Shack

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Average customer rating 4.6 (64 comments)

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I couldn't finish this book, the writing style was juvenile. Maybe a good YA book.

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I cannot believe how well I related with this book. Dealing with issues of grief in my own life and the battle of faith I then had 'The Shack' felt like it was speaking for me. I cannot express enough admiration and respect for this book. I highly recommend it to religious and non-religious readers alike.

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WOW, A most inviting, revealing story about faith. You can truly experience transformation from reading a fiction book. Leaves you craving to find another great book to read. Looking forward to reading more works by Wm. Paul Young.

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The Shack is an amazing story which will leave you pining for more! Everyone in my family has a copy of this book, many on their 3rd or 4th go around; that is only a glimpse of how exciting The Shack is. I will be searching for used copies to gift to others in hopes that their love for the Shack mimics the emotions I experience while loosing myself in the story.

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Pain, too much pain, and the path to healing and forgiveness through an encounter with God (appearing as a southern black woman), and others. Obviously Christian in the most unusual and non preachy way. Really touched my heart.

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Insight into a personal relationship with God. It gave me hope and inspiration that God is present in our everyday lives.

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The Shack has penetrated my heart in how I view my relationship with God. I love it! Very life changing.

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I have given this book 5 stars - but if I could I would give it 100! It was truly an amazing book! It was a look at religion in a way that I've never experienced before. It didn't necessarily change my views on religion, as some of the "points" that are made are in line with my beliefs, but it did put into words things I've been struggling to. The story starts with Mackenzie's daughter being kidnapped. As Mackenzie tries to deal with it and "move on" as he thinks the rest of his family has done he is delivered a note, and given his desire to find out what happened to his daughter he takes off to discover a new clue. I feel bad for Mackenzie. He feels guilty for allowing his daughter to be kidnapped, has all but lost the rest of his family in his desire to find out what happened, and his faith in anything is gone. As he is on his journey for his daughter he comes across three people who try to help him restore his faith. It's so emotional - I cried almost through the entire book! It's not an easy read by any means. At the very least it will make you think. It could very well go against everything you believe. The trials that Mackenzie has to go through to get what he's searching for are so amazing. They really put things into a perspective that I've never even thought about before. I want to tell you about my favorite scene of the book. I don't normally do this, but this book was so great that I can't not share it. I'd love to just tell you about everything, but you should read it for yourself1 At one point in the story Makenzie is taken to a dark cave and he's asked to judge people. He's reluctant to do it, and the wisdom that is gifted to him really made me think. It's such a powerful scene - and the reward that Mackenzie gets from "learning" this lesson is so great that just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes and gives me goose bumps. There are a few things in the book that I am surprised didn't cause a huge stir. I felt that the book kind of defies the "normal" view of how a person should experience religion. But I think it's a must-read!

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This book is a work of fiction that some would say should be burned because it is sacrilegious. It describes the long controversial topic of the Holy Trinity. If you believe there is such a thing. Some would say the very topic of the Holy Trinity is itself a work of fiction. People who believe have attempted to describe the Trinity in analogies such as an egg, i.e.; being three parts, yet all one being or all one thing. In the Mr Young's version the Trinity here is a group of misfits that have come to dwell in a run down shack. Choosing to appear to the main character of the book. As a jolly housekeeper/cook (God), a hapless carpenter (Jesus) and an etherial gardener (The Holy Spirit), they cold-heartedly invite him to come to them to a shack that earlier his daughter was apparently kidnapped and found murdered in. It begs the question what loving God, caring Jesus, or Holy Spirit (who is our Comforter) would torture someone in such a way? But then the author takes us to met these three characters in person and they are wonderful to met. You sit on the porch and chat with the cook. You lay on the dock with the carpenter with your feet dangling out over and gazing up at the stars. You walk through the garden and learn that Bible stories were truths and not myths. Remember now this book itself is a work of fiction! It will cause you to reassess your beliefs if you say you a Christian or not. This book is wonderfully uplifting and amazingly insightful.

