and feel both sad and slightly angry in others. It brought back some issues from my own childhood. The Altar Boy is the kind of book that makes you think not only while reading it, but afterwards also."
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780997874501 |
| PRICE | $16.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Lee S, Bookseller
The author did a fantastic job sharing experiences that brought back memories of my own experiences as an alter boy. Very nostalgic for me. This book is well written, humorous at times and sad at times. I enjoyed reading this book. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.
. I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
Cindy H, Reviewer
Growing up Catholic, this book brought back lots of memories. As a girl, the church didn't allow altar girls then. So I didn't have all those experiences but quite enjoyed reading them. And I loved the 60s music references as I was that age when those songs were out.
Now about the priest, I found that to be rather distasteful. But look at all the things going on in the church today. I guess I'm not surprised about that situation.
The author wrote an interesting story of growing up Catholic, being an altar boy and I had to laugh at some of the antics he got into. It was a fun read and a quick read.
* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley. It was my decision to read and review this book.
V N, Reviewer
Very good read. A real page turner. :Insight into the Catholic Church from the author's point of view. This book will hold your interest from page 1.Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.
Sue B, Reviewer
Thankyou to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author, Phil Stephens, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Alter Boy. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way..
While reading this book, I felt a myriad of emotions. While funny in some parts, you can't help but feel sadness and anger as well. I thought the author presented a well written book. Would definitely encourage people to read it.
Cristie U, Book Trade Professional
This book was an interesting read, as it focused on life as a Catholic in the 1960s. It was a read that made the reader feel many things, most of all nostalgia.
heather f, Reviewer
This book was not what I had expected. This is the story of a young man who had his life changed because of a priest but not for the reason that you think. A thoughtfull and provocative book that gives great insight into growing up in the sixties.
Reviewer 257731
Being raised catholic I enjoyed this book. Never knowing what it detailed exactly I definitely associated with it in all aspects. It is a witty and charming book.
Brittany W, Reviewer
This was a quick read. Honestly, it took me until halfway into the book to really start building a relationship with the characters, however, once I was able to, I really enjoyed the story. It had a little bit of everything: laughter, heartache, love, anger, etc. You could feel the emotions of the characters, and it’s relatable for anyone with a family that went through ups and downs. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quick Saturday read. Carl, the main character, brings you through a whirlwind of memories from all stages of life.
Tammy W, Reviewer
Witty, contemplative, poignant, thought-provoking and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny. The characters were so realistic, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses present in us all, that they made it quite easy for me to absolutely love or completely dislike them, just like people in real life.
This is a literary journey that I wouldn't have missed for anything!
#TheAltarBoy #NetGalley
Mari D, Reviewer
Reading “The Altar Boy” made me think of my Catholic upbringing. And since I’m also a practicing Catholic, this book was poignant though there were laugh out loud funny moments too. With the book being set in the 1960s, being an altar boy is literal, i.e. you have to be a boy. Nowadays, girls are allowed to serve in the altar, too though that choice remains a prerogative of the parish or even the Bishop.
Still, “The Altar Boy” resonates with the Catholic in me. And even if you are not Catholic, you will also enjoy this book. To many, the Catholic Church remains mysterious and sadly, nowadays, it has a bad rap. “Altar Boy” will not explain what Catholicism is about (remember, it’s fiction), nevertheless, it will give you a glimpse. Whether it’s good, bad or indifferent, you will form your own opinion when you read it.
“The Altar Boy” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
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