I personally enjoyed this book. In fact, I could hardly put it down. I disagree with some who said it lacked originality. It couldn't be anymore original in my opinion. It portrayed God in a very unique way while staying Biblically sound. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who has recently lost a loved one or just having a hard time and wondering where God is in the middle of the pain. Even though there are a few theological points I'm not sure about, I love how this book portrays God as being so approachable. The author definitely has a solid revelation of who God is and how much He loves us. Theological soundness and good writing skills aside, the spirit of this book is beautiful and captivating.

This book is so awesome. After I read it, I ordered five more copies to give away to people I love. Every page had something beautiful on it. I'd have to stop and put the book down and just breathe for a minute to absorb what I'd just read. The first few chapters are tragic and difficult to read through, but it gets so much better--it's so much bigger than I'd imagined. This story of pure love is amazing. I truly do wish everyone could read The Shack and get something out of it. If I had more money, I'd buy dozens of copies and share! And I wholly encourage others to do so. Read it and pass it on! It's soooooooo goooooood!

This is one of those can't-put-it-down books. It is fiction, but who can say it can't be true. For me personally, I see God in a new light and will never look at The Trinity the same again. I will recommend this book, and have.

I'm glad others found this book to be profoundly important in their own sense of Christian spirituality, however for me it just didn't work. I found the images of the Holy Trinity and the essence of relationship with God to be too juvenile, too touchy-feely for my taste. I prefer something that challenges my intellect a bit more. The story was far too contrived and predictable. It didn't tug at my heartstrings in any way.

This book was one of the best I have read in a long time. Excellent! A Must read for Christians and 'need-to-be' Christians. A lot of 'food-for-thought' material.

This book is awesome! I'm having my Bible Study group read it this Summer for discussion.

What an emotional roller coaster this book was. This book was hard to put down. It is about a man who is overcome with grief at the loss of his 6-year old daughter. His daughter was kidnapped by a serial killer and brutally murdered. He was already struggling with his relationship with God before this happened and this whole incident really took him over the edge.

Let me just interject, after reading about the abduction of his daughter and the brutality, I found myself wondering how in the WORLD this author was going to make this book have a happy ending...it is after all a Christian book, so I expected a message of hope. My curiosity of how he was going to 'turn this around' motivated me to keep reading albeit some parts were pretty tough to read. He paints a clear picture of what goes through the family's lives and hearts when someone they love is brutally murdered. It helped me emphasize to say the least.

So, anyway, he gets a note in the mailbox from God that says meet me at "The Shack". The 'shack' is where they found the bloodied clothes of his daughter, so he's not sure if this is a joke or for real, but he goes anyway. What he finds is the physical manifestation of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit waiting for him. The dialogue between them all is easy to understand. This dialogue was worth re-reading after I finally find out how he ended this book on a happy note.

Thru the dialogue he has different encounters and emotions with dealing with the death of his daughter, understanding Gods part in all of it and also dealing with buried issues of his childhood. At one point in the book, I started to well up because I was overcome with JOY!!!! I had to close the book to regain composure. This author actually found a way to turn this story into a story of redemption, forgiveness, hope and mercy!! I felt good again.

I do plan on returning to the dialogue and contemplating further the talks they had (God, Jesus, Mack and the Holy Spirit). I immediately gave this book to a friend of mine who had recently lost a close friend to a brutal murder because I thought it would bring comfort.

I feel like anyone dealing with grief, not just grief from a loved one being brutally killed, should read this book. I believe it will bring peace and comfort to their spirit and soul.

The added bonus for me is that I'm from the Portland, OR area living in AZ so it was familiarly 'territory' where it takes place. The author's use of adjectives very definitely describes the scenery exactly as it is.

This book is WORTH THE READ!! I recommend it to anyone who wants to be moved emotionally and spiritually!!!

I think this book is worth supporting to be made into a movie. Not all books are good for movies, this one is.

What some reviews say about the quality of the prose made me want to skip it. But so many of the other reviews object to God the Father being portrayed as female and/or to the Son being a middle eastern man that I decided I had to read it. Get this, self styled theological experts: the Bible and all sound Christian teaching teach that God is neither male or female. Does it offend you when s/he is portrayed as a man? And here's more breaking news: Jesus WAS a middle eastern man and a Hebrew. I can't believe the reviewers who seemed to think this was blasphemous. the 3 stars are just because i havent read it yet

Anyone who believes in God needs to read this book. And you will all wish for a weekend with God, without the tragedy of course. But so much happens in this book that you can't not believe in God. It makes you look inside yourself. It makes you look at your own life. I loved this book.

This is a book that everyone needs to have in their personal library. It is one of the most thought provoking books that I have read. The writing was excellent. It had its way to make you really appreciate things that you take for granted more and take a second look at your spiritual life. Thank you so much for a wonderful book.

This book had a huge impact on my spiritual life! I felt I gained a fresh insight into my Lord and His love for me, and His love for all mankind. The personification of the Trinity for the benefit of the 'hero' in the story was divinely inpired!
It is a hearty, yet refreshing read that truly has the ability to transform perspectives and lives.

Do you ever read something, then enjoy going back and rereading a section several times -- then closing the book and just thinking about those words for a time? I found myself doing this with the last two books I read this week. The Shack's write-up in the NY Times was inviting enough to persuade me to buy it as I was stranded in an airport. Was that ever a wonderful reason to be stranded. It was the perfect prelude to reading Jeffrey B. Allen's newly-released GoneAway -- Into The Land. Absolutely riveting. I am thrilled to introduce this new author to my friends. Check out my review at his site.

Like others have said--this book is a novel! It's a man's compelling fictional account of his conversations with God. Are there things that might not specifically address all attributes of God--of course. But this is not a commentary, not a study book on the trinity--nothing like that. And since we are made in image of God; we don't know how God looks.

I grew up in a legalistic, fundamentalist Baptist church--with lots of rules, but no love. I would much rather my unsaved friends and family meet the God of love, then learn about the rest of Him. READ the stories in the Bible. Many folks came from many different walks of life and situations to meet God. I believe that is what is communicated in this book.

God works in people today, just like in the Old Testament days, Reformation, and any other time. I found some points in this book to touch me and move me--but it doesn't replace my Bible. I think this book points out that we can't "keep God in a box;" that we don't fully understand Him, and we won't know until Heaven. But God created us for personal, loving relationship with Him and that's what he wants us to pursue--to make a difference in His Kingdom!

If you want to know why there is pain, suffering and death in this world, please read Don't Blame God! A Biblical Answer to the Problem of Evil, Sin, and Suffering. If you always wanted to know the truth and thought God was responsible for pain and suffering, then "Don't Blame God" is the book for you. Or you could just read 1 John 5:19.

The author does not address the devil at all. You only need to read your newspaper or watch the evening news to see that the devil is working very hard to destroy this world because he knows his days are numbered.

Is it just me or did anyone take notice that "Sarayu" is a Hindu name of a river that the 7th god of whatever rose from. Extremely interesting that the author would choose a Hindu name for a christian subject. Google it if you don't believe me. On wikipedia it defines it also as "waters from down below" or something like that.

Hell is a figure of speech and not a real place. Sorry fellow Christians. Non-believers will experience the second death, that is, thrown into the lake of fire to perish.

For non-believers who cannot grasp the idea of the trinity, please read One God & One Lord : Reconsidering the Cornerstone of the Christian Faith. This will help you understand that you are correct, there is no "trinity." It is a pagan concept well documented. Believers, you need to do some research and if you really want to know the truth. Seek it and it will be revealed to you.

Don't take my word for any of this, go see what God says about it.

[...]

I had heard rave reviews about this book before reading it and I was NOT disappointed. I love the imagination of this author and his personification of God (Papa, Jesus and Sarayu). This drama filled story does not have a "churchy" feel but encouraged me to see the "person" of God and value, long for, and expect more as I experience our relationship.

Rhonda Bell Holmes is the author of The WORD Diet

Mackenzie Allen Philips married up when Nanette Samuelson said yes over three decades ago in Oregon. They had three boys and two girls. The two older boys have left the nest while Josh remains at home along with the older daughter Kat. The youngest child Missy was abducted four years ago during a family vacation; evidence found in an isolated shack led to the conclusion she was brutally murdered.

Since her death, Mack has lived in a fog state, The Great Sadness as he accuses that Great Interferer God for letting an innocent die. Now during a nasty ice storm while his wife and the two at home kids visit relatives in Washington State, Mack receives a strange letter in the family mail box not delivered by the post office. "Papa" asks him to meet him at THE SHACK. Although his entire essence says to ignore the missive, he heads towards the aptly named Hells Canyon National Recreation Area to confront this Papa and hopefully gain closure; Mack will learn more than he bargained for from Papa who vows to always wipe away the tears as more will occur over the years.

This is an interesting contemporary inspirational tale in which a still grieving father learns the truth about his late daughter and why bad things happen to the innocent. Mack confronts Papa asking him why while Papa responds without the philosophical babble of free will by saying his dead child will be in his heart for eternity. A fabulous twist enhances the plot as Mack learns he used the Great Sadness to repel his family when they need him most. Fans will appreciate this strong character driven tragedy as William Young provides a deep angst laden story line in which Mack and the audience understand God is there for us at our gravest moments when we feel most abandoned to help us through the dark into the light.

Harriet Klausner

The Shack starts a little slow but this is an important part of the full impact of the book. After slowly drawing us in to the main character's deep trauma, we follow along on a journey into an intimate look at God in all three persons of the Trinity. When the journey is over, we come away with an entirely new understanding of God's love, God's mercy and God's deep desire to share life with us. I wept repeatedly but I also laughed loudly at the many astounding insights into relationship with God. The author has stunned me with the depth of revelation this story provides about loving and being loved by God. We see how our wounds are healed, our fears are removed and our anger is turned to forgiveness and love by experiencing God for ourselves. It's fiction, but it reflects the truth as well as anything I have read. Don't miss this chance to spend the weekend with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The more you get into the book the harder it is to put down. Unlike other books, 'The Shack' definately impacts on a personal level.

After asking a pastor about the problem of evil, I was told to read this book. Thanks a lot, pastor. Bit of a cop-out, if you ask me.

But I did read the book yesterday because my husband wanted me to. I hope he didn't have unreasonable expectations of how it would affect me. Though I was raised to be a Christian, I'm not one, and reading this book did not change that.

That said, here's the good news: the ideas in this book, progressive Christian ideas, are looking to be the future of Christianity.

The bad news: well, it's actually the same as the good news. I'm sure there's plenty of other reviews out there about how this book is almost completely anti-Biblical. I think it could even be argued that this book is anti-Christ, at least in the orthodox definition of the word. But if the teachings of Jesus are going to inspire a whole new religion every generation, and I believe that they should, then I am happy about this book and what it may mean for the future of Christianity.

I am sad that so much of the history of Christianity is swept under the mat of "God gave the law to show you how sinful you are" ... which is inaccurate, but unfortunately, it is standard Christian theology. Oh well. I guess the author didn't do away with ALL of the old ideas!

Also, I was hoping Sophia and her trinity would answer, as the main character asked, why God judged and killed so many sinners in the Hebrew Scriptures when that idea of a vengeful God is what's being refuted in The Shack. Sophia evaded that one. I think the correct answer is that all those descriptions of destruction never happened. They are cultural myths of the Hebrews. But I guess the author can hardly say that after claiming that the Garden was a real place and the Fall was a real event.

Finally, I'm not sure how this book explained the problem of evil in the world better than the simple idea that There Is No God.

There is absolutely nothing insightful about this book at all. Everything here has been said or done before. The author even makes tiresome references to "the matrix" and portrays God as large African American woman whose everyday speech includes phrases like "sho' nuff!" The whole story is irritating, and parts of it are outright racist and offensive (Jesus even explains to the protagonist that his unattractiveness is due his Jewish-size nose!). Don't bother with this one -- whether you're Christian or not.