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This is a must read for anyone, not just Christians. I was hook just by reading the forward. Now if that doesn't say " Great book" then I don't know what does. This book is about a guy named Mach who experiences a very traumatic event in his life. Then one day he receives a mystery note from "Papa". From this he has a life changing encounter with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I learn why Jesus died for us, the importance the having a relationship with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit and most importantly why bad things happens to us. I know this is a work of fiction but it is based on true events, that's what I think. So why don't you read the book and make the decision for your self. Hope you enjoy this amazing book.

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I Loved this book so much I read it twice!! It made me feel good,I laughed ,cried, and it had me picking up my bible to read. Great story !!

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A down to earth description of an encounter with God through a dream.

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As someone who is trying to bring some spirituality into my life, and very much a "prove it to me" person, I really liked this book because I came away from reading it with with a more open mind. It certainly doesn't answer all of the questions, but did make me think outside of the box and consider more possibilities.

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I loved this book and I shared it with my mother and niece and they both said and I quote: "It is the best book, I have ever read." (Of course, that doesn't include The Bible, just needed to make that clear!) That comment from my mother alone makes it the best book of 2011 for me.

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Almost gave up on this one. So very glad I didn't. A little over half way I was ready to throw this book, literally. SOOOOO glad I stuck it out. Like anything in this life, the good stuff is worth waiting for. The last quarter of the book is THE best part. This story will mean different things to different people, at different times of your life. This story has a strong message, for those who are willing to open their hearts and minds. To all those skeptics out there, this is NOT theology, it's a story. it's an escape.

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Everybody and their brother told me to read this book. So I ordered it from Powells and they were right. Also I added about 6 new customers to Powells when talking about this book. Good for me and good for you. Thanks

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I didn't not like this book. I am a fan of religious and spiritual books and anything that strengthens my faith, or shows the grace of God, but I didn't even finish this one. Maybe if I had I would have found it to be as amazing as everyone said it was, but, to me it was too childish to go on. I didn't like the story and I thought the characters were corny and underdeveloped. I would not suggest this book. I got about 3/4 way through and maybe I'll go back and finish it and who knows, maybe even change this review, but the first time around I found this to be an unbearable read.

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This book totally rocks! I loved it! I loved the way the writer portrayed the Father,the Son, and the Holy Ghost. It explained so clearly how much God loves us. The story line is great and I loved that it is set in Eastern Oregon! I would give this book an A+. It captures your attention from the start and you don't want to put it down after that.

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A heart rending read of grief and the life possible on the other side of it. I would recommend this book to all who have suffered through the various hurts, habits, and hangups life affords but have decided to look for meaning, or are struggling to look for meaning, in the midst of it all. Pass the kleenex and enjoy! Robert Heath Meeks, LCSW, NBCFCH - Crisis Intervention Counselor Civil Psychological Services

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This captivating story is a MUST read for all. It is written in a simple, straightforward manner; yet leads the reader through deep, insightful passages to a place where one can be at peace with the mysteries presented by organized religion, consummating a truly spiritual connection with our Creator.

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The Shack is a wonderful tale of intrique, sorrow, forgiveness and redemption. It's well-written twists and turns will have you staying up late to read just a little bit more. My all time favorite fiction!

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There hasn't been a book written that doesn't have its detractors. However, it doesn't matter to me nearly as much what inspired the author to write the book as much as how the book affects me. I don't know when I've been so affected by a book. Reading it gave me such a yearning for the spiritual experience described in the story. This is an account that inspires one to continue to search and grow into a deeper personal relationship with one's Creator. It is a keeper!

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I received this book as a gift on a Sunday evening. I started it that evening and became so engrossed that I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep and go to work the next day. The author uses a suspenseful plot that I think most everyday people can relate to, to help a man who is struggling with the aftermath of the kidnapping and horrible death of his young daughter. God steps in to help the man in a most unusual way, challenging both the man and our own preconceived notions about God, religion, spirituality and our own personal journeys on this Earth. I know this book has received criticism from some religious groups, but as a Christian, I found it cut to the essence of what God is and tries to teach us. I could feel myself walking in this man's shoes and relating to him and God in a way that quite frankly, I have not ever been able to do with characters in the Bible. The result is that I feel more open in my conversations with God and have made prayer a greater part of my life. Great book, one that I have been sharing with friends and colleagues.

