Preacher's Boy

by Katherine Paterson

Book Overview

It's 1899 in a small town in Vermont, and the turn of the century is coming fast. According to certain members of the church where Robbie's father is the preacher, the end of the century might even... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395838975
• ISBN13: 9780395838976
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Preacher's Boy by Katherine Paterson

I picked out this book to read because of the author. I had read 'Bridge to Terabithia' two years before for school and I loved it, so I figured that anything else written by Katherine Paterson would be just as good. I was right. I started the book because of the author, and I finished it because of the story. Preacher's Boy is about a young boy in 1899 who thinks that the world will end with the year. His father is the town preacher, but Robbie, the boy, thinks that the ten commandments are too confining. He thinks that since he can't do wat he wants while he is a Christian, he will become an atheist. Unfortunantly, he doesn't know what they are areally called, so he spends the entire book calling himself an apeist. This book is filled with laughs and funny situations, many of which made me laugh out loud. I would definantly recommend this book to anyone that wants a good laugh. This book is probably best for ages 7-14, although I think that anyone would enjoy it.

One of the Great Authors

A book by Katherine Paterson is always difficult to judge. The main reason is because she has written a truly great book--"Bridge to Terabithia"--and a number of others that are nearly as great. Because of this, there is a tendency to be a tougher judge of her books as if every new novel should be a masterpiece. Fortunately, Ms. Paterson lives up to the challenge time after time.I am constantly amazed at how well Ms. Paterson is able to write in the voice of young person, creating very realistic characters. Though a bit older myself these days, I can identify very well with Robbie as he stuggles with the difficulties in his life. I am particularly impressed with the depiction of Robbie's relationship with his father and how he struggles to understand him. Also, the difficulties he has in being himself while at the same time trying to be the son of a good man who has an important and public job in his hometown.Though I don't think any good book is really gender-specific to an active reader, I can see where young boys would find this book speaking to them a little more. Still, I would encourage anyone with a love of good literature to read this book. It is a stong depiction of an interesting character.

Paterson entertains and delights; a little theology too!

Noted author Paterson has one the prestigious Newbery Medal twice in her prolific career; with this book, she very well may find herself a candidate once again. The crystalline prose, the finely wrought setting, and the unforgettable characters that are the hallmarks of her work are all present again in this historical novel of turn-of-the-20th-century small-town Vermont. This is the story of Robbie Hewitt, indeed a preacher's boy, who, in the finest Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer traditions, finds himself definitely at odds with the role his family and his father's flock expect of him. Like his literary predecessors, Robbie must face a nigh impossible situation which leads to an ultimate maturing. This reviewer must wonder if Ms. Paterson is familiar with the thought and teaching of contemporary theologian Matthew Fox because there are some striking similarities in her novel. What a great master's thesis or doctoral dissertation that would make! However, the theology never clouds the plot or Robbie and the book is a very satisfying read.

A fines tory of belief, in a Tom Sawyer-like adventure.

Robbie's father is a preacher in Vermont in 1899, but Robbie has come to belief that religion is just too hard, and he'd better get in as much living as possible before the world ends. His schemes to become notable involve him in many mishaps but most of all he wants to test his father's love for him over his retarded older brother. This fine story of belief takes the tone of a Tom Sawyer-like adventure.

Fear the y2k problem? Read this book!

What a lovely way to learn about the turn of the century.Bobbie has a conscience. a loving brother, and a supportive family asPa and he greet 1900. This is a wonderful book because of the language and the ideas. Go for it!