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Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?
Vintage paperback
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First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 16, 2018
I found this book on much older sibling's bookshelf when I was about 10 y.o. I was a little young for it the first time through but enjoyed the humor enough to return to it several times in the years that followed. As I matured, I appreciated this coming of age story for teenage angst, family life growing up in a large religious family and trying to "be good" when the world of sin is calling you.
Though my family was not Catholic, nearly everyone we knew and hung out with was so we enjoyed the perspective immensely. Eventually, even my mother stole it from me and we "shared" it again.
This is a fun read set in the 1950's if I recall. It was set in a heavily Catholic N.E. if memory serves.
Though my family was not Catholic, nearly everyone we knew and hung out with was so we enjoyed the perspective immensely. Eventually, even my mother stole it from me and we "shared" it again.
This is a fun read set in the 1950's if I recall. It was set in a heavily Catholic N.E. if memory serves.
April 15, 2011
This was the best kept secret in Jr. High School. I read it and couldn't believe that I hadn't heard of it! I didn't let anyone else know about it cuz I just knew it would be removed from the library and this was before anyone thought of removing books from the library!
It was so sexy and provocative, I just LOVED it. I'd never read anything like it in my life. Very MEMORABLE book.
It was so sexy and provocative, I just LOVED it. I'd never read anything like it in my life. Very MEMORABLE book.
March 12, 2025
Catholic humor really is simply the best
May 10, 2015
An irreverent and funny look back at a Catholic childhood and an education at a Catholic boy's school. I could empathise so well with much of the book as I went to a girl's convent school in the 1960s. I was surprised how much there was in common although I live in England and the book is set in Chicago USA. I found the title of the book so funny. I don't know where the story of the patent leather shoes shining upwards came from but it always seems that a friend's older sister heard it from her mother or something similar. Although I myself had heard it I did not hear it from the nuns: come to think of it even if the shoes did reflect up there would have been nothing to see as we all had to wear brown uniform knickers with elastic round the legs like old lady's bloomers! I think the story was probably even going round before patent leather was invented. I really enjoyed the scrapes that Eddie and his friends get into and the way that so many of their schemes were thwarted by the brothers who taught at his school. The style of writing is very easy to read and it was so well described that I was taken back many years to the days of my own education. Great read.
June 3, 2025
A book of antidotes about growing up Catholic in the 50's & 60's at an all-boys Catholic School. I grew up Catholic, but went to Public School. I did hear stories from my Mom's time in Catholic School (Also in the 50's & 60's), so some of the stories sounded familiar.
This book took me longer to read than I expected. It did not hold my interest, so there were many times I had no desire to pick up the book. There were moments that had me giggle, but I felt some of the stories fell flat and went nowhere.
This book took me longer to read than I expected. It did not hold my interest, so there were many times I had no desire to pick up the book. There were moments that had me giggle, but I felt some of the stories fell flat and went nowhere.
November 13, 2012
This is a 'go to' book for me. Anytime I want to read something fun and funny - this is the book I grab. I first read this book in high school and have reread it at least once every couple of years. I still laugh out loud when I read it. The story telling is great. It has a great flow and character development. A truly enjoyable read.
September 14, 2025
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? (Hardcover). by John R. Powers
"Catholicism, like most religions, is not in a big rush to see people enjoy life. Years ago most prayed to God for everything: good weather, good crops, good health. But not anymore. Today we've pretty well concluded that God doesn't bother Himself with such trivia as personally looking after the weather. We realize now that good crops depend more on chemicals and soil than on bended knees. When most of us get sick, we much prefer going to the nearest M. D. rather than the closest church." p. 47
"Catholic girls were also warned not to wear black patent leather shoes or to allow their dates to take them to places that had white tablecloths. A girl was not supposed to wear black patent leather shoes because, supposedly, such shoes reflected up. The nuns believed that a boy could see up a girl's dress by looking into the black pattern leather shoes. White tablecloths were to be avoided because, according to the nuns, they reminded boys of bed." p. 50
This is Eddie Ryan’s memoir growing up on Chicago’s South Side in the 1960s, and not just from the Brothers at his all-boys Catholic high school - Bremmer High School. Eddie’s world is populated by peculiar adults, oddball classmates, and puzzling girls - the greatest mystery of all. He takes it all in through the prism of his Catholic upbringing, which often deepens the mystery, but sometimes clarifies it, too. Entering Eddie Ryan’s world will delight not only readers who grew up there with him, but also those too young to remember.