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This is not only the best book I read this year but EVER... A Wonderful book for Everyone.

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This book will be one that I will always keep and that is a rare breed. Thought provoking, uplifting and tearful at times. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

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A story that starts out kind of sad, but once you get into the story, it REALLY makes a person think! Would recommend it to any book reader. Just pause every once in awhile to think things over. Good Read

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A very unique way of seeing how God wants to relate to us. It is also a great story even if you don't believe in God.

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A thought provoking book that makes you take another look at life and death and the difference between forgiveness and forgetting. A beautiful read that I just could not put down.

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Great for thought and discussion with friends.

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this book forces you to examine your concept of God and how/why He chooses to be involved in our lives. the questions this book raises are profound, especially regarding human suffering. it causes one to ask; "what am I supposed to learn from the experience of suffering, vs why does God allow me to suffer?"

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You'll find your inner self in this book.

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Although not the best written book I have read, its story line is compelling and does much to challenge traditional views about religion.

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This book opened my eyes to the spiritual core of Christ's love. It is a beautiful example of the spiritual basis of Christianity without any of the brokenness of the human religious institution. The book begins in great darkness, but then, on page 80, opens up into a beautiful world of love and forgiveness. If you are not a Christian you should read this before you judge anyone for their beliefs, if you are a Christian you should read this to understand to core of your stated belief system. In Love, David

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Very well written book!

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Awesome book. Really makes you think. Lots of great insights. Well written and captivating story.. and, it takes place in Oregon! What else could you ask for.

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This story is one that brings you face to face with tragedy, loss, longing, depression, seeking God in the midst and the need to find closure. As you read, you become a part of the story with the main character, face his demons and questions with him. You discover much about yourself in reading this story and in the journey he takes into the woods to 'the shack'...it is an amazing story, sad, enlightening and you'll rethink your entire outlook on life, death and God.

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Life changing story! Breaks the bonds of religion and takes you straight to the heart of God's love!!! Buy one for yourself and pass it on to someone you want to bless!!!!!

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A very readable book that presents a plausible interpretation of the Biblical portrayal of God.

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An exceptionally moving, spiritual book. Unless you have the heart of a brick, this book will touch the tenderness inside you like no other. Highly recommended, without a second thought!

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This book accomplished the following: It gave God the Father, Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit identities the reader could relate to and visualize It answered the common question: "Why could God let something this bad happen?" It explained the Blessed Trinity. The mystery becomes clear and believable.

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I was intrigued to have the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - human, and dealing with life's problems.

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This book brought such comfort to my heart - I felt like the author was an instrument of God.

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This was the most amazing book I listened to in the last 10 years. I am very grateful the author shared this story with the world.

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I hate to say this because I know a lot of people who loved this book, but it just didn't cut it for me. I picked up this book because it was compared to the likes of Forgiving Ararat (by Gita Nazareth) and The Lovely Bones (by Alice Sebold). I was a little disappointed. Personally, I would suggest readers to pick up Forgiving Ararat to see for themselves, Nazareth's use of death as a platform of love and forgiveness. Compared to The Shack, I find that Forgiving Ararat was more touching and thought-provoking. Would love to know how other readers feel.

