This story will resonate with anyone raised and educated in the Catholic church , especially if you have Irish roots.The author beautifully captures the joys and disappointments of childhood and transports the reader back to a simpler time. Charming and very funny.
My Dad is the Author of this book. Which could be misconstrued as partial to his writing. I did not grow up in the same setting or time period as my father, and I truly hadn’t read much of his work until it was published. After begging and pleading from my family I took the time to read “The Alter Boy.” Having personal ties to everyone in this book it was very emotional reading this, however having a book move me to tears is something I thought I would never be able to say. It truly did. The way my Dad paints each scene and conversation is like I was there. The story is is about family, courage and vulnerability. Something everyone can relate to. Please take the time like I did and read my fathers creation. You will be able to relate no matter when or where you grew up. CONGRATS DAD!
I would send a limo just to get Brennan to come out. If he could get off a bar stool once in a while and plant some tomato plants back in St. Edmund’s garden we would all be better off. If he keeps writing, he could get seven, maybe eight great novellas written next year! I think he is fair with everybody…..It’s a great memoir; I would even recommend it to Lee Elia- he could come right downtown and READ IT!
I laughed out loud when I first started reading.Sean depicted what it was like to grow up Catholic in the 60’s. Whether you were from the West side, north side, east side or South Side of Chicago large families were the norm. Not everyone was a little angel but we could always count on on our mom’s to save us. I can’t wait to read the full version of Sean’s book.
There go the garbage cans again!!!
December 14, 2013
By
Ellen M. Conway
I grew up on the near west side of Chicago and attended Catholic school there as well. This story brought back such vivid memories…I could smell the incense at Midnight Mass. Every family in these parishes was huge, every home bursting at the seams with children, one more entertaining than the next. I think it must have been from the Irish living in Ireland…”you could lose a few along the way”. Sean’s deft hand in remembering his mother’s love is very touching. However, the hiding from the nuns, the knocking over garbage cans, the altar boy picnic…make this charming story a must read. I laughed loud and hard!!! And you will too!!
Fantastic story!
Format: Kindle Edition Amazon Verified Purchase
A holiday charmer for Irish Americans especially
By New York Book Lover on November 26, 2013
Format: Paperback
By James W Zatloukal on December 3, 2013
Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase