The Shack (edit title)

• Rated 0 stars

“I've herd that this book is really good and it gives you a whole new perspective of Master J( JESUS!) lol but it will make you cry!”

• Rated 1 stars

“Although this book had a lot of feel good moments, it still left a lot to be desired. I thought it had some questionable theology and might lead some believers astray. ”

• Rated 0 stars

“It was amazing. I have met Paul and he is a blessing! If you ever get to hear his story you won't be sorry.”

• Rated 1 stars

“The Shack tries to be many things and fails at most of them. It tries to be an exploration of the nature of the Trinity - but ruins that by allegorizing the Trinity in ridiculous stereotypes that are offensive and . . . just. don't. work. Papa (God) is a large black woman who says "Don't just stand there gawkin' with your mouth open like your pants are full." I kid you not. According to U.S.A. Today, The Shack was published by two friends of Mr. Young: Jacobsen and Cummings, who published it through their own company, Windblown Media, after established publishers rebuffed it. They promoted it on Christian websites and broadcast outlets, trying to attract a New York publisher. Not exactly vanity publishing, but pretty darn close. The article goes on to say that the original manuscript was edited for fifteen months, but frankly, they didn't edit it enough. The novel has a ridiculous deus ex machina ending that I routinely forbid my grade 12 Writer's Craft class to indulge in. The novel attempts to explain the problem of evil in a world that is supposedly created and overseen by an all-good, all-seeing, all-knowing deity. This problem has been around for centuries - for readers who are interested in exploring this problem, it would be better to read from the early church fathers, such as St. Augustine or C. S. Lewis' fascinating "The Screwtape Letters". Mr. Young leaves the reader with a vague sort of notion that since humans can't see the big picture, we don't understand evil acts or evil people. Pretty lame. The theology of the book is kind of mushy and the writing is weak. For readers looking for a book that might convince them of the existence of God, forget it. The book starts from a premise of lapsed faith, not atheism. You can't return to something you never had in the first place. The book got discussion going in our book club and it was both raucous and fun, so it wasn't a total waste. But really, why not read something really powerful and well written that addresses these themes, like The Road? Nuff said. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“I was so overwhelmed by this story. i first read it and had one way of thinking about it but after hearing the author speak about how God has always been in the "shack" it just made me cry out to God to help me come out of my own shack.”

• Rated 5 stars

“life changeing really makes you think about how life will turn out god is out there”

• Rated 3 stars

“Great book! The first part of it was a real page-turner, Young did a good job of keeping me interested in finding out what was going to happen. To me, the book got a little boring at times when Mack was at the shack with God, and some of the context was a little hard to follow. Not only was the story very unique and fun to read, but it sort of helped to answer many questions about God I had as a Christian. Though this book is fictional and Young doesn't know what God would have said, the personalities that he gave God in the book seemed very fitting.”

• Rated 4 stars

“This is a great read for anyone who wants to find a greater peace and understanding in their life with God. Making sense of life, and how tragedies relate to the faith in God and how it all comes together is what this book is about. Insightfull, inspiring, humourous and yet very spiritual in all senses. What it is not is religious! I love it for that reason! My favorite part of the book is when the main character asks Jesus; "Is that what it means to be a Christian?", Jesus answered, "who said anthing about being a Christian, I am not a Christian." The idea struck him odd and he coudln't keep from grinning; "No, I suppose you aren't".
This book gives some great large ideas that pull together nicely, and paint a great picture of a peace in understanding God that makes life a joy to live, and not a day by day struggle to get through. This is one I will keep on my shelf and not give away, to read again when I need it most. ”

• Rated 0 stars

“I've heard this was a very good book so I plan on reading it.”

• Rated 5 stars

“I highly recommend this book! Excellent!”