With candid wit, a lot of sarcasm, this is a wonderful little book about growing up Catholic in the Chicago South Side which is narrated from Eddie's first person point of view. Along the way it touches on such topics as first confessions, puppy love, patron saints, teacher's pets, and sex education classes. To those of us old enough to remember, the stories ring very true. I laughed and reflected on my Catholic upbringing - since I too went to a Catholic school in the 60's. The characters are funny and the plot is hilarious.
Highly recommended!
"Catholicism, like most religions, is not in a big rush to see people enjoy life. Years ago most prayed to God for everything: good weather, good crops, good health. But not anymore. Today we've pretty well concluded that God doesn't bother Himself with such trivia as personally looking after the weather. We realize now that good crops depend more on chemicals and soil than on bended knees. When most of us get sick, we much prefer going to the nearest M. D. rather than the closest church." p. 47
"Catholic girls were also warned not to wear black patent leather shoes or to allow their dates to take them to places that had white tablecloths. A girl was not supposed to wear black patent leather shoes because, supposedly, such shoes reflected up. The nuns believed that a boy could see up a girl's dress by looking into the black pattern leather shoes. White tablecloths were to be avoided because, according to the nuns, they reminded boys of bed." p. 50
This is Eddie Ryan’s memoir growing up on Chicago’s South Side in the 1960s, and not just from the Brothers at his all-boys Catholic high school - Bremmer High School. Eddie’s world is populated by peculiar adults, oddball classmates, and puzzling girls - the greatest mystery of all. He takes it all in through the prism of his Catholic upbringing, which often deepens the mystery, but sometimes clarifies it, too. Entering Eddie Ryan’s world will delight not only readers who grew up there with him, but also those too young to remember.
With candid wit, a lot of sarcasm, this is a wonderful little book about growing up Catholic in the Chicago South Side which is narrated from Eddie's first person point of view. Along the way it touches on such topics as first confessions, puppy love, patron saints, teacher's pets, and sex education classes. To those of us old enough to remember, the stories ring very true. I laughed and reflected on my Catholic upbringing - since I too went to a Catholic school in the 60's. The characters are funny and the plot is hilarious.
Highly recommended!
January 23, 2023
As someone who frequently attends the Traditional Latin Mass, I have to say that even though I was not born around the time period that this book takes place, it is true that many of these things do still exist (especially the chapter on "Mixers", the fact that each Catholic school has an average of only 10 African-American students, and how priests and religious brothers refer to masturbation as "self-abuse").
The most disappointing thing I learned about this book was that it is fictional. I was hoping it for it to be a memoir, but it is only a satire.
The second most disappointing thing about the book for me was the timeline seems to jump the moment the reader turns the page. One minute, it seems like the author is in grade school, and another moment it seems like the author is in high school. Which is it?
The third most disappointing thing I can say about the book is that I seem to only be able to find digital copies of it. I know my mother and father, who attend the Traditional Latin Mass on a weekly basis and lived through the era that the book takes place, would much rather enjoy this book in print as opposed to reading it on their oversized iPad.
The most disappointing thing I learned about this book was that it is fictional. I was hoping it for it to be a memoir, but it is only a satire.
The second most disappointing thing about the book for me was the timeline seems to jump the moment the reader turns the page. One minute, it seems like the author is in grade school, and another moment it seems like the author is in high school. Which is it?
The third most disappointing thing I can say about the book is that I seem to only be able to find digital copies of it. I know my mother and father, who attend the Traditional Latin Mass on a weekly basis and lived through the era that the book takes place, would much rather enjoy this book in print as opposed to reading it on their oversized iPad.
June 28, 2023
“A girl was not to wear black patent leather shoes, because supposedly such shoes reflected up. The nuns believed that a boy could see up a girls dress by looking into her black patent leather shoes.”
Let’s begin by pointing out that this was written in 1975 so is far from PC.
This is a coming of age book, and felt like a US version of Adrian Mole(did that make it across the pond?) though much broader in timeline.
It spans right across high school, dipping in at points to flesh out key moments.
It’s largely a book about very little and relies on the character development and the nostalgia of “yeah that’s what it was like growing up as a young boy”. Which instantly removes half the population as readers I suppose.
I wasn’t raised in a catholic environment, nor am I American but i think there was a lot of stuff that I could relate to.
Looking at it objectively from the time period and ignoring the sexism etc I found it to be just a funny and insightful little read, likely based off a lot of personal experience. It’s not going to be for everyone, but is any book?
Surely we all remember school Discos with the girls lining one wall and the boys the other?
Let’s begin by pointing out that this was written in 1975 so is far from PC.
