Title: The ShackAuthor: William P. Young
Genre: Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pub Date: 2007, Windblown Media
Trade Paperback, 248 pages
Somehow I missed out on the initial wave of praise for this title--most likely because I had a lot going on that didn't involve reading when this book came out. (I was planning a wedding!) Fortunately a friend from my "life blog" recommended this to me, and though I am sometimes skeptical of books that are "all the rage" (I didn't read any Harry Potter books until well after the 4th one had been published), I decided to give this one a try, and I'm glad I did.
Synopsis
The Shack revolves around Mack Philips, whose youngest daughter, Missy, was abducted while the family was on a camping vacation. Eventually evidence found in an old, abandoned shack reveals she may have been murdered. Years after the events, while Mack is still going through a personal hell, he receives a note that is apparently from God, and invites him to go back to that shack for a weekend. Though clearly skeptical (and he remains so throughout much of the weekend) he goes to the shack and comes back a changed man.
My Thoughts
First and foremost, I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book. Obviously we all have our own beliefs about God, so some of the ideas may hit us each differently. Did I agree with the way every idea and assumption about God was presented? No, but I also found some new insights and did appreciate many of Young's ideas he set forth in this book. Most importantly, it's a story that, while it takes you through the agonies a man experiences after losing a child, it also brings you to appreciate God's ultimate (if sometimes hard-to-see) goodness. Mack's experience and transformation are moving, and the story is told in a way that keeps you turning the pages even though you should be turning out the light to go to sleep. I enjoy books that provoke further thought, and for me The Shack was one of those.
My rating: 
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After looking at your blog earlier today, I went back to cleaning up. Thsi lead me to flipping through old Sentinels today, and, would you believe it, I saw that the Sept. 29, 2008 issue has an article about this book!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting! I'd be curious to read it--wonder if it's online...
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be reading this for a book club in April. It's good to hear a thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, your blog is gorgeous! I love the background.
I'm can't decide whether or not I want to read this one. But I'm really glad you liked it!!
ReplyDeleteI like the look of your blog! Anyone that reads about Vampires is ok in my book!!
Thanks, Shelley! TheCutestBlogOnTheBlock.com has great backgrounds. I have to admit I've gotten quite a few compliments on this one, so I must have made the right choice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog :-) I thought the title of yours was cute!
Stephanie, I was in the same boat after the book was first recommended to me, but then I decided what the heck.
ReplyDeleteAren't vampires great? I'm glad they're making a comeback these days :-) Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm impressed with how many you participate in!
I'm so glad you liked it!!!
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