The Shack

The Shack

 by William P. Young
(based on 2242 customer reviews)

The Shack (Paperback)
Edition: 1st
Author: William P. Young
Publisher: Windblown Media


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Most useful review as voted by customers:
1132 out of 1334 people found the following review helpful.
Review Date: 1/27/08


No Flannel-Graph Jesus

In the book world, it's hard to explain "the buzz." What causes word of mouth to start spreading? What turns an unknown author and novel into a surprise bestseller? Even more inexplicable for the book snobs is when a story fails to meet their literary standards and yet touches the masses in an undeniable way.

"The Shack" is the buzz book of the past few months. I hadn't even heard of it in November, but by the end of December I'd had relatives, friends, and online pals from across the country telling me I "had" to read this one. I've been burned by such recommendations in the past, particularly in relation to spiritually oriented titles. (Can anyone say "The Prayer of Jabez" and "Left Behind"?), but I was willing to give it a shot.

William P. Young's book has an intriguing premise. Years ago, a father name MacKenzie Phillips took his children camping and lost one of them to a man who has kidnapped and killed others. Mack has grieved since then. His marriage has struggled. Understandably, his relationship with God has suffered. Then, one wintry day, he receives a note in his mailbox inviting him back to the woods, to the shack in which his daughter's dress and bloodstains were found. The note, it would seem, is from God.

From this simple yet effective premise, Young leads Mack Phillips back to his point of despair and anger. The encounters he then has with God there in "The Shack" serve as thought-provoking moments for both Mack and the reader. This is not the God of stodgy Sunday school classes. This is not a flannel-graph Jesus. This is not limited to a fluttering dove of the Holy Spirit. The descriptions here are startling, while remaining true to the nature of God's love and grace as portrayed through Scripture. Not only are they startling, they're wise and moving and beautiful.

Some might argue that "The Shack" has little theology or accuracy to it, but the very argument is what Young is trying to melt away. I earned a Bachelor's from a Bible college, and the majority of Mack's godly encounters could be wrapped up in biblical theology: redemption, grace, forgiveness, propitiation, etc. While never sounding like trite religion (because it's not and never should be!), the words spoken by God in this book are full of vibrancy and life.

Is it the best crafted novel ever? No. In many ways, it could be encapsulated in a non-fiction treatise. However, in sharing this remarkable tale in a fictional form, Young has breathed wonder and wisdom into a story that will continue to buzz around for years to come.

77 out of 102 people found the following review helpful.
Review Date: 9/8/07


The BEST Fiction Book of 2007

The BEST work of Fiction I have read in Years. UNEQUIVOCALLY THE Best Fiction Book of 2007.

I am changed. I pray indelibly. My oh my!

Donald Miller, Jim Palmer, Jim Henderson, Jeff Jacobson --- now William P. Young --- refreshing, timely, powerful new voices, gifted story tellers God has raised up to speak to those who need to hear His voice, feel His love, comprehend God's presence today in their lives. This book pierced dimensions of my soul in ways that defy explanation through the written word --- it's just that powerful.

I must tell you I almost delayed reading this book (it was sent to me for review). I just wasn't in the mood for reading something that had a subtitle of "Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity." Don't make the mistake I almost made: You must not delay in reading this book. In fact, get 4 copies and give them to folks.

This story is a unique blessing, supernaturally infectious, and intended to distribute its blessing well beyond the initial reader who comes into contact with its contents. Whatever you're reading, drop it and get this book.

I promised I wouldn't share the story line. I'm going to keep that promise. This book was terribly special to me as I had spent several days last April with my boys smack dab in the midst of the geographic area (the Wallowa) where the story line takes place. Buy this book now. See the website at [...].

I will read this book once a year for the rest of my days. My prayer is that this is the first of many books to come from William P. Young. If no more books are ever written by Mr. Young, I will remain forever grateful for this one.

"Living unloved is like clipping a bird's wings and removing its ability to fly." P. 97. This book renewed the strength in my wings and deepened my appreciation for my ability to soar.

Prepare for lift-off! Soar with The Shack. Mr. Young, I am especially fond of you. Read the book - You will come to understand what I mean.

Bill Dahl
Author, Creator, Editor
[...]


38 out of 49 people found the following review helpful.
Review Date: 8/28/07


How Come I Only Get to Give it Five Lousy Stars?!?

First, I do not read novels anymore... and yes, this is a novel. HOWEVER, I could NOT put this one down... in fact, I read it straight-through five times -- once to absorb it, second to underline and highlight, third to put headers on about every page, and fourth, to just digest the rich conversations that Mack has with God -- WOW.

Secondly, I tire of books that claim to be life-changing, but which leave me disappointed. THIS one is already changing lives, and it not only lives up to its hype -- it surpasses it.

Thirdly - watch out! This book is seriously addictively-foistable. We now buy 'em by the case, and pass them out -- much more fun than tithing...! The moment you put this book down, you will want to find someone else who's read it, so that you can discuss it. And then you will tell everyone you know and love that they must read it. And you will bug them mercilessly 'til they do! And they will thank you for the nagging. And then, they, too will buy a case. It's that good.

Fourthly, do not start this book right before bed -- you will not sleep that night. Putting it down will be a most difficult thing to do...! Yeah, it's that good.

I truly believe that "The Shack" has the potential to shake up and alter the entire Church. This book will seriously mess with your theology -- and you will be GLAD. Yeah, it's really that good.

When you do finally read this, you will kick yourself for not reading it sooner. So, just get it over with. Buy one. (Nah, just cut to the chase and buy a case. It's that good.)





17 out of 19 people found the following review helpful.
Review Date: 8/25/07


Riveting & Thought-Provoking!

One of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read. As soon as I received my copy of The Shack, I read it from cover to cover in one evening. This is a work that draws you in with a page-turner storyline. Then with a mind-bending turn, it proceeds to challenge all your preconceived theological notions. I have nearly finished reading The Shack a second time; next I plan to go through it with a pen to underline ideas that need mulled over.

So far I've purchased 10 copies of the book which I've shared with friends and family. My next order will be for 10 more because of the interest it has generated. In fact, a friend I loaned The Shack to has already purcahsed 12 copies of her own.

The Shack is definitely worth the time it will take you to read it. While you may not agree with all the ideas presented, it will certainly help clarify your thinking about the issues of life that everyone faces.

14 out of 15 people found the following review helpful.
Review Date: 8/28/07


A journey of questions with incredible answers

This book takes the reader on a journey of questions for which there are the most amazing answers. Thought provoking with the potentical of changing your image and relationship with God forever. You be the judge of that. It is a book that you will both want to, and need to, read more than once to capture all that it contains. I've never read anything like it before. I've already purchased several copies and given them out to good friends. I could not recommend it more highly.

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