This is a coming of age book, and felt like a US version of Adrian Mole(did that make it across the pond?) though much broader in timeline.
It spans right across high school, dipping in at points to flesh out key moments.
It’s largely a book about very little and relies on the character development and the nostalgia of “yeah that’s what it was like growing up as a young boy”. Which instantly removes half the population as readers I suppose.
I wasn’t raised in a catholic environment, nor am I American but i think there was a lot of stuff that I could relate to.
Looking at it objectively from the time period and ignoring the sexism etc I found it to be just a funny and insightful little read, likely based off a lot of personal experience. It’s not going to be for everyone, but is any book?
Surely we all remember school Discos with the girls lining one wall and the boys the other?
October 13, 2021
For me, a bittersweet trip down memory lane for someone who grew up Catholic in the 1950's and 1060's. My memories are different. There is little or nothing in this book about the spiritual aspects of growing up Catholic, especially (for me) the wonderment of worship, attending 40 hours devotions, serving mass as an altar boy, feeling the mystery of the Stations of the Cross, the puzzlement of Vatican Two and feeling left behind. But I experienced much of what Powers talked about, so it was well worth (for me) revisiting what it felt like from a different perspective. As the past 60 or so years went by I found that I no longer recognize the Catholic Church of today. We have gone in different directions. But I am eternally thankful for the Catholic Church leading me toward a deeper love of God.
May 22, 2025
The year was nineteen sixty something! JFK was president, but not for much longer! America was in the business of winning the Vietnam War and solving racism forever!! Meanwhile, your father was trying to get laid for the very first time! Yyyuck! Newsweek calls BPL "The funniest book since Catcher in the Rye!" and I'm pretty sure you can't/shouldn't say that for a whole bunch of reasons!
("After a private conference with Father Rasp, Nancy was no longer worried about giving birth to a seven-pound tongue." What? I can't even begin to unpack that!)
("After a private conference with Father Rasp, Nancy was no longer worried about giving birth to a seven-pound tongue." What? I can't even begin to unpack that!)
March 25, 2020
Informed that it was a classic but really it was just a series of anecdotes about high school. To be quite honest I was disappointed with it. There was no unique perspective on the passing through high school or some story in it that made you sit up and think.
Possibly there are lots of books like this one, sadly it never reached the top of the pile and stood out.
I did not give up on reading it expecting some gem to unfold. Alas it didn't.
Possibly there are lots of books like this one, sadly it never reached the top of the pile and stood out.
I did not give up on reading it expecting some gem to unfold. Alas it didn't.
May 13, 2021
The book should be entitled private school loser whines and wastes his parents hard earned money. While written in a light hearted manner, this book is targeted toward other catholic school kids from the 60’s. I quit as he tried to justify bullying. Just stop. It’s not acceptable. I only attempted to read this wretched book because of my book club. I’m sorry I wasted 3 weeks of my life trying to plow through it. 👎🏻👎🏻
April 13, 2023
John R. Powers is no longer with us, but his brillant, heart warming stories live on. I reread Do Black Patent ..... again after a long period. And the humor is just as refreshing as it was the first time around. Powers, raised a Catholic, recalls the days of growing up with a bevy of nuns and priests who shaped his life. Rituals and proclamations, outrageous and restrictive, but not to be disrespectful, are highlighted in the most uplifting way.
A great read anytime, any decade.
A great read anytime, any decade.
April 17, 2021
Funny and nostalgic, made me remember a lot about high school. I feel like the title would've been better for "Last Catholic in the World" though, because that was about grade school, and I picture younger girls wearing patent leather shoes. Definitely some offensive and not pc parts, but overall a pretty good read.
June 11, 2023
This is extremely funny, lots of laugh right out loud moments
Even if you haven't experienced catholic school, this still hits the nail on the head of normal school times too.
It covers K-Senior year, and it just tells tales from everywhere as the narrator grows up into a mediocrity of life instead of turning into a world changing hero. I liked that aspect very much.
Even if you haven't experienced catholic school, this still hits the nail on the head of normal school times too.
It covers K-Senior year, and it just tells tales from everywhere as the narrator grows up into a mediocrity of life instead of turning into a world changing hero. I liked that aspect very much.
May 11, 2017
I bought this book on a whim at a library book sale, and I am so glad I did. It was funny and relatable to almost anyone. If I have an issue is the pace. It slows down to a crawl sometimes. But still worth a read. Enjoy it.
March 15, 2025
A timeless book on growing up Catholic in MidWest America in the sixties of the last century. Even though I am not a catholic, nor am I American I enjoyed the book - as I did with every John Powers book - thoroughly.
