The Tent A Parable in One Sitting [Paperback]

Gary Paulsen (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (1995)
• ASIN: B000OJOZDU
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Gary Paulsen is one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers. He has written more than one hundred book for adults and young readers, and is the author of three Newberry Honor titles: Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He divides his time among Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, and the Pacific.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful parable, November 14, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tent (Paperback)

Steven is skeptical when his father decides that preaching the Word of the Lord is their way out of poverty into fame and fortune. He doesn't really think that his dad will follow through. Then his dad purchases an old tent and they set out for Castle, Texas to hold their first meeting. It is then that Steven's skepticism turns to concern. Neither he nor his dad knows anything about the Bible or religion. His dad says it's OK to make money from preaching, because isn't what they are doing helping people? But to Steven, it feels more like lying and stealing...at least at first.

The Tent is a powerful, short parable about the power of God's Word to transform. It reminds me of the movie Leap of Faith starring Steve Martin as a traveling preacher who "faked" his miracles until he was changed by the power of a true miracle.

Both book and movie give reason to pause and reflect on the fact that, as Jesus often upset the Pharisees by demonstrating his power in ways they didn't consider "proper" or "orthodox," He continues to work in unexpected and surprising ways today.

Armchair Interviews says: A highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Tent, February 22, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Tent (Laurel-Leaf Books) (Mass Market Paperback)

In this book, a father is looking for a better life for his son, Steven. Cory, the father, is making minuim wage and cannot keep a job for extended periods of time. One day, Cory decides he if tired of living this way and begins to think of ways to make money. Finally, he remembers a friend he once had. Many years ago Corey's friend began teaching the gospel. However, he did it only for the money collected in the offering. Corey decides this is the way to become rich, so Corey buys a tent and sets off with Steven to preach the Lord's word. They go to many cities throughout Texas preaching and even at times faking miracles, until Corey one night when Corey decides to finally read the bible. He picks it up and begins to read, and to Steven's surprise by the next day he is a true believer. He admits his sins to his next congregation and decides to travel preaching the word for no money at all. This is a compelling story about a lost soul that found the Lord just in time. The stories only set back is the fact that it is short and by the time you get intrested it is almost over. Thats why I gave it four stars instead of five.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ecellent Story, December 17, 1999

By 

William Becker (Wisconsin,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tent (Laurel-Leaf Books) (Mass Market Paperback)

The tent is a great book. It is about a father (Corey) and a kid named (Steven) who are poor and can't afford anything. This is a great book by the way Gary Paulson creates the plot. The father and son need some money badly. Corey's friend was also poor until he became a priest and also became very rich too. Their friend owed them a favor, so they used and got an old army tent. They went to a hotel and stole the bible a very tricky and clever way. They started in little towns and started getting money to pay needs. They are also doing this illegaly. This book is very interesting and once you get past the beginning it is very hard to put down. It is vey exciting through the beginning and the end, read it and you will find out how good it really is.