All I can say is that this book promotes Modalism, a heresy denounced in the 3rd Century!. Don't be fooled by this garbage!

I just finished this book and I am at a loss for words. This book was touching, loving, amazing, it brought tears, and laughter, and just really made you think about life. The book is amazing and I recommend that anyone who reads it will be greatly touched!

It's a novel. A novel! And yet it would seem that the only way people want to discuss this book is as some great theological tome or tremendous heresy. While the modern-day Pharisees have debated much on the theological high and low points of The Shack, I'd like to address the other aspects of this NOVEL.

The plot is creative and the set up (the tragedy) is gripping. It leads the reader into the conflict in a believable way.

The pacing seems inconsistent and the editing lacking at times. As the last half of the novel heads into chapters heavy with dialog, the "show not tell" aspects disappear often. And the dialog is a bit obvious at times and borders on cliché.

Mack's character development is predictable. He makes every choice in the same way we'd expect him too. I struggled at times to believe that he was once supposed to be a seminary student. His questions, or more appropriately, the way he framed his questions, left this part of the character's background on a questionable foundation. He was more of a walking church tact, there to set up the lines and arguments so the author could dive into conversation on the topics.

But here's the thing, the three characters (other than the protagonist) that make this book interesting are all gems unto themselves. Theologicaly accurate or not, they are interesting characters. As a reader, I wanted to see what they would do next and I like the quirkiness in them. I'm not sure if it's my Christian background, but I enjoyed this book because of the life I imagined in the Godhead. It wasn't typical or predictable. I didn't feel I had to raise the theological flags because I accepted this was a novel. It was okay if it wasn't exactly Biblical based because most the novels I read aren't. The characters were different and that made the book fun.

If more editing were put into this story, better words and sentence structure were applied, and a little more character put into Mack, The Shack would be worth 4 stars, or maybe even the 5 so many people want to give it. But as a Novel competing in a world of some amazing work, I can only give it 3 stars.

I cannot say that I was blown over upon reading The Shack by William P. Young. I had no difficulty staying grounded in the fact that this is a work of fiction. That said, however, the story of grief, guilt, repentance, redemption and forgiveness is successful in it's goal if it provokes the reader to seek out The Creator to either start or rekindle one's personal relationship with Him. It is especially successful if the reader catches a glimpse of the all-encompassing Love of God.

I read this book during a time of great and deeply painful upheaval in my life, and it inspired me to draw closer to my Savior in my brokenness in stead of drawing away from Him. The story in this book reminded me that God's timing is always perfect, even during the times I don't feel it to be anywhere near perfect. Just as Mack, in the story, learns to "let go" and give his burdens over to Him who can do far exceedingly more than he could have imagined, if this book leads you back to the foot of the cross and to having a deeper relationship and walk with The Savior, then it has done exactly what it set out to do.

This is a powerful story with a lot of symbolism, and I love that, always have. There really is meaning in the pain in our lives, there really is a purpose. There is a book out there called The Greatest White Trash Love Story Ever Told. Seriously, there really is a book called The Greatest White Trash Love Story Ever Told. If you can locate it, same thing, worth reading.

Unfortunately, the Shack is that fatal combination of readability and wrong-headedness. Here is a piece of pulp fantasy used as a vehicle for shallow theology, guaranteed to entertain, but steering any serious reader (if such could stomach the writing style) towards a misguided philosophy.

The book follows the life of Mack, a man who lost his daughter to a serial killer years before. Plagued with guilt, depression (which Young blandly refers to as "The Great Sadness"), and anger with God, Mack one day receives a note from "Papa" inviting him to the shack where his daughter was found. There he steps as through the mirror into a world where he encounters God the Father, Papa, a Black woman, and God the Son, Jesus, as a Middle Eastern man, and God the Spirit, an Asian woman. They each help him process theodicy. Also appears an angelic being named Sophia whose relation to the other three is unclear.

The theological content, primarily consisting of lectures forced into the mouths of two-dimensional characters, is clearly derivative of the late 20th century. It's light and sensitive, but ungrounded and unbiblical. God is largely impotent and tends to feel bad with Mack, but the real issue of theodicy is fundamentally dismissed either with patronizing head-patting or pseudo-intellectual banter. The idea that God the father walks around with scars on his/her wrists was a heresy called Patripassianism which was dismissed in the early centuries of the church. Generally, the book is theologically meandering.

What's good about the book, the reason it's selling, is that it's a very easy read with a provocative premise, that one could meet God in three persons.

What's worst about it is not even the content. One could write the content off as part of the fantasy. What's worst is the dialogue. The characters are all written in the same voice. The arguments coming from each are the same. And I lost count of how many times the characters "chuckle" at each other's not-very-witty comments. WWJD? He would chuckle. He would chuckle a lot. Savior McChucklehead seems to find everything that is said either interesting or ironic. This just continues the sad tradition (a la Brian McLaren) of Christians developing a taste for overtly bad writing.

No need to panic about "false teachings." I would be amazed if anyone were truly influenced by the book. If you're looking for a light summer read, it's fun popcorn.

This book is one of a kind. The writer captivates you from the beginning. I laughed, cried and smiled. The pain of great loss is difused by the love and grace of "papa". The conversations with God are priceless. The words "about" God are real! Looking forward to another book.

I write this review for two simple reasons: 1) I LOVED this book and hope that it is read by as many people as possible and 2) I'm an average, everyday Christian who thinks the hard-core theologians may be losing sight of the beauty within this story. First thing to remember...the book is FICTION. No, it can't replace the Bible and should not be a person's only source for understanding the depth of God and the Trinity. However, if it opens the eyes, mind or heart of just one person I've recommended it to and encourages them to trust in the personal relationship that is possible with God - then AMEN! The comfortable, down-to-earth method in which Young portrays the members of the Trinity reaches out to those of us who, despite a strong faith, still find ourselves confused sometimes by God's power, intentions and messages. The Shack provided me with many "ah-ha" moments and deepened my confidence in God as our ultimate protector ~ and yet reminded me that seeking a personal, friendly relationship with "Him" will allow me that confidence always.

I had not heard of this book until a month or so ago. A dear friend recommended it. Thankfully, I did not have any pre-conceived notions of the story I was about the experience. I hadn't read reviews or asked a lot of questions, yet, something compelled me to pick up this book and I am so thankful I did. Growing up in church, I had a very stiff picture of the love of the Lord. My sin was a larger topic of discussion then the unconditional love of the Lord for me as His child. Grace and mercy were discussed more as a formality then a part of the persona of God. While I questioned parts of The Shack, it blew my heart and mind wide open to dig deeper and look at how God loves me in a very different way then what I had ever known before. It is about passion, grace, mercy, redemption and love. Whether you agree with every premis of the book or not - really does not matter - it opens the door to challenge you to think about God & your personal relationships in a way you may not have before. It will encourage you to think about your past, mistakes you have made, guilt you may be living with and help you to learn how to forgive youself and others - and finally lift the burdens you may be living under. Lastly, it sparks discussion that will only push you to learn more about you own personal faith and what you believe.

The Shack is a wonderful view of how the Trinity is working in our life. It helps us to invision how we think of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amazing! The heart and character of the God I'm so deeply in love with is truly revealed in this heart wrenching but deeply healing story. Young dives into the greatest ugliness of evil and sin that invades our lives and honestly admits the anger and confusion that it produces towards the Creator. He doesn't excuse it or condemn it but simply shows it's reality and then slowly and patiently deals with that pain of the heart with the love and compassion of the Father without in any way minimizing his sovereignty. The pictures painted of the relational character of our God are fascinating and powerful. He doesn't give pat answer where there isn't any or try to paint the picture of a God that will 'fix' all our problems instantly. He deals with some very difficult theological questions through a parable based on real life issues. At the same time he lets us know that God does at times meet us in miraculous ways in order to reveal himself to us as he really is. 'Papa' did this for me and my experience, though totally my own, is as real as all the other experiences of my life. He will appear to us as we need to see him. I will be handing this book out to all those around me who struggle with seeing the loving heart of God. -a lover of Jesus

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time - very inspirational and enlightening - truly a must read. I recommend this book very very highly.

When I began reading this marvelous book, "The Shack," thoughts of one of my favorite books came to my mind, "Illusions" by Richard Bach. I knew the book was fiction with a hint of wondering if it just might be a true story. As I settled in for a long reading day, I was engulfed with a sense of knowing I was about to begin a journey, a spiritual journey. I was not disappointed.......
Since I am also a writer and author, of course I automatically started-up my internal 'editing machine,' but soon found myself reading past any minor errors in grammar (which were very few!) to become entrapped within a story fresh from the heart. My senses were touched with a compassion for Mack in a way I remembered I had felt towards Richard when devouring "Illusions."
William Young brings a sense of excitement and wonder to a disturbing incident which touches the soul. His writing flows with sights and sound and smells that ripple and twist the heart making you believe what you are reading is unfolding with each word. "The Shack" will be held as another Enlightenment book which brings those who read it an acknowledgment of Something More.
Dr. Barbara Sinor, Author of An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Souland Gifts From The Child Within: Self-discovery and Self-recovery Through Re-Creation Therapy, 2nd Edition

Best book I've come across in ages. I will grab your heart and never let go. A must read.

This is the best book on the Trinity and on relationship that I've ever read. The depth of the story has impacted my life forever. The story line is riveting and this one will be read over and over again.

I read an article about the book, and despite my reservations about the hype, I purchased the work as soon as I could and was able to read it in a few sittings.

I gathered the book would be controversial as is any religious themed book that attempts to fly in the face of conventional wisdom/practice. For that reason, one has to discount the comments of any self professed institutional religious since ,in the book, they are dismissed as somewhat irrelevant or just plain wrong.

The book is incredibly thought provoking. The writer's style is a bit annoying and the main character never really progresses past the "idiot" stage, which is disappointing. You want the lead guy to really "get it" and he takes a bit long to achieve progress

I would recommend this book to anyone of any faith, simply because it is thought provoking and it makes marvelous sense. Close minded reviewers will be offended as will bigots (racist, anti feminist especially.)

I cannot say I agree with everything, but the simple common sense, the marvelous story and the theological concepts certainly make the book a terrific read. Since ,as the book argues, that humans really have screwed things up and really cannot "know", I would not let the naysayers dissuade you about this book. Person of faith or not, christian or not, give the book a try. Definitely worth the time and thought

This is a must read if you what to have a wonderful perspective on what an awesome God we have. It will truly touch your heart and change your perspective on the way you view God and life.

It certainly gives you a different perspective on God. It makes you stop and think.

This book will change almost everything you think about God, Christianity, and life itself. The love of God pours out to you in a way that can only be experienced, as you read and reread this book. It is a book that you will not want to loan out your only copy. You will need it for reference.

This was one of the best books I've have read in a long time. This book gives you alot to think about. It gives you a better understanding about God.

Many attempt to gain a better understanding of God, themselves, themselves in God and God in them through the means of theological study. An individual intent on pursuing the subject quickly realizes that the depth and breadth of concepts covered by theologians throughout the ages is both very deep and very broad. What might have been widely accepted as accurate interpretation and realization in one age will be refuted and branded border-line heretical in the next; perhaps, accepted as partially true or that which has laid the foundation for accurate thought in an even latter generation. However, it might be easiest to notice that no one theologian has ever been accused of being infallibly correct. That is, none other than The Theologian. This being the case, all theological works, studies, and ideas should always be weighed against the Doctrine. Interpretations will be made and inductive leaps of faith will be taken by theologians in an attempt to explain the incomprehensible. The fact remains, however, that there is much that will not and could not now be comprehended.