July 14, 2018
This was published in the 70's, so not politically correct by today's value systems but definitely fit the times.
July 17, 2019
Without a doubt, one of the funniest books I have ever read, with just enough bittersweet to make it memorable.
September 1, 2019
Delightful coming of age story of a Catholic schoolboy on Chicago's South Side.
November 6, 2019
A reread of an old favorite. While I only spent a single year in a private catholic school, it does leave an impression.
May 3, 2021
This was a wonderful book. It was hilarious and made me remember some of the things that happened during my Catholic school years.
April 19, 2022
Great
It sure reminded me of Catholic school in Chicago. Interesting times for sure. I loved it. I recommend it it all you good Catholics out there
It sure reminded me of Catholic school in Chicago. Interesting times for sure. I loved it. I recommend it it all you good Catholics out there
May 20, 2022
One of my favorite books as a young teen (and Catholic school alum). Just remembered this while watching Derry Girls. Probably worth a re-read to see how it holds up 40 years later.
July 15, 2022
For teenage boys
April 30, 2008
John Power's book is a wonderfully touching book about pre-Vatican II Catholicism and more specifically life in the South Side of Chicago. Even more specifically in the area of how Catholics perceived the world in 1964 and how the world viewed us, I mean Catholics.
Sorry to have let that slip, but all too often the Catholic Church has been viewed as a monolith. It ain't. There are so many different ways that Eddie Ryan viewed faith and friends in high school, ranging from hope, annoyance, conformity, rebellion, apprehension and love. You can't go through life without a rudder, and for Eddie that was the Church.
After leaving grammar school in Chicago as a Catholic, it was almost expected to be enrolled in a single sex Catholic high school. Unlike today, that was the norm and that produced thousands upon thousands of Eddies. Unfortunatley, the stories of high school are all too often imbued with biases against the hierarchy and other classmates.
John Power's has the ability to write about Catholic high school, specifically Bremmer, with a certain sort of "yeah, I went through it and I turned out okay" attitude. The stories about his sister the piano freak, dating, relationships, classmates, buying the first car all have a place and a meaning that he deftly writes about with humour and in a sense, nostalgia.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to appreciate the Church prior to Vatican II and a sample of urban life before the national nervous breakdown after the end of Vietnam.
Sorry to have let that slip, but all too often the Catholic Church has been viewed as a monolith. It ain't. There are so many different ways that Eddie Ryan viewed faith and friends in high school, ranging from hope, annoyance, conformity, rebellion, apprehension and love. You can't go through life without a rudder, and for Eddie that was the Church.
After leaving grammar school in Chicago as a Catholic, it was almost expected to be enrolled in a single sex Catholic high school. Unlike today, that was the norm and that produced thousands upon thousands of Eddies. Unfortunatley, the stories of high school are all too often imbued with biases against the hierarchy and other classmates.
John Power's has the ability to write about Catholic high school, specifically Bremmer, with a certain sort of "yeah, I went through it and I turned out okay" attitude. The stories about his sister the piano freak, dating, relationships, classmates, buying the first car all have a place and a meaning that he deftly writes about with humour and in a sense, nostalgia.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to appreciate the Church prior to Vatican II and a sample of urban life before the national nervous breakdown after the end of Vietnam.
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June 1, 2013This comedic musical follows eight catholic school children all the way from the start of elementary school through their senior prom. As we see their experiences with confessions, puppy love, and sex ed classes (where the girls learn to wear panties, because their black patent leather shoes reflect up, and the boys learn to control their urges.) We can also watch them grow from kids to mature young people. They learn many life lessons along the way through humorous songs and witty dialogue. This book deals with the struggles of Coming of age, love, friendship, and Catholicism in a comedic manner which can be kind of offensive at some points.I really liked this book and I would recommend it to anyone who is in for a good laugh.
April 19, 2008
I would actually give this book 4.5 stars. The beginning reminded me of The Catcher in the Rye and the same style of writing that JD Salinger used for Holden Caulfield. It's written as this boy Eddie, goes from Freshman to Senior year in highschool. I've read books that people say makes them laugh out loud, and although I've found them amusing, I've never really laughed out loud at them. This one I did laugh out loud. I enjoyed the writing style and being in the head of a 13 year old boy is rather amusing.
October 8, 2011
A high-school classic! My dad recommended it, and it really resonated for him, as one who attended Catholic school in the 1950s and 1960s. I was not raised Catholic and read it in the 1980s but it was still a wonderful book to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews