What do you think?
Rate this book
Pilgrim's Progress: A Retelling
The pilgrim Christian undertakes the dangerous journey to the Celestial City, experiencing physical and spiritual obstacles along the way
88 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1994
31 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
John Bunyan
1,595 books1,391 followersJohn Bunyan, a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 30, 2021
This was fabulous to read aloud! Gary Schmidt just never ceases to blow me away with his storytelling! I cried and cheered for Christian and it left me longing for Heaven and encouraged to keep pressing forward. Will definitely read again!
May 10, 2020
Quite a fantastic work for someone to be able to quote all of those Bible verses and weave them into a saga. A lot of good things to learn. Would recommend reading it!
July 5, 2020
In my book club at the library called "The Presidential Book Club", we read a biography of a President each month. We started with George Washington and have continued chronologically. This month is Benjamin Harrison, and there is not much written about him, so I took the last couple days to read a book that I discovered, through reading these biogrpahies, had been an influence on numerous early U.S. Presidents, specifically, Abrham Lincoln, who read it several times during his early years.
Gary D. Schmidt, an author of a couple Newbury Honors ("Lizzy Bright and the Buckminster Boy" and "The Wednesday Wars"), has written this re-telling in contemporary language. Having not read the original John Bunyan version, I cannot say how accurately his rendition has achieved that task. But, as I compare the plight of the Pilgrim to my own life's journey, I see many people IN my life as the characters portrayed IN this novel.
His descriptors are top notch. They reminded me of some of the material produced by Frank E. Peretti in the "Cooper Family Adventures" or "This Present Darkness", etc. These words put the reader right in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, crammed between a narrow passage a little wider than his foot. Since I am a bit claustrophobic, this hit me right where I needed to be hit!
After completing the book, I searched for a video of the book, and I found one with Liam Neeson! You know, Qui-Gon Jinn of Star Wars lore. It is from, I would guess, the 70s based on the film quality (1978, I just looked it up). The video, as usual, left much to be desired when compared to the book.
Gary D. Schmidt, an author of a couple Newbury Honors ("Lizzy Bright and the Buckminster Boy" and "The Wednesday Wars"), has written this re-telling in contemporary language. Having not read the original John Bunyan version, I cannot say how accurately his rendition has achieved that task. But, as I compare the plight of the Pilgrim to my own life's journey, I see many people IN my life as the characters portrayed IN this novel.
His descriptors are top notch. They reminded me of some of the material produced by Frank E. Peretti in the "Cooper Family Adventures" or "This Present Darkness", etc. These words put the reader right in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, crammed between a narrow passage a little wider than his foot. Since I am a bit claustrophobic, this hit me right where I needed to be hit!
After completing the book, I searched for a video of the book, and I found one with Liam Neeson! You know, Qui-Gon Jinn of Star Wars lore. It is from, I would guess, the 70s based on the film quality (1978, I just looked it up). The video, as usual, left much to be desired when compared to the book.
August 28, 2024
A lovely retelling of Pilgrims Progress for any reader. I found it so readable, but still odd—as allergies go. Schmidt’s writing is wonderful and the illustrations by Moser are beautiful. It’s definitely nice to read a physical copy as it is published beautifully!
September 4, 2023
What a treasure Gary Schmidt has given a new generation of young (and old) readers with his retelling of the classic Pilgrim's Progress. I previously began reading the original (first published in 1678) and have been entranced by the symbolism and allegorical message of John Bunyan's inspired imagination but as it is written in often archaic language and with no chapters as resting points, I admit it has been a challenge, and I have been making the literary journey slowly. When I saw that Mr. Schmidt had written a retelling I was intrigued and immediately jumped at the chance to try it out. I didn't want to put it down. This version is condensed and modernized making it easily understandable and relatable but has been beautifully written with such skill that he has not strayed from the message or power one whit. Mr. Moser's illustrations add richness and depth. This is truly a gift for any age reader as we are all on our own spiritual journeys back to "the Celestial City."
August 6, 2024
A sweet and well illustrated version of the classic tale.
P. 43: “Whenever you must take the straight and narrow way.”
“The hard but right way,” said Christian.
P. 45: “A new miracle every day, no less a miracle because it is expected.”
Christian turned at the voice; he had not heard anyone come into the room. He could not find words to describe what the speaker looked like, and whenever he was asked about him afterward, Christian could never quite describe what he saw. “There was a kind of full gladness about him,” he would say, “but he was more than glad. He was so very, very sure.” He remembered nothing of how he looked.
P. 46: On the wall was a picture of a man who looked up to heaven. In his hand, he held the book that Christian himself carried, and a golden Crown set with gems hung above his head. Behind his back – and here Christian peered more closely – was a long, narrow path. Christian thought he could pick out the Gate, the mountain of Mr. Legality, the Slough of Despond, even his own village. …
“The man you see,” answered the Interpreter, “has turned from the things of the world to the things of heaven, and so he looks to the promise of glory.… Everything I show you is for you to remember, to help you when you must choose between the easy way…”
“And the hard but right way,” Christian finished.
The Interpreter smiled and led him to the next room. Here a young girl was sweeping, but the dust was so thick and so dry that she was only stirring it into the air. “Sprinkle the room with water,” suggested the Interpreter. This the young girl did, and soon the dust had come out of the air and lay swept up in heaps.
“The dust,” said the Interpreter, “is sin. The first sweeping was that of the law; it did not dispel sin, but only made it more obvious.”
“I know the lesson well,” said Christian, remembering the mountain of Mr. Legality.
“But the second sweeping was that of grace, which cleans the room as it revives the soul.”
In another chamber a fire blazed hotly, filling the room with a cheering heat. A man with a pitcher stood near the fire, splashing the logs with water. But the fire did not even sputter.
“How can this be?” asked Christian.
“Come around to the back side of the wall,“ answered the Interpreter. There they found another man secretly pouring oil on the flames. “The man in front,” explained the Interpreter, “is the Devil, trying to put out the fire, which is the work of grace. The man behind is Christ, who in quietness and stillness encourages the work already begun in the heart.”
P. 48: “ I was once like you, headed to the Celestial City. But I lost the way and turned to another. And now I am eternally lost, imprisoned in this iron.”
“Is there no way to come out?”
“None.”
“Could you not repent and turn again to the right way?”
“No.”
“Could you…”
“Leave me alone. Must you plague me with your possibilities? I am Despair, and I am lost.”
P. 52: The Interpreter raised his hand in a blessing: “The Comforter always be with you, Christian, to guide you to the City.” And so Christian took his leave and turned to the path. He did not ask if the Interpreter could relieve his burden. He knew that that time would come when it would come.
P. 54: With perhaps the last of his strength, he reached the top and looked up. There before him stood a Cross, the sun, now fully up, shining splendidly on its dark wood.
The straps of the burden loose, the knots unraveled, the pack shifted weight, and then it rolled off. It fell to the ground and crashed down the hill, rolling faster and faster until it tumbled into the mouth of the open tomb. Christian never saw it again.
P. 55: He felt behind him again, and a song burst from him, a song he remembered from his childhood, a song full of love and gratitude.
P. 58: “He wakes us up as if there were some danger about.” He spoke slowly, as though his words too were sleepy.
“But there is!” cried Christian.
“Then let us rest and prepare for it,” said Sloth, and he and Simple turned over and began to snore.
“Can I not at least help you?” asked Christian of the third.
“Every tub must stand upon its own bottom,” replied Presumption, and smiling at his own wit, he yawned twice, stretched, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.
P. 64: Twice he had to leap over wide chasms, and once he had to shimmy along a ledge, no wider than his foot. If it had not been for the promises in his Roll, he might have given up and returned to the broad roads.
P. 86: “All this is true,” admitted Christian, “and much more that you have left out. But the prince that I serve is merciful and ready to forgive.”
P. 93: Sheathing it, he stepped forward into the very middle of the demons. “I will walk in the strength of the Lord God!” he shouted, then walked sternly ahead. The demons gave away; like shadows he passed through them. They screeched and buffeted him with their wings, but he walked on. They whispered horrible curses into his mind, but he walked on. The mouth of hell belched fire at him, but still, he walked on.
P. 102: How many times each of them almost turned back! And each time there has been a moment of grace to save them.
P. 107: “Whatever happens once you are in that town,” continued Evangelist, “remember the true owner of this place. Remember His love. Commit yourself to Him.”
P. 124: “It means, my young friend, that we should always try to get along, that we should never disagree with others.”
“But suppose,” asked Hopeful, “that the others are wrong?”
“It would be good to hear in mind that there are always two sides to every question. Perhaps no one is ever completely wrong.”
“Now I do know you,” said Christian. “You are Mr. By-Ends, who never holds any opinion or belief that is not acceptable to anyone else.”
P. 159: When it was time for Christian and Hopeful to be on their way, experience gave two warnings. “First, beware of the Deceiver,” he said. “He will seem fair to you, but you will know in your hearts that he is evil….”
P. 43: “Whenever you must take the straight and narrow way.”
“The hard but right way,” said Christian.
P. 45: “A new miracle every day, no less a miracle because it is expected.”
Christian turned at the voice; he had not heard anyone come into the room. He could not find words to describe what the speaker looked like, and whenever he was asked about him afterward, Christian could never quite describe what he saw. “There was a kind of full gladness about him,” he would say, “but he was more than glad. He was so very, very sure.” He remembered nothing of how he looked.
P. 46: On the wall was a picture of a man who looked up to heaven. In his hand, he held the book that Christian himself carried, and a golden Crown set with gems hung above his head. Behind his back – and here Christian peered more closely – was a long, narrow path. Christian thought he could pick out the Gate, the mountain of Mr. Legality, the Slough of Despond, even his own village. …
“The man you see,” answered the Interpreter, “has turned from the things of the world to the things of heaven, and so he looks to the promise of glory.… Everything I show you is for you to remember, to help you when you must choose between the easy way…”
“And the hard but right way,” Christian finished.
The Interpreter smiled and led him to the next room. Here a young girl was sweeping, but the dust was so thick and so dry that she was only stirring it into the air. “Sprinkle the room with water,” suggested the Interpreter. This the young girl did, and soon the dust had come out of the air and lay swept up in heaps.
“The dust,” said the Interpreter, “is sin. The first sweeping was that of the law; it did not dispel sin, but only made it more obvious.”
“I know the lesson well,” said Christian, remembering the mountain of Mr. Legality.
“But the second sweeping was that of grace, which cleans the room as it revives the soul.”
In another chamber a fire blazed hotly, filling the room with a cheering heat. A man with a pitcher stood near the fire, splashing the logs with water. But the fire did not even sputter.
“How can this be?” asked Christian.
“Come around to the back side of the wall,“ answered the Interpreter. There they found another man secretly pouring oil on the flames. “The man in front,” explained the Interpreter, “is the Devil, trying to put out the fire, which is the work of grace. The man behind is Christ, who in quietness and stillness encourages the work already begun in the heart.”
P. 48: “ I was once like you, headed to the Celestial City. But I lost the way and turned to another. And now I am eternally lost, imprisoned in this iron.”
“Is there no way to come out?”
“None.”
“Could you not repent and turn again to the right way?”
“No.”
“Could you…”
“Leave me alone. Must you plague me with your possibilities? I am Despair, and I am lost.”
P. 52: The Interpreter raised his hand in a blessing: “The Comforter always be with you, Christian, to guide you to the City.” And so Christian took his leave and turned to the path. He did not ask if the Interpreter could relieve his burden. He knew that that time would come when it would come.
P. 54: With perhaps the last of his strength, he reached the top and looked up. There before him stood a Cross, the sun, now fully up, shining splendidly on its dark wood.
The straps of the burden loose, the knots unraveled, the pack shifted weight, and then it rolled off. It fell to the ground and crashed down the hill, rolling faster and faster until it tumbled into the mouth of the open tomb. Christian never saw it again.
P. 55: He felt behind him again, and a song burst from him, a song he remembered from his childhood, a song full of love and gratitude.
P. 58: “He wakes us up as if there were some danger about.” He spoke slowly, as though his words too were sleepy.
“But there is!” cried Christian.
“Then let us rest and prepare for it,” said Sloth, and he and Simple turned over and began to snore.
“Can I not at least help you?” asked Christian of the third.
“Every tub must stand upon its own bottom,” replied Presumption, and smiling at his own wit, he yawned twice, stretched, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.
P. 64: Twice he had to leap over wide chasms, and once he had to shimmy along a ledge, no wider than his foot. If it had not been for the promises in his Roll, he might have given up and returned to the broad roads.
P. 86: “All this is true,” admitted Christian, “and much more that you have left out. But the prince that I serve is merciful and ready to forgive.”
P. 93: Sheathing it, he stepped forward into the very middle of the demons. “I will walk in the strength of the Lord God!” he shouted, then walked sternly ahead. The demons gave away; like shadows he passed through them. They screeched and buffeted him with their wings, but he walked on. They whispered horrible curses into his mind, but he walked on. The mouth of hell belched fire at him, but still, he walked on.
P. 102: How many times each of them almost turned back! And each time there has been a moment of grace to save them.
P. 107: “Whatever happens once you are in that town,” continued Evangelist, “remember the true owner of this place. Remember His love. Commit yourself to Him.”
P. 124: “It means, my young friend, that we should always try to get along, that we should never disagree with others.”
“But suppose,” asked Hopeful, “that the others are wrong?”
“It would be good to hear in mind that there are always two sides to every question. Perhaps no one is ever completely wrong.”
“Now I do know you,” said Christian. “You are Mr. By-Ends, who never holds any opinion or belief that is not acceptable to anyone else.”
P. 159: When it was time for Christian and Hopeful to be on their way, experience gave two warnings. “First, beware of the Deceiver,” he said. “He will seem fair to you, but you will know in your hearts that he is evil….”
December 14, 2018
Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic appreciated for its allegory of the walk one makes in faith and belief. It would be difficult to improve upon it, yet Gary Schmidt creates a version for contemporary audiences that deserves noted acclaim for keeping the original message intact while providing a more approachable format.
Barry Moser’s agreeable, stunning watercolor illustrations aptly and deftly accompany Schmidt’s retelling.
Appropriate for middle readers, yet probably more appreciated by adults who remember the original Bunyan version.
Barry Moser’s agreeable, stunning watercolor illustrations aptly and deftly accompany Schmidt’s retelling.
Appropriate for middle readers, yet probably more appreciated by adults who remember the original Bunyan version.
December 1, 2018
As a young person I remember slogging my way through John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. The language was old and I struggled through the allegory on the Christian's life journey. It is the story of Christian traveling from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City and his difficulty first with his burden weighing him down , finally losing that burden and struggling through the difficulties of getting to the other side.
Schmidt's retelling of the story in modern day language is wonderful. It has almost a fantasy feel to it. It is beautifully illustrated by Barry Moser.
Schmidt's retelling of the story in modern day language is wonderful. It has almost a fantasy feel to it. It is beautifully illustrated by Barry Moser.
January 25, 2019
Reading this book, remind me that we're a pilgrim in this world. we walk in our path and meet many obstacles and temptations in life. we will certainly meet our creator one day, at the end of the journey.
I actually prefer the adaptation, writing in Indonesian, 'Perjalanan Seorang Musafir'.
I read it when I was in Junior high and I love it. The comic and the adaptation is good.
Reading the book all over again is really something. As what I thought back then was obviously different, as I grow up. But the impression I had is still the same.
I actually prefer the adaptation, writing in Indonesian, 'Perjalanan Seorang Musafir'.
I read it when I was in Junior high and I love it. The comic and the adaptation is good.
Reading the book all over again is really something. As what I thought back then was obviously different, as I grow up. But the impression I had is still the same.
May 4, 2020
My copy of this book, purchased many years ago when my children were in the middle grades, is like a piece of artwork. All these years later a unique, almost inky smell lingers within its heavier pages. The paper quality, typesetting and powerful watercolor illustrations by Barry Moser greatly enhances this retelling of a classic. This allegorical dream first published in 1678 contains a message completely relevant to us today. Schmidt’s retelling may have been directed more towards middle schoolers, but my guess is adults appreciate it even more.
October 11, 2018
The story is slightly modified from the original here but is still outstanding. The only complaint I have is a slightly petty one: when I was little and innocently picked this book up, the illustrations terrified the heck out of me. The painting of Apollyon in particular was so frightening that I had nightmares for days after. So...I don't know that I would recommend using this one with younger children, despite the illustrations. The illustrations are the scary part. xD
September 14, 2016
Allegories seem pedantic today. However, I'm sure I'd prefer Schmidt's version to the original due to the books illustrations and lack of King James English. For young adults or children to appreciate it, it would help to first instruct about what an allegory is. Otherwise the literally wandering tale will seem very peculiar to people used to today's fiction.
February 8, 2008
This is a great book - one that many of the great people in history grew up hearing and reading as children. I love this edition because it makes it a little more palatable for kids and has vivid illustrations. Made me excited to study the original for myself, too.
September 14, 2017
Gary Schmidt retelling this classic story of one person's journey to heaven. And Schmidt's words are given even more life by Barry Moser's illustrations that will fill the reader with wonder. It's a great read for any Christian (and anybody of faith).
June 26, 2018
The best 2 hr. Read ever! All should read this historic masterpiece .
February 27, 2021
I have long felt that I should read The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. I even started to once, but only made it a page before putting it down. So when I found this retelling, putting the story into contemporary language, I knew it was my chance to at least see what the book was all about. So understand going into my review that this is in no way a comparison of this retelling to the original. And my comments are specific to this version, because I can't say what might be different from the original. With that being said, I do think that some of what I didn't like about this story would extend back to the original source.
After I finished reading this, as I tried to analyze what I'd read and did some research to understand others' views on the allegory, I flashed right back to high school. After reading The Great Gatsby, I wrote that I didn't understand why my teacher would have us read a book that so glorified the drinking and partying in the book. She wrote back about her disappointment that I thought she'd promote those things, and that perhaps I didn't really understand the book. That it's the type of book one might have to read multiple times to grasp. That's kind of how I feel about this book.
My first apparent misunderstanding is that it seemed to me that Christian had to essentially earn his salvation. He struggled with his burden on the way to the cross, after coming to an understanding that he had this burden and needed external help to release it. Others say that he was actually saved when entering through the gate that started this journey, and releasing his burden at the cross was simply an illustration about how we don't often let go of our guilt upon salvation and have to still come to that understanding that Jesus wants to relieve us of that guilt. However, it was at the cross, after losing his burden, that Christian was handed the Roll, which seemed to be needed in order to enter the Celestial City. I took this as a symbol of his salvation, but then, when he was audacious enough to rest a little too long, he lost the Roll and later had to go back and look for it.
I won't go into any other details, but for whatever this book might mean to some people, at least the people who "get it," to me it looks like a book that could send the wrong message to new Christians or curious unbelievers, especially those who, like me, aren't so great at understanding allegory. From start to finish, it makes me feel like a Christian walk is nothing but trial and tribulation. Constant struggling to stay on the right path, to stay good. Yes, some of that is true to a degree, because it can feel like a constant struggle to avoid temptation to sin, but where's the other side? Why do we not see much of the joy and peace that can come, in this life, from following Christ? For that matter, why is God so completely absent until Christian reaches the Celestial City? If I were to write an allegory about a Christian journey, it would include God interacting with the pilgrim in a much more tangible way (or at all...).
I seem to be pretty hit-or-miss in my enjoyment of much-loved older books and classics, and this is another for my pile of misses. I'm glad I read it, though. Originally I thought it might end up being a stepping stone to going on and reading the original. I've decided to leave it right here, at this simplified version, and just be one of the few who've never read the original.
After I finished reading this, as I tried to analyze what I'd read and did some research to understand others' views on the allegory, I flashed right back to high school. After reading The Great Gatsby, I wrote that I didn't understand why my teacher would have us read a book that so glorified the drinking and partying in the book. She wrote back about her disappointment that I thought she'd promote those things, and that perhaps I didn't really understand the book. That it's the type of book one might have to read multiple times to grasp. That's kind of how I feel about this book.
My first apparent misunderstanding is that it seemed to me that Christian had to essentially earn his salvation. He struggled with his burden on the way to the cross, after coming to an understanding that he had this burden and needed external help to release it. Others say that he was actually saved when entering through the gate that started this journey, and releasing his burden at the cross was simply an illustration about how we don't often let go of our guilt upon salvation and have to still come to that understanding that Jesus wants to relieve us of that guilt. However, it was at the cross, after losing his burden, that Christian was handed the Roll, which seemed to be needed in order to enter the Celestial City. I took this as a symbol of his salvation, but then, when he was audacious enough to rest a little too long, he lost the Roll and later had to go back and look for it.
I won't go into any other details, but for whatever this book might mean to some people, at least the people who "get it," to me it looks like a book that could send the wrong message to new Christians or curious unbelievers, especially those who, like me, aren't so great at understanding allegory. From start to finish, it makes me feel like a Christian walk is nothing but trial and tribulation. Constant struggling to stay on the right path, to stay good. Yes, some of that is true to a degree, because it can feel like a constant struggle to avoid temptation to sin, but where's the other side? Why do we not see much of the joy and peace that can come, in this life, from following Christ? For that matter, why is God so completely absent until Christian reaches the Celestial City? If I were to write an allegory about a Christian journey, it would include God interacting with the pilgrim in a much more tangible way (or at all...).
I seem to be pretty hit-or-miss in my enjoyment of much-loved older books and classics, and this is another for my pile of misses. I'm glad I read it, though. Originally I thought it might end up being a stepping stone to going on and reading the original. I've decided to leave it right here, at this simplified version, and just be one of the few who've never read the original.
January 8, 2022
I came across this book when I began a project to read several different versions of Pilgrim's Progress and see how they compared to the original. I was surprised and excited that Gary Schmidt had written a version that (as it turns out) seems to be his first published work aimed toward children - years before his Newbery fame. It's the most explicitly religious work of his that I've read thus far and I enjoyed it very much.
Schmidt makes clear in his preface that he's not just looking to update the language of Bunyan's original or cut out some of the wordy discussions - he's wants to retell the story in his own words. He just deal's with the first part of Pilgrim's Progress - Christian's journey.
Schmidt just writes so well that it's a treat to read his descriptions, but I also enjoyed the way he handled some of the theological discussions that Bunyan includes in his original book. Although there are some that Schmidt omits entirely, others he does an excellent job of getting to their essence and including. Schmidt also draws out some of the underlying beliefs in Bunyan's book, such as this nod to the idea of the Perseverance of the Saints in this little paragraph of Christian's thoughts:
"As Faithful spoke, Christian understood how many difficulties had come upon them both, and how good the Owner of that land had been to them. How many times had each of them almost turned back! And each time there had been a moment of grace to save them." (p. 38)
This was interesting in light of questions that Bunyan's original book might raise about whether Bunyan believed people could lose their salvation.
There were a couple things I was disappointed he left out - for instance, Hopeful's conversion story - but overall I enjoyed his selection.
The illustrations I didn't love, although they grew on me slightly as I read. I also didn't love the awkward size of the book. It feels a bit like a picture book, but it's not. I wish they had just made it a normal book size.
This would be an excellent retelling to hand to a middle grader or even a high schooler to introduce them to Pilgrim's Progress. The prose is lovely.
Schmidt makes clear in his preface that he's not just looking to update the language of Bunyan's original or cut out some of the wordy discussions - he's wants to retell the story in his own words. He just deal's with the first part of Pilgrim's Progress - Christian's journey.
Schmidt just writes so well that it's a treat to read his descriptions, but I also enjoyed the way he handled some of the theological discussions that Bunyan includes in his original book. Although there are some that Schmidt omits entirely, others he does an excellent job of getting to their essence and including. Schmidt also draws out some of the underlying beliefs in Bunyan's book, such as this nod to the idea of the Perseverance of the Saints in this little paragraph of Christian's thoughts:
"As Faithful spoke, Christian understood how many difficulties had come upon them both, and how good the Owner of that land had been to them. How many times had each of them almost turned back! And each time there had been a moment of grace to save them." (p. 38)
This was interesting in light of questions that Bunyan's original book might raise about whether Bunyan believed people could lose their salvation.
There were a couple things I was disappointed he left out - for instance, Hopeful's conversion story - but overall I enjoyed his selection.
The illustrations I didn't love, although they grew on me slightly as I read. I also didn't love the awkward size of the book. It feels a bit like a picture book, but it's not. I wish they had just made it a normal book size.
This would be an excellent retelling to hand to a middle grader or even a high schooler to introduce them to Pilgrim's Progress. The prose is lovely.
February 16, 2024
I have attempted to read the original Pilgrim's Progress multiple times and just recently bought a copy of it. I haven't touched it since it arrived. It currently sits on my coffee table looking at me with contempt as I delve into another mystery novel. So, when I was shelving books in the library and came across Gary D. Schmidt's retelling of it for the youth, I jumped at it. This could do the trick!
From all I remember of the original (the little I could get through) this is loyal to it. I don't want to come across as a dope but this is kind of a one-note wonder, right? I get it, I get it. All Christians must face multiple obstacles and false gods and promises as we traverse our way to the Celestial City. The overarching tale is inspiring and daunting all at once.
It just isn't the most engaging thing to read about for any extended period of time.
I'm glad I read Mr. Schmidt's attempt at it and I applaud the effort. I still found even this 189 page rendition a bit of a slog.
From all I remember of the original (the little I could get through) this is loyal to it. I don't want to come across as a dope but this is kind of a one-note wonder, right? I get it, I get it. All Christians must face multiple obstacles and false gods and promises as we traverse our way to the Celestial City. The overarching tale is inspiring and daunting all at once.
It just isn't the most engaging thing to read about for any extended period of time.
I'm glad I read Mr. Schmidt's attempt at it and I applaud the effort. I still found even this 189 page rendition a bit of a slog.
April 15, 2025
The book was PHENOMENAL. I’m not one to usually write reviews but from the preface my spirit was already telling me “this is gonna be GOOD.” If anything all the personifications, metaphors and overall imagery in this novel further built a picture and understanding of every type of believer and unbelievers journey on the straight and narrow path. I took a whole lot of notes and am going to read the book again just for a deeper understanding. Most importantly though if anyone is reading this review I’d advise you to meditate on the Living Word day and night as Paul instructs us to because how can we fight a battle without the Sword of the Spirit? I’m preaching to myself here but it’s very important to continually study the Daily Bread not just for one hour in the day but think more on it whilst doing random errands in your day. Godspeed to you!!
June 28, 2020
I shamefully admit that I have never read John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. When I saw this edition posted on GR, I snatched it up. Bunyan first wrote Pilgrim's Progress nearly 350 years ago. It's story still seems relevant today. Bunyan was apposed to England's established church and was imprisioned for 12 years because of this. It was in prison that he began to write. After being released, he began preaching again and 3 years later, ended up in jail for the second time. It was then, in 1675 that he wrote Pilgrim's Progress from his prison cell desk.
This edition is a re-telling of that beautiful, old classic geared to younger readers. I found it to be a wonderful read at my age! The illustrations in this book are beautiful and add so much to the story.
This is a book to own.
This edition is a re-telling of that beautiful, old classic geared to younger readers. I found it to be a wonderful read at my age! The illustrations in this book are beautiful and add so much to the story.
This is a book to own.
November 27, 2020
Hm... Okay. I gotta say, I was a little... underwhelmed. Didn't feel much connection to the characters, the prose was... Alright I guess. I have these thoughts in my head about why I didn't like this book all that much, but I just can't express them. It's not a bad book, though. I am glad I read this (especially before I read the original), it's just that it was way too simplified/shortened. It's hard to compare it to the original when you haven't read it, though haha
But yeah. Kinda meh. 5/10 probably. 2 stars seems too harsh, so it'll just be 3. It's nice that other people enjoyed it, though!
But yeah. Kinda meh. 5/10 probably. 2 stars seems too harsh, so it'll just be 3. It's nice that other people enjoyed it, though!
May 20, 2025
I have never read the original of Pilgrim's Progress, so I can't speak much to this retelling and how it relates there, but I did enjoy the read and the allegory. Of course, all the characters' names are very explicit, but it was still interesting to think of all the implications. And of course, I love a good everyman story--another way to step back and gain perspective on this mortal experience we're all having. Different than Schmidt's other stories but I did like it!
December 21, 2022
I read this book for the 52 books in 52 weeks reading challenge. I used the 2019 reading prompt read an allegorical book. Honestly, I recommend this book more than the original. It has all of the moral lesson, the adventure and the excitement of the original without the difficult language or dreary discussions.
February 9, 2019
Never having read the original, I can’t compare well but this has to be a fantastic retelling. My 11 year old and I read this together and we both loved it. The overall metaphor provided great discussion.
April 13, 2020
This particular 1994 edition of Pilgrim's Progress elegantly recaptures the original 17th century allegory that symbolizes the spiritual journey from earth to heaven. I recommend for both young and old.
December 16, 2020
I see why this book has been on people's bookshelves right next to their bible for centuries. I loved this version that made it easy for my kids to understand. We will be reading this many more times over the years.
August 2, 2024
Meaningful & eye-catching! Top notch! I really appreciate this retelling of Bunyan's classic because it makes the story accessible to my younger readers. I think I'll have to grab some copies for my junior high classes & add this book to one of my units.
October 2, 2017
Fantastic! Excellent retelling my Schmidt. The illustrations were beautifully done.
November 30, 2017
Pilgrims progress is one of those classics that I can’t seem to love no matter how hard I try.
March 19, 2019
I enjoyed reading this with my daughter. She loved it too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews