The Altar Boy: A Dark Tale of Comedy Sorrow and the Catholic Church in the 1960's

by Phil Stephens

It starts with 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 memoir of Carl Sanders, a funny, sensitive kid, who’s caught in the middle when his family is fractured by the intrusions of a priest. We follow Carl’s confusion and pain as he watches the pious façade of the Church fall away to reveal unholy carte blanche, cover-ups, and collusion.

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 ’n’ roll, Catholic schools, social upheaval, and boyhood pranks.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2018

Reviews

[Vashti Quiroz-Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Altar Boy is a true to life coming-of-age story. Carl Sanders grew up in the 1960s in a Catholic household. The Catholic Church was revered in those days, and so were its clergymen, but for Carl and his family, a priest brought nothing but pain.

I didn’t like Carl’s mother; she was selfish and hypocritical. His father was not perfect either, but he did try his best to keep the family together and didn’t deserve what happened to him.

Looking at the life of this Catholic family in the 60s through Carl’s eyes as a young boy was both hilarious and heart wrenching. Carl’s mischievous antics made me laugh while his fear, confusion, and unconditional love for his mother chipped away at my heart. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions.

If you enjoy stories with well-developed characters that make you feel an array of emotions this book is for you.

[John Podlaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Altar Boy by Phil Stephens is a fictional historical memoir. His protagonist, Carl Sanders, is the second youngest of five children. He loved his parents and enjoyed doing things with his father. However, dad's job often took him away from home for long periods of time, and then when he returned, mom and dad argued all the time. The kids usually expected this and retreated to their own "quiet" place to escape the noise of battle. What Carl couldn't understand was the excessive presence of Fr. Jacobson in their home and the many guest visits for dinner with him at the church rectory.

Carl's father, Dean, suspected that his wife was having an affair with Fr. Jacobson and possibly fathered his youngest daughter. When he visited the archbishop with his concerns, instead of firing him, they simply transferred him to another parish and the affair continued. This caused Dean to leave the family for good.

I could relate to much of the story as it described life in the 60's at a catholic school: cooties & cootie doctor, wicked & strict nuns, the introduction of the Beatles, long hair, hippies, and serving as an altar boy. I remember getting up at 5:00 am and serving at mass every morning during the week before school. His recollection of songs played on the radio during that time brought a smile to my face as I remembered them and when they came out, too. Many of his experiences and antics over time were hilarious.

I did find that the last 5% of the book suffered a formatting breakdown: sentences were fragmented and words missed. Not sure if this is the cause of the author or something caused by my Kindle, but it was quite distracting.

The Altar Boy was a fun read and I'd recommend it to anybody coming of age during the 60's. Beware, though, that Fr. Jacobson overshadows the story - that part of the storyline is the part many will hate.

[Elizabeth Westra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth

I liked this book, but can't say I totally enjoyed it. The author's pain and angst were so present that I felt it too even though I'm not Catholic. I guess that makes his book a success. I enjoyed his accounts of his childhood, especially his references to music of the era. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an unreal yet believable story about a family, the priest and the Catholic Church – in that order. Carl is the main character. He and his brothers are sitting in a bar trying to figure out how to deal with their father who has been absent for years, now showing up to see all of them.
Their mother Madeline and Fr. Jacobson have been in a relationship for years and it has profoundly impacted their lives; and why their own father was pushed out. They were never sat down and told why this priest was always lurking around their home.
Yet, somehow Mike, an older brother, finally explodes on their mother because he figured out what was going on and resented Father Jacobson’s intrusion into their lives. Carl, being the youngest, was the last to find out.
I can understand how something like this can happen. The Church is held in such high esteem and the priests were revered. So it’s easy to see how Father Jacobson slipped into their lives in broad daylight. How does a man stand up to the church? That must have been the question Mr. Sanders was asking himself every single day as he watched his marriage crumble. Even after he went to the hiarchy the whole mess was just covered up and he gave up and left his family.
I laughed throughout the story at the author’s sense of humor when describing his boyhood antics. He was named the cootie doctor to ward off any cooties the boy’s contracted from being around girls. Hunting for bats (drilling a hole in a tennis ball, covered with tar and placing a pole in the hole). Breaking out windows, playing sports, fishing with his dad. All the things only a boy could love. He also loved rock & roll music with a passion and it was evident throughout his writing.
More descriptions of Carl Sanders’ growing up years living on Leaber Road is classic Phil Stevens. St. Macarius and Leaber Road; St. Jerome’s and Leaber Road. Carl’s description of his grade school teacher whose name is Ms. Wiwi (pronounced wee wee) had me in stiches as he tries to suppress a laugh as only a child can do. And there was the altar boys’ shenanigans. All the while Father Jacobson is in and out of their home on a regular basis. This story is a classic case of children carrying the sins of their parents, right in front of them. It is about the Catholic Church being the problem instead of the solution.

