Parish the Thought: An Inspirational Memoir of Growing Up Catholic in the 1960s - Softcover

Ruane, John Bernard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 141658949X ISBN 13: 9781416589495

Publisher: Gallery Books, 2008

Synopsis

In a warm and affectionate narrative that "transports readers back to a time before cable television, cell phones, and the Internet" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), John Bernard Ruane paints a marvelous portrait of his Irish-Catholic boyhood on the southwest side of Chicago in the 1960s. Capturing all the details that perfectly evoke those bygone days for Catholics and baby boomers everywhere, Ruane recounts his formative years donning the navy-and-plaid school uniform of St. Bede's: the priests and nuns; bullies, best friends, and first loves; and most memorable teachers -- including the miniskirted blonde who inspired lust among the fifth-grade boys but was fired for protesting the Vietnam War. Here are stories from the heart of his hardworking, blue-collar family: the good times and bad; sibling rivalries; summers by the lake; delivering newspapers in the frigid Chicago winter; the fire that destroyed the family home; and the loss of their beloved mother to cancer. And here are priceless accounts of Ruane's days as an altar boy: from an embarrassing bell-ringing mishap, to serving a strict pastor who built a magnificent church but couldn't inspire Christian spirit, to the Heaven-sent guitar-playing priest who turned worship around for a generation of youth.

About this title

From the Publisher

Since being launched, "Parish the Thought" has received a very positive response from reviewers and readers. This book hits home with readers of all ages and religions. "Parish the Thought" is a book that documents a time gone by; a nostalgic step back to a period that so many will relate to, appreciate and cherish. While John Bernard Ruane's sense of humor leaves readers laughing through many of the chapters, the story of his family's tragedy will bring tears and reflection upon faith in the closing chapters. We are delighted by the response the author has received on this book.

From the Author

I receive a letter or email nearly every day from readers of "Parish the Thought" who feel very strongly about the book and how it captures the experience of their lives. My goal was to take readers back to those days of their youth, but more importantly, to give hope to those who have suffered a loss of faith due to a tragedy in their lives. The response I have received just supports my feeling that the 1960s was a special time that so many of us shared. I don't think many of us thought it was so special when growing up, but now as life changes so drastically, we can appreciate it.

About this edition

• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 141658949X
• ISBN 13: 9781416589495
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288