The Tent
by Gary Paulsen
Published by Harcourt
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Reviewed by Sheryl Root
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.