It gets 4 stars

[Balroop Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Altar Boy’ by Phil Stephens holds a child-like charm in the initial pages, as Carl talks about his impressionable years of growing up in a home that lacked warmth and cordiality. Phil has brilliantly concealed the emotional upheavals under the anecdotes that unfold the story of Carl Sanders, an enthusiastic Altar boy who is disillusioned by the pretense of those involved in upholding the values of the church.

I liked the sincerity with which this memoir has been written, leaving much to the imagination of the reader. However, the fears of Carl lend a lot of realism to his story. Keeping criticism at bay, Stephens lets the narrative flow in the most natural manner, as the characters adjust to their circumstances without much ado. This book delves into the history of 60’s and gives profound insights into the power that the priests of those time wielded to help each other.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Altar Boy” is a historical fiction coming-of-age story set in the 1960s. Carl is meeting up with his brother’s for drinks in the 80s when Carl reflects on his childhood. I loved seeing the world through a young Carl’s eyes, how he dealt with friends, school, his awe of the altar boys, and becoming one. Yet, it was understanding his parent’s problems as a child would that was the strongest part of this story. I felt for Carl’s father most of the time and couldn’t find much sympathy for his mother. The Priest, though, I thoroughly disliked and wished he’d made better choices. All the small details, including the music, trying to catch bats, running home in the dark, hippies, and the Catholic Church, all added that extra depth and made me nostalgic for this period. This is a clever story that provides not only laughter but a few tears, too.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brittany W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[A.L. Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the beat goes on! This book had a little bit of everything! It was one of the best books I have read in a while. I truly enjoyed it, and even laughed out loud at times...well, many times! I highly recommend this book and can't wait to have it in print! What a great story! Nothing but 5 stars!

[William J. Gladin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time Capsule

Reading this was like opening a time capsule from the 1960s. It was funny, sad, and felt authentic, but most of all was a nostalgic read.

[Rob Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Thoroughly good story and very well written. Highly recommended for fans of Phil Stevens and really anyone who likes a good story well told.

[Hailey Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This dark story will have you completely invested! I could not stop reading this book! It was well written and I highly recommend!

[Rox Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Phil Stephens delivers a historical fictional memoir centered around the Catholic Church, family, and the 1960s. The story is told through the eyes of Carl Sanders when he and his brother, Mike, get together for drinks and reminiscing in the 1980s. In many ways it truly is a dark tale, because it feels so realistic.

The duplicitous church clergy was pivotal to Carl during these years even as he sought the position as an altar boy. The shameful behavior of the priest and Madeline led to arguments and destruction of the family. Dean and Madeline have five children, which was typical of Catholic families of the period. The family dynamics shifted as Father Jacobson further inserted himself into their family. Whether Madeline or Father Jacobson overstepped was difficult for a young boy to clearly identify. It was clear that mom and dad could not cohabitate.

Author Stephens description of characters is very detailed. He optimizes the prose yet brings all the senses of the reader into play. A great example of this is illustrated in the following segment from the book.

“It all came down to a Catholic priest – a Father Jacobson – and the pitched battle between him and my dad for the souls of our family. Father Jacobson was not the normal, run-of-the-mill Catholic priest. He didn’t even come close. He had been the superintendent of the two high-profile Catholic high schools in the area. Not a tall man, he had a hearty laugh, good wit, and a love for Scotch whiskey. I rarely saw him without a fat cigar sticking out of his mouth. To this day the smell of cigar smoke reminds me of Father Jacobson. A friend and counselor to the rich and famous, he was politically well connected with Bridgeport politics and was the chaplain of the city’s police department. He was also one of the most narcissistic human beings I have ever known.”

References of those times in music, freedom in suburban neighborhoods, rise of the hippie influence, and demands of the Catholic Church are realistic. There are highs and lows, laugher and tears, and a desire to recover the innocence of a young boy that was cruelly lost. The dysfunctional behavior between the adults, even with the father giving up only negatively impacted the children and family.

I liked the viewpoint of the story and references to the 60s. If you’re looking for support of the behavior of the priest and parents, you’re not getting it from me. This is a story that you will enjoy if you like historical fictions and want to see it from the eyes of a youth rather than the typical older adult looking back. I would like your feedback.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a challenging book for me to review. I enjoyed being taken back to my altar girl days. I can completely relate to the attempts to stay serious when all you want to do is laugh (or yawn, in my case). I can also relate to learning about the hypocrisies of some within the Catholic Church. The author does a good job of staying within the mindset of a child who was ignorant of the reasons why things happened as they did between his parents and the priest. I enjoyed his way of connecting songs from the era with events in his life. It's obvious that he tries not to pass judgment on them and recognizes the flaws within all three adults in his life. And it angers me that the church didn't do more to hold the priest to his vows.

It took me a while to finish the story. I noticed a lot of formatting errors. I contacted the author, who informed me that I must have downloaded an older copy of the e-book (I downloaded it sometime last year). I was too lazy to update it, so I just kept reading with the understanding that those issues were probably fixed in the newer addition. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I could fully feel Carl's relationship with his father but everything else felt muted. I know the story was told in first person, but I felt there was more telling than showing. For example, I had no ability to connect with Carl's sister or brother. I also wanted to know what ever happened to the adults in his life. I believe the author is writing a second book, and maybe it will be discussed in that one.

This story gives you a good look into the experience of one child as he watches a priest tear his family apart. It is a sincere and honest depiction of his life. I gave this book three stars with the understanding that the formatting errors are most likely fixed in the updated version.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Altar Boy by Phil Stephens is a historical fiction that reads more like a memoir in the backdrop of mid-Twentieth Century suburban USA. The book starts with the chapter entitled, "The Dark Road Back," in which the main character, Carl, learns that his father is returning to his hometown in 1987. Specters of old demons from his past haunt him as he recalls his childhood, growing up in a dysfunctional Catholic family. His memory takes him back to the 1950s when he is a small boy trying to understand the changing family dynamics as his father estranges from his family and a Catholic priest oddly takes his place. As Carl relives both funny and dark moments from his childhood in his mind, he strives to reconcile what happened within his family and the role that the Catholic Church played in his life.

What I like most about this novel is how the author, Phil Stephens, captures the voice of his main character, Carl, during the various stages of his boyhood. The story is like taking a trip down memory lane in the 1950s and 1960s. It seems a simpler time when boys could roam the neighborhood, stay out late, and get into innocent trouble. The popular songs at the time were interspersed into the narrative, helping to set the mood. The metaphor of Carl's fear of going into the basement highlights his trepidation about opening dark secrets regarding his mother's relationship with the priest. Author Stephens has a gift for story-telling, but scenes sometimes don't interconnect with each other or drive the tension in the story. The story left me with an open-ended question on whether Carl and his family ever resolved issues with their father

The Altar Boy is a coming-of-age tale of a boy whose perspective dramatically changes from the innocence of his childhood into the dark realities of his teen years when he questions the power of the Catholic church and its dark secrets. This is a thought-provoking story with some humorous moments of the boys' antics. This book will particularly resonate with readers who grew up in the 1950s and 1960 and attended the Catholic Church.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience with this author and to be honest I really wanted to enjoy this book but I just didn't. I was originally going to give this book 3 stars but the more I considered it, the more I realized that maybe this story or genre was just not my cup of tea. So I gave it four stars thinking it wasn't really fair to take away a star because it wasn't what I typically read. The book is composed as a novel but reads more like a series of short stories based on a man's childhood. Many of the stories were comical and I must admit that they made me chuckle and reminded me a bit of the shenanigans my brother and I would get into as kids. I did struggle with a few things though. The first was that whole sentences or conversations were repeated. The author would have two characters having a conversation and a character would say something and then a page later would repeat the exact same thing to which the second character would respond pretty much the same way they had previously. I don't know if this was written this way on purpose of if it was simply missed during the editing process. Also characters come in and out very abruptly and one character, who should have been pretty involved, was mentioned in the beginning and not much more. The last thing that I had a hard time with was that the book opens with two brothers talking in a bar about an event that was to happen and how it was going to cause problems, the main character begins reminiscing and then never circles back to the problem that was discussed in the beginning, and I wasn't sure how it fit in to it all. Over all it was not a bad read, I was just left without a feeling of closure.

[Michele Ceron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of the show The Wonder Years. Carl flashes back to his childhood growing up in the 60's with parents in a highly dysfunctional marriage and the inappropriate involvement of a catholic priest. I have to admit, this book did not go where I thought it was going to go as far as the priest and the church was concerned, which made it somewhat not as dramatic and suspenseful which is why it gets 4 stars instead of 5. And its hard to tell or not whether there is going to be a sequel. I feel like there could be a sequel but then the way the book ends probably not? There were some hilarious moments from Carl's childhood that had me laughing a lot. And one part I really didnt like that made me cry is how the original family dog was treated by the mother. How awful! You dont like the dog, why not find it another home? It was disgusting what she did to that poor dog! :( I have way more sympathy for animals than I do for people. But its a well written book and if you like the 60's then you should enjoy this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up a Catholic in the 60s, I enjoyed this jaunt back into the past. My experiences were much more positive than Carl's were, however. What I enjoyed the most about the book was watching Carl's coming of age story unfold. He certainly had plenty of strange adventures: some may have been the wild imaginings of a young boy, as they weren't ever fully explained. He did seem to attract the strangest of people.

The change in point of view of the adults at one point, in order to fill the reader in on the events that tore the family apart, were a little jarring. I understand why they were there, but it would have been a more enjoyable experience if we could have learned them somehow from Carl's viewpoint, the viewpoint of a child.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story that kept me turning the pages.

[Charles Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Altar Boy is one of those stories that I had difficulty putting down as I wanted to know what would happen next. I related to Carl with his fears of the dark field and creepy people in his hometown and a few of his other experiences.

Phil did a fantastic job taking me back in time to an era that I’ve heard so much about but not experienced because I wasn’t born yet. I loved the music references. They gave an extra dimension to the story, making me enjoy it more. And I swear, at one point, I smelled a hint of patchouli.

The Altar Boy is one of the most chaotic tales of growing up that I have ever read, and I am happy to have spent time with Carl and his family.

[Karen Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Alter Boy" is a story told through the eyes of Carl, a young man growing up in a hypocritical Catholic home in the sixties. Carl’s confusion over faith and family is the center post of the story, but his life is littered with antics that brought back memories for me. Although the events are sometimes depressing, the author’s sense of humor is apparent and highlights this well-written novel. The characters are memorable and the setting is accurate. It is a good book and an entertaining read.

[Stephanie Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book over all. The writing was well done (and definitely stands out as a book that wasn't published by one of the major publishing names). It could have used a bit of strong editing to make the conversations and certain scenes flow better.

I also felt so bad for Carl's dad and was incredibly irritated by Carl's mother throughout the story.

[K. L. Laettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively story that rings bells

This story reminded me of tales I'd heard about the Catholic church by friends growing up. The story was well told, the scenery made me feel as if I were swept back in time, and I enjoyed the read. Masterfully penned, a recommended read.

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story exposes, once again, the perennial problems in the Catholic Church, the problem caused by some of those who have been called to serve. From the very beginning, one felt a sense of foreboding about the life of Carl’s family. Carl, who is telling this story from his point of view, lived his young life ever fearing that his father would leave and never return.

Father Jacobson, a Catholic priest succeeded in easing himself into Car’s family and in the end, practically took it over with his constant intrusion into their lives. This drove Carl’s father out of the house and from their lives. The mother, Madeline, seemed to be so helpless, and it would seem, so hopelessly in love with Father Jacobson that she hated the sight of her husband. His rare presence in his home was always chaotic and full of tension, with shouting and quarreling between the two so much that Carl’s father dreaded coming home. His complaint to the higher authority about Father Jacobson’s intrusion into his home fell on deaf ears. Father Jacobson was simply transferred to another parish, and Madeline still tagged along.

It is not clear here who was refusing to let go, the Father or Madeline. One thing was clear, and that is, that both were so besotted with each other that where one went the other followed. Let me make it clear here that the problem is not with the church but with those who have been called to serve. Father Jacobson was so brazen in his attachment to Madeline just as Madeline was. Both threw shame and care into the air. In the end, it was the children that paid the cost.

This very interesting story was marred by many editing errors that I would advise the author to correct to raise the quality of the writing.

[Sue Blanchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amusing and sad story about a young boy growing up in the 1960's. He is strictly raised in the Catholic Church, went to Catholic schools, and became an altar boy. There is family drama, challenges to the rules of the Church, and questions about marital vows. An enjoyable read. The book would have gotten five stars if there had been better editing.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.