Raised Catholic (Can You Tell?) (American Storytelling) (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: chubby kid, sufficient reflection, trolley stop, Holy Cross, Age of Reason, Mary Beth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A professional jongleur (storyteller), Stivender offers rich material here in anecdotes based on growing up Catholic in Philadelphia in the 1950s. The first-born of an Irish Catholic mother and a Lutheran father, he missed the "call" to priestly vocation that his parochial school teachers envisioned for their prize pupil. Instead, his inquisitive imagination wrestled merrily with the pseudo-military nature of his Catholic education; with what he calls the game of "doctrinal tennis" played in the classroom by teacher and students; and with his all-too-literal interpretations of pious conventions, such as accommodating one's guardian angel. Stivender's storytelling emanates from a warm familial setting and resonates with affectionate humor while he takes swipes at the rites of passage of a more innocent time. These tales of Catholic culture amuse while they recall a history shared by many.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

Twentieth-century Catholicism was radically changed by the Second Vatican Council, and professional storyteller Stivender provides a delightful trip down pre-Vatican II's memory lane with stories from his own Catholic boyhood in the 1950s. This abridged release includes five tales, beginning with a piece on his first-grade introduction to Catholic school etiquette (e.g., one left room between seats for the guardian angels) and concluding with a paean to his fifth-grade love. Stivender's approach is consistently gentle, poking amiable fun at a long-lost era. The author narrates with a deadpan voice that accentuates his low-key humor. Recommended for public library collections.
Sister M. Anna Falbo, Villa Maria Coll. Lib., Buffalo, N.Y.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: August House Publishers (September 25, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874833361
• ISBN-13: 978-0874833362
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,490,245 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Catholic School students from the 1950's MUST READ!, July 31, 1998

By A Customer

As a graduate of "Holy Cross" where Stivender went to school, I could clearly relate to every word in this book. His story telling talents certainly entertained this reader (actually listener, I got the book on tape and listened on a recent car trip). Stivender certainly has a way with words and the events that he experienced and recollects can be clearly imagined and remembered by anyone who entered a Catholic grade school at that time. Unfortunately our own children of the next generation will not be able to share these experiences. I laughed for 2 hours and then laughed again as I listened to the book a second time with my 18 and 20 year olds! They too enjoyed every word. If by chance Stivender reads this review, I "was" Kathi Reiner and my feelings were hurt (only teasing) that you did not mention me in your trip down memory lane.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comedic anecdotal collection, January 13, 2001

By	Adam (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This collection of Mr. Stivender's memories from his first year in Catholic school all the way up to his prom was very funny. I have never been to a parochial school myself, but from what my father has told me about his memories, these stories give a taste of what Catholic schools were like in the 1950's, but in a hilarious manner.