All of this being said; read the Bible. Read the works of the multitude of brilliant theologians throughout the ages that are still readily available. Assess the value of theological works only within the context of the Doctrine, and in this way, read perceptively. Read The Shack. As with so many works of theology, it will do much more good than harm as long as it can be digested in its appropriate context. It really is a wonderful work about human struggles with seemingly unbearable pain, apparent desolation, and infinite love.

Can God prevent tragedy?
No ... well, yes ... sorta ... puny humans like you wouldn't understand so stop asking and get in a relationship already!!!

I came to this book with high expectations since two different people, both of whom I respect, raved about it. I heard the general premise and thought that I'd finally have a new perspective (even a post-modern perspective) on the age-old question posed above. What I got was the answer above.

After 2000 years, you'd think we God-believers and Jesus-followers would have clearer answers. Thanks to this book, the water is muddier than ever. If you're going to rearrange who God "really is", why not give a new answer? If you're going to ditch most of orthodox Christian theology, why not make some imporovements?

Same question, same answer, new packaging. Mix in some rotten serial killing of a sweet girl and you have a book that we all could have done without.

This book is by far the best fiction read I've ever read. It didn't feel like fiction at all. This author truly has a gift to pen the love and grace of God in such a way that relates to everyone. You'll be able to relate this story to your own life tragedies, need for forgiveness and times of self doubt. The author does a tremendous job of clearly explaining that God is a verb - always in action in our lives. I bought another copy and gave it to a co-worker before I was even half way done with the book! This book will change your life!

Ever now and then in life, the world surprises you and you get an amazing gift. "The Shack" is a golden gift wrapped in love. Young is willing to address tough issues in a new way, because he knows the healing that happened deep within himself is real. He has seen our amazing Creator with new eyes and has felt his love in a wonderful way. I don't know Young, but I recognize the healing and love he talks about, because I have felt it in my life over the past few years after receiving life-threatening injuries that have life-long effects. I could not live with the belief that my Creator wants me -or anyone- to suffer, even for a 'good' reason, so I searched for truth - in nature (can't get much closer to the Creator than being in his creation) in scripture and with counseling. With time, God's spirit showed me some truths I had been missing. It was priceless to read similar thoughts in Young's excellent writing!

BTW ... words have been spoken to the fact that God is spirit, not person for centuries -- but yet most humans see God as a male and are offended when God is displayed as anything else. Male and female are both created in God's image, so what is it about thinking of God as a woman that scares you?

The first three chapter were riviting.
I got through chapter eight before throwing it away. It made me phycally sick to go on reading it. It is a book of blasphemy, It concerns me that Christians cannot discern this.

Off to explore how various religions/churches conduct their bible studies.. so far three different countries, seven different cities and five different religions. Been at it a few decades...Most of them are dreadful, yet in the great unchurched Northwest of USA where less then 12 percent go to any type of church except to be married or be buried, I discovered gold. It all started when attending a study at St. Mary Episcopal in Lakewood-Tacoma, at the end, the Rector Carola declared how we must end on time as..today she must finish her copy of The Shack for a retreat.

"Have you read it ?", She asked. "Never even heard of it" , I answered. At home, I read some of the reviews. Oh come on now,I thought...no book can be that good.

By 1pm, a few hours after the rector asking, I had purchased it and by this evening I finished the book by William P. Young. It exceeds all that I read about it. Yes, it is that good! Thanks, Rector Carola+ The Bible Study Guru- Errol D. Alexander

a moving novel that stays with you long after the final page. recommended for everyone.

This book is simply amazing and wonderful. It is a must read, and is extremely Powerful Spiritually. Very thought provoking. I would recommend the world read this book. The Power is all within us. Thank You William Young for having the courage to speak through this book.

This is the best book I have read in a while. It is a must read and one that you will want to read again. I first got this book in softcover and after reading it ordered a hardcover copy to keep in my collection. I use the other one to lend to friends. This book helps give a greater understanding to how awesome our God is and how is helps us when we don't even realize. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit what a trio they are and we can't do without any of them. Amen

One of the best books I have ever read. It will change the way you think of God, in a great way!