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If you liked "The Shack", try “Forgiving Ararat”, the first novel from Gita Nazareth, a unique and inspiring afterlife adventure! The book’s heroine is Brek Cuttler, a 31-year-old lawyer, wife and mother who happens to be recently deceased. Leaving behind her new baby daughter and her TV reporter husband, Brek suddenly finds herself sitting in a deserted train station, not yet aware of her own passing. She meets Luas, who reveals she has come to a place called Shemaya, the place between life and death, Heaven and Hell. Luas looks like a combination of people she knows; he appears to each soul as they expect or desire to see him. In fact, much of what Brek sees is only because it’s what she wants to see. When she wants, she sees herself dressed in her favorite black silk suit but alternately she’s naked and bloody, three bullet holes in her chest. She can’t remember how she died and won’t until she’s ready. We travel with Brek as she explores Shemaya, a place where all four seasons exist at once, where her long-dead great-grandmother waits with open arms, where God judges arriving souls and decides their eternal fate. Luas tells Brek she is to join his team of elite lawyers, charged with representing souls in the Final Judgment. As she clings desperately to her earthly life, in agony longing for her family, she struggles with her new job in the afterlife. To learn her new trade, she observes the trials of other souls, viewing glimpses of their lives through their own eyes. As she watches their lives unfold, connections form, leading her to solve the mystery of her own death. Meantime, she recalls pivotal moments in her own life; she puts childhood friends “on trial” for crayfish murder, she struggles to accept her parents’ divorce, and she confesses her deepest and darkest secret. And we see it is justice she’s been after since childhood, that’s why she became a lawyer. And it is justice she seeks in death. Religious themes are prevalent throughout the novel, mostly Judeo-Christian with some hints of Buddhism. Raised Catholic, Brek is drawn to Judaism, the religion of her husband. With Brek we visit the Garden of Eden and sway on the deck with Noah. And it is the afterlife after all, so she eats whatever she wants without gaining an ounce, she shops without money, she climbs mountains without breaking a sweat, and she travels to whatever destination she imagines. Well-drawn characters from her life and those she meets after death are woven in adding to the suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author drew me in so deeply, I felt Brek’s emotions as if they were my own. The author creates an image of the afterlife that is altogether beautiful, frightening, gory, inspiring, mysterious, joyful and sad. I think anyone regardless of their beliefs, can gain something from this book. It’s a murder mystery, supernatural thriller and a theological debate all rolled into one. Clever and imaginative, “Forgiving Ararat” is a fulfilling read!

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I guess it is time for someone who did not like this book to steak out, I hated it. First, I'm very spiritual, and found this book the 4 big “S's.”, Silly-Sugary-Syrupy-Stupid. A dumb fairy tale. But fairy tales are for preschoolers, NOT ADULTS! Come on people. Get real! Grow-up! Stop reading fairy tales.

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I agree with the other comment about there being to much theology in some of the comments to Mack from "The Higher Ups" when having conversations. But,aside from that it was a really great eye opener for us who think we're intitled to hold on to grudges and stinkin thinkin, because we have been badly hurt and have earned that RIGHT! I would encourage all to read this book and even recommended it to my husband.

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This was riveting. I could not put it down. I even purchased the audio version so I could listen to it on my drive. If you want a read that moves you to your core, this is it.

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I have in the past practiced the art of forgiveness and asking for forgiveness. This book, The Shack, just brought it all home to me again. If you only read one book this year, read this one and reconnect with the spiritual side of yourself. After reading this book,on a spiritual level I once again forgave all those who have "wronged" me and I asked those I may have wronged for forgiveness as well. It was as though a burden was lifted and I felt so much lighter.

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The Shack is a fiction story that, after a devastating event, takes Mack, the main character into a fantasy-like dream place where he meets God, (or "Papa") the Holy Spirit (or "Sarayu" and Jesus. There he heals, learns from them about the way the world should be and about how he should see the things that happen to him. It is filled with theology, mostly about how to live and his attitudes towards what comes his way. I wish I could say strongly one way or another if I loved or hated it, but to me this book really wasn't either so good I am thrilled by it, or so horrid I want to rag on it. There are some things in it that are a little strange, and for my tastes there was way too much debatage between the characters on different theologies and such. I enjoyed the beginning, the mystery and such, but once he went into the fantasy land...it was just not the same stuff for me. I didn't think the book was written particularly well, but I decided I would forgive that if it made an earth shattering impact on me. As much as I did learn things from the book, it was not life changing the way I had anticipated, and not nearly enough for me to be able to forget even for a minute the just average writing.

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At first I didn't want to read this as a young child is killed. But I'm glad I did. This book shows us God who wants to be in relationship with us and wants us to be in relationship with our fellow humans. I felt very comforted by Mr. Young's vision of God. If God is only a little like this, we will all be okay.

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Young recounts the death of his daughter and process of grief in a poetic and even magical narrative. This tale, set in the great Northwest, will move you to tears as you empathize with this heart broken father, as well as stir within you the need to answer the unanswerable questions about love, life, and ultimately death.

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i haven't read the book yet, but it's been introduced to us by our youth pastor...when i saw it a bookstore i've found it interesting just by reading the introduction...it's an inspiration...finding God, His greatness, His Love in the most difficult times and moments of our life...

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I was intrigued by the premise of The Shack and was willing to go along to see how the concept of god was handled. I was hoping for a non-denominational interpretation, but was sorry to find that this was a totally Christian deity.

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This book is epic adventure on a spiritual scale. The writing is breathless and honest, and you will find many treasures if you dig deep.

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Everyone has asked the questions, "Why me?" and "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" This book answers those questions in such a way that I really felt this was a true story! God must have spoken to this writer in order for him to write in such a beautiful, believeable way! It was so easy picturing God having these conversations! At first I wasn't going to read it because a child is killed, but I'm greatful I did because this book answers those questions above. I need to read the book again and highlight the parts that touched me most and then pass it on to family and friends! If it doesn't touch your heart, you probably don't have one!

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God's nature rivals the imagination. This book helps to solidify that fact!

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This is one of the very few books I can honestly say has changed my life. It is a MUST READ! I can understand why some people might initially be disturb by the characterization of the Trinity. However, I think that is just this type of creativity to help us understand God is personal and loves us more than we can possibly comprehend. My mom wanted me to read it (I'm an adult) and I told her for months "sometime," thinking that I could possibly avoid being pressured to read something. But I regret not reading it sooner. This is a book you don't loan out, but buy all your friends one. You will want to read it again and again to re-experience God. (With kleenex, of course.)

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Young is presenting a refreshing aspect of God which could heal many who deem Him as an old, insensative, judgmental, mean tyrant with a big stick-divorced from our pain and in some cases, causing it. Despite some awkward sentences and obvious theological loopholes, the work is riveting. I love the message of forgiveness which I believe is a universal problem with most people-save and unsaved alike. It is FICTION so that covers the many Biblical misinterpretation, and vastly creative. Young really kicks down our sacred cows in this work. A work of equal value is "A Step Into Deliverance" by Toni Pugh. Its autobiographical content about a pastor's spiritual journey with God is a real page-turner!

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Murder stories fill bookstores. Shocking events jolt readers from page to page. The SHACK and author William Young do more. From the emotion wrenched father of a murdered girl to his encounter with God, you will turn page after page. Young delivers his readers to a new height of perception of God in this fiction but more than fiction tale. Read, think, share and read again. This will imprint on your heart as you make your way along the path of belief and faith.

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I received "The Shack" on Monday, began reading on Tuesday and finished it on Wednesday. I made notes throughout the book and tried to keep reading though my sleepy eyes told me no more Tuesday night. The book is compelling ... compelling enough that I feel I must read it again before I can write a review that can even begin to touch how the book affected me. But, affect me - it did. My Auntie & her best friend told me to read this book ... Auntie described it as "The Bible for the 21st Centry" That could very well be a true statement. It is a novel, a story - but one of much depth. It is touching, compelling, heartwrenching, heartfilling and enlightening. I will be posting a full review after reading it again in a couple of weeks - I plan to let the first reading settle in before I begin again, but I will leave you with one of the most profound statements from the book: True Love Never Forces To all of you - please know that I (from experience) know that statement to be true. If you are able, please purchase The Shack and read and let me know how it made you feel. It is a book that I feel all should read - I am blessed to have read the pages of the tome.

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This book is a 15 on a scale of 0 to 10! Not only does it address how the Trinity (Father, Son/Jesus Christ, & Holy Spirit) uniquely relates with each other, but it creatively, poignantly, and passionately inspires the reader to respond to how much God loves His creation and longs for relationship with us. This book isn't "churchy" in any way (a.k.a. no pat answers) and is a must-read for those on any part of their faith journey.

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I found this book so intriguing, it made me question how I'd been trying to place God in a box. Tears down ideas of religion and builds up God's true feeling about His children, all while spinning a fascinating tale. Quick and easy read, yet perception changing!

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Very good book. It shows God's true nature, as experienced by this man, in a very convincing manner. And God's nature is good and He loves all of his children enormously. God's plan is to redeem everyone without violating anyone's individual will. This book made me want to know God more. And the book made God feel more "knowable".