The book came in very good shape and I am very pleased with Amazon.
The book is a very good read with a new perspective.

What? Only 5 stars are available to rate this book? It is life - changing, helping the reader to climb over that great big wall standing between him/her and God. And that wall may be different for every reader. The Shack is also the best overall explanation of the Holy Trinity I've ever read.

The Shack is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It's story is captivating from page one and you will not want to put it down. There is so much "food for thought" that I couldn't wait to discuss it with a friend who recommended it to me. It will generate much reflection and soul-searching.

Some family members recommended this book to me and i was expecting some sort of theology that would legitimize some Christian beliefs and was excited for the read. Instead I painfully work my way through a book that is poorly written but offers infuriatingly illogical, inane and childish explanations regarding theological questions. This book should scare any intelligent person away from Christianity and will reinforce the stereotype that "Christians are goofy."

I am what you would call a 'fundamental born-again Christian' in that I believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. So, to read 'The Shack' was revolutionary in that I did not take this work of fiction as doctrine or Gospel but for what it was written for and that was to show how the Trinune God relates to us and how we should relate to Him and each other in a 'relationship' of LOVE.

I see persons disturbed by the sex pervert who murdered Missy and that the book said that she was brave etc. throughout the ordeal. However, I believe that even though physical pain was inflicted on her and unspeakable actions done to this baby, The Holy Spirit being with her would have taken the sting out of the pain. I cannot imagine how else to describe it but I believe that the HS is with us and no matter what we go through He is present, good or bad. We just need to open our hearts and minds to receive from Him and allow the cleasning of His love to fill us and nullify the effects of sin as it was done for Jesus when He won the battle over death and the grave.

I just love this book and have recommended it to many of my friends, especially those who are mature Christians that will not use this book as a subsitute for the bible, the Living Word of God.

This is a very good modern re-telling of the story of Job. It appeals to Christians and non Christians alike...inspirational story of lght shining through the darkness.

this description of the trilogy we call GOD opened my eyes and heart. It helped me understand so much. I bought 4 copies plus a fifth on my kindle. I feel a 100 times closer to GOD now.

In a lonely shack in Oregon, evidence is found relating to the disappearance and possible murder of Missy Philips. Her father, Mackenzie Phillips, receives a note from God (allegedly) inviting him to the shack. Within this shack, Mackenzie encounters God; and in doing so his life is changed forever.

Unlike many other similar books, this one is well written and isn't full of cliché's as you'd expect. It's an intriguing and persuasive book and definitely worth reading, even if you are not religious. Unlike other `God speaks to man' books, such as Conversations with God, which portrays a true life `encounter' with God, and really tackles philosophical questions, this book is a fictional piece of work - however, the prevalent feeling you get is of a God who is forgiven, who speaks of redemption and fulfillment. It's not a sermon, nor an accurate discussion of the Bible, but more a thought provoking book that comments on man's inner struggles, particularly under stress - it tackles tough issues that often arise from tragedy, and while not providing any answers, gives us enough to form our own opinions.

Many will say that this isn't particularly well written, and the subject is a little tentative, but somehow it has entered the hearts of millions of people, and touched them in a deep and profound way. It may not change anyone's views of God and religion, but it will definitely make a lot of people think about life in a subtly different way.

If you read one book this year, make it this one.

The Shack ultimately presented a life changing concept which cut through the disparities of "religion" and through a fictional story of tragedy, puts one into a wonderful realization of God's detailed intimate personal care for each one. Imagine fishing with Jesus, the black woman God packing your lunch and working and talking in a garden with the Holy Spirit. Shared the book x 3 already.

Great book, starts out a little sad but it's worth it in the end. A different way to think about God that hits closer to home. Helps one to think of God "outside the box".

This is a book that can open one's mind to the thoughts and images of God and the Trinity. Some of the reading can be emotional, but it all ties together.
This is a great book for a private reading, or a discussion group, and maybe even a Sermon series.

I'm sure when Mr. Young sat down to write this book; it was a journey for him. No one can doubt some of his intentions, however, tact and direction is a debatable. The fictional (as stated by Mr. Young) story of a man so broken by his daughters abduction is powerful enough in concept to grab any reader by the heart. However, reading The Shack, I was struck by the blatant theological errors in his portrayal of the Trinity. Although he has hidden his explanation of this behind the veil that this is a piece of fiction, it does not hide the fact that although Mr. Young has a foundation in religious missionary work, it is unbiblical in many descriptions and statements. This book is dangerous to someone who has a limited knowledge of the Bible. Although a portion the underlying thesis to this story is the power of God's love, (no one can argue that) it does nothing but tickle the emotions. It begins with a great direction but fizzes into fluff and puff and all things warm and sweet only to fizzle to a predictable happy ending.

One positive aspect of this book is that if forces the reader to discern the junk from the valid points. If any reader cannot do that, they shouldn't be reading this book. The descriptive language of this piece is in some places beautiful. Mr. Young has successfully captured the beauty of the locations in the story.

THe Shack by William Young is a novel about a man spending a weekend with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
It miraculously escapes the maudlin and covers deep theological ideas is an interesting way.
I feel it is a MUST read.

I gave THE SHACK five stars - not because I agree with every word it contains, but because it is a book that makes the reader think. Some have given it 5 stars and enthused about the wonderful things it says. Some have given it 1 star and bemoaned all the terrible things it says. (And I saw errors of logic in both sorts) The important thing is that I saw few, if any, reviews that landed somewhere in the middle; therein lies the value of the book.
I normally gravitate toward science fantasy and psychological mystery - but this book caught my eye at the library, and I'm glad that I succumbed to impulse and checked it out. It kept me fully engaged, and I found myself wanting to discuss it with other folks.....another plus, to my way of thinking. The art of conversation is in as much trouble as the art of thinking, these days.
I consider this book such an effective catalyst to the thinking process, that I purchased 40 copies and distributed them to friends and family. Now I'm sure to have someone to discuss it with.
Yes - if the reader is fully immersed or entrenched in a particular religious/theological concept, some faulty logic may occur. But the thinking will occur nonetheless. And Lord knows, if nothing else, in these days we are in need of practice in the area of thinking for oneself.

This has to be the most surprising book I have ever read. Pleasantly surprising. When I heard about the main theme of the story (little Missy) and what happened to her, I just cringed and could not imagine any type of a good ending. Surprise, Surprise! This is the most awesome, beautiful book I have read in my entire life. I am recommending it to everyone I talk to and have even purchased a copy to give away. The copy has already passed through several readers hands and is moving on. I believe the message in this most wonderful book is spreading like wildfire!! If Amazon allowed a ten star review, it would not be enough. Loved it.

I read this book and immediately began to underline portions and mark pages with a type of post it note. I was deeply moved and finally after years of struggling with my own concept of God felt that Young described exactly how I percieve God. It doesn't even matter if you believe in Jesus as your savior or the trinity. This book simply presents God as the all loving entity I've always believed in. It was total confirmation for me!!

I purchased the Shack for a book study at my church. Had great expectations about the book, after reading so many commentaries.

Personally, I found it too slow in describing the circumstances leading to the main situation, to the point that I found myself flipping pages out of boredom.

When finally, we entered into the encounter with the Holy Trinity, the characters were taken way out of any preconception, finding it truly ridiculous.

Could not agree with the author's interpretation and decided to put a stop to the reading.

Many people in my group had similar experiences.

There are many good books out there to spend my time considering the "personal views" of this book

(big spoilers herein)

In this story, a man gets past the grief he feels after a tremendous tragedy by spending a few days with a physical personification of God. Neat!

As of this writing, some bad things are happening to me. I understand I'm supposed to believe that in spite of this, God loves me as much as He loves the dude in this story. But the dude in the story only gets over his trouble once God meets up with him in the most literal, physical way possible, and directly speaks with him and hugs him and counsels him. Well, maybe God has met with me and I didn't notice it etc. But He definitely hasn't met with me in the most literal, physical way possible--so I guess it makes sense for me to go on not caring about Him, right? I don't think that's really the Christian view, though, and I doubt that William P. Young wants me to use this book as a justification to go through the rest of my life being disinterested in God. So... WHY should I have faith in God, when my weekend with Him is, by all appearances, not on the calendar? Well you're not supposed to think about that I guess. Not in Young's view, anyway.

Through a lot of the early part of this story, I perceived a build-up toward an important communication between God and the protagonist: The guy's daughter was probably tortured to death for no apparent reason, and the guy had suffered over this himself for a long time, and he needed to find out why God would let that happen, or make it happen. I was a little bit excited, even, to learn what answer would be given to this important question! As the story progressed, the dad got to see his daughter being happy in the afterlife, and even to feel her contentment with the state of things. He got to argue his piece with various incarnations of the ostensible Almighty, and he eventually even got to find and bury her previously hidden body. These events weren't really God's answer to the question, but they made up most of God's response to it, and that seemed to be good enough for the distraught dad. It seemed to me that maybe Young wouldn't even try to give an answer--how tricky of him! But in a few little bits that didn't receive much emphasis, his answer did come through: Evil exists because there's some cosmic balance that prevents good from existing alone. And even God cannot get around this balance. Sooo God isn't all-powerful. Well, what are the limits of God's power, then? If God has limits, is there something greater than God? What kind of a person gets a chance to ask God herself (OR HIMSELF DON'T FREAK OUT) this question, and then doesn't? Somebody who accepts that you're not supposed to think about it, that's who! But... if he truly accepts that faith is superior to reason, then why, at the start of the story, was he having so much trouble believing God had a higher purpose in letting his daughter die? I don't think you're supposed to think about that either. :(

Young says right in the foreword to The Shack (in the voice of the protagonist) that if you don't like this book, then it wasn't written for you. In this way he suggests that criticism itself doesn't matter, if it's made by people who think about things. You're not supposed to think, and people who like to think, well... does God love them too? Presumably He does, at least to the extent that He exists and behaves as the Christians say He does. Is that healthy, for people to be pushed away from an account of how God's love can heal a wounded person, just because they're smart and they think about things? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But you're not supposed to think about that.

If you think you're supposed to think about all these things, and you still somehow like this book, then I think you're missing the book's point! Good thing I don't have a God to sic on you. You might want to send yours after me, though. But good luck with that--for all you know, I just might be the Keeper of the Cosmic Balance. For all you know, I have the power to get rid of your god! It's not like you've thoroughly thought the matter through. Better be nice to me! And to yourself and everyone else, while you're at it. :)

While it is almost tempting to succumb to the hyper-romanticism of this work, it is merely one man's vision of a tri-partite god that has little, if anything, in common with the New Testament version. This book represents a mealy-mouthed insincere accounting of a God that had been seen as an old white man with a long white beard and now is visualized as an ample black woman, together with Jesus, a carpenter with an ugly semitic nose and an elfin creature who, I suppose, represents the Holy Spirit. These 3, we are told, love us, all of us, and forgive us our sins, whatever they are. Maybe so. As a practicing Christian I am offended by the slickness that abounds here, and recommend against allowing young people to read it.

Although the story about the daughter is sweet, the theological stance is pure new-age "God is love" Oprah gibberish attempting to appear profound. No wonder so many people love it-- it relieves the guilt of merely professing a belief in God/Christ without doing anything about it.

This was an awesome buy! The book was in excellent condition and the price was right. The book is a fantastic read. I highly recommend it.

It was a strange story and I'm not sure that I enjoyed reading the book. I will probably not run to buy another book by The Shacks author. I do not read much fiction and this book is the reason why, it was like "are you kidding me".

I love this book! It is a beautiful picture of God's plan of redemption of evil and his desire for relationship with the people he's created. I have read this book several times and I am blown away each time I read it.

about this book.
A friend loaned me the book and I was anxious to read it. She is a very spiritual and born again friend. She thought it excellent. Another friend, who I consider such a wonderful person, had read it also and applauded it. She had lost her child through illness when he was a toddler. Another special friend said she was aghast at the book and disgustedly abandoned it, not even half way thru. Obviously, this book has gotten some very widespread attention and approval.
Recently, there has been much grief in my community regarding the loss of precious children's lives in a horrific accident.
My heart was open.
I wanted to embrace this book's message, I wanted to spiritually grow, and believe stronger.
To begin with, the book is not very well written, and at times, is a bit elementary in its storytelling. It does have, however, some very important messages to grasp.
The Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are represented via some very colorful characters.
There is a lot of descriptive grandoise about food, and gardens and lights, and beauty and on and on.
Amid all of this is a lot of words.
Some of the words are full of spiritual wisdom, some are just not of any real import and I wanted to just glean over them quickly.
I do believe that if I were in the terrible sadness of losing a child to violence, or accident, or illness, this book might comfort me at the right time.
I believe that this book attempts to be a vehicle to restore faith...it is a strange book in many regards.
Yet, there is a message.
There is a section that speaks of 'judgment' and it is difficult for me to 'judge' this book ... so if I could .... I would give it two and one-half stars to meet it at least half way...
There is no half way in stars in personal reviews, so it is three...three stars to open paths for the right person at the right time.

If you would like to experience what a visit with the Triune (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit) would be like, you must read this. It is fiction, but I could see it being a true encounter. If you have gone through tragedies or people who have hurt you and you need to forgive, this is definitely an eye-opener. I read it so fast so I plan on reading it again. You will not want to put this book down. I do believe the author was definitely inspired by God when he wrote this.

This book gives the reader a totally different perspective and look into the love and heart of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Without giving a lot away, I can tell you, that it can touch your heart on so many levels, if you open your heart and allow that. It can be a bit confusing and conflicting at times, but when it comes together, you can't deny that it is truly an inspiration!

First let me say I did read the reviews on this book before I purchased it, unfortunately I didnt pay enough attention to the lower ratings and listen to the rave reviews. The story itself starts off well and captures your attention. It really starts to fall apart after he finally goes to the shack and meets God, the Son of God, and the Holy Ghost. I got it that the author was trying to tell us they were just like us by the "human forms" they took. I know there was a message there somewhere that might have been enlightening. Unfortunately the lessons were trite, and irrating and although I finish most books I read (especially when I make it over half way through) I couldn't finish this book. I reached a point where I couldn't stand to waste another minute of my life reading this book. Obviously there is an audience out there for this type of stuff, however for some of us it is not worth our time.

The Shack is neither a Christian novel, nor was it written by a Christian author. This feel-good tale is a modern manifestation of the third century false doctrine of Universalism, where "God," as we perceive him/her/it, is only love and is totally constrained by it, thus incapable of being offended by sins, and judging sinners, fallen angels, or even satan himself. All who have consciously rejected this god in life will joyfully be reconciled to him at death in eternity. This book is a powerful deception for any who are ignorant of the most basic message of the Scriptures, that our true, triune God is not only love, but He is also our judge. He (not she) sent His Son incarnate as the perfect, sinless man Jesus, who took upon Himself our sins and His own prescribed punishment of death on the cross. He rose again on the third day and He will return to vanquish, judge, and condemn all who have despised His gracious offer of salvation. The book of Revelation plainly states that the condemned and satan will be forever consigned to the lake of fire. Any who earnestly seek God and a genuine relationship with Him, will find Him through reading His Word and through prayer, assisted by His Holy Spirit, not in this deceitful, blasphemous story conceived by satan and ghostwritten by Mr. Young.

Gosh one doesn't know where to start with this piece o work. Yes, it is just a fictional novel. And that wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that it has been completely embraced by so many so-called Christian organizations, churches, and denominations. When it is so embraced by "God-believing" people, then those who are biblically illiterate don't know the difference, and are easily lead down the wrong path.

Young is clearly a gifted writer. But while reading I kept wondering what the heck ever happened to him in his life, that he would feel the need to malign and blasphemy God so badly. Nearly from front cover to last page, heresy abounds. It mocks God, Jesus, and the Trinity, and gives the reader a false picture of who God and His Son really are. and those who don't know better, walk away from this book falsely thinking they are closer to God, and know Him better. Poppycock!

Young, and those "christian" organizations that are promoting this book, will be held responsible for those that are lead astray by this piece of work. Young has sealed his own fate.

In closing, for those of you earnestly seaking God, the TRUE God, stay away from this, and just pick up your bible. If you pray to God for discernment and understanding, He will give it to you. Nobody needs Young filling up their ears with his new age story telling.

The Shack is a story about the abduction and killing of a 6-year old girl named Missy from a campground in Oregon. It's used to deliver a hard core theology lesson where themes of faith, forgiveness and relationship are discussed. The story is framed by a supernatural visit with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the trinity of beings associated with Christianity. However, Young does not embrace any particular religion or Christian sect. Refreshingly, Young personifies God as a large African American woman, Elousia. Jesus is presented as a Jewish laborer with a big nose. And the Holy Spirit comes to us as a small Asian woman, Sarayu.

Missy's father, Mack, is the teller of the story. He's been suffering "the great sadness" ever since Missy disappeared. Several years after her death, Mack receives a letter in his mailbox from "Papa," the term used by Mack's family for God. Papa invites Mack to re-visit the shack where Missy was killed. The shack symbolizes Mack's pain, and his visit to the shack symbolizes his willingness to be healed by coming to God, reconnecting with Him, and by seeing the situation from a new and uplifted perspective.

The primary reason The Shack didn't 100% appeal to me is because of Young's inconsistent and confusing message about God and love. On the one hand, he comes on strong that God is love and God does not judge. And on the other hand, he presents us with a limited version of God who is capable of anger. Anger, of course, is a form of judgement, attack and separation. "There is a lot to be mad about in the mess my kids have made and the mess they're in. I don't like a lot of the choices they make, but that anger -- especially from me -- is an expression of love all the same." An uncompromising, unconditional awareness of love would be more powerful, more logical and more convincing than this watered down version of love where anger is sometimes okay and justified by our creator.

Another turnoff is the fact that The Shack is predictable. By the time you read the first 30 pages, you can figure out how it's going to end. That said, it's an easy read, and Young tells a tight, well-constructed story that holds your interest. He really should have edited out the hokey walking on water scenes with Jesus, though. The Shack will appeal to those who want to hear a mostly familiar Christian message from a fresh, new voice. It's highly recommended to any parent who lost a child through abduction, murder or manslaughter.

I was really looking forward to reading this book, after the glowing reviews it has been given. The first half of the book kept my interest and was easy reading. However, mid-way through, it began to lose its shine, when Mack returns to the Shack and has his encounter with God. I'm not a regular churchgoer, but the personifications of God & Jesus in the book were just too bizarre for me to enjoy. To be honest, I had to force myself to finish this book, hoping it would get better. Bottom line: wasn't unreadable, but I was very disappointed.

This is an incredible story about someone in pain who is seeking a deeper relationship God and discovers that God can be who ever he (or she) wants to be. It is well written and a very fast read. Sometimes the tears of joy make reading a little difficult and facial muscles hurt from smiling but those minor inconveniences are overwhelmed by the power of this book. Christians who put God in a box and create God in their image rather than the other way around might have a problem with the portrayal of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit but I suggest that even they give it a try. If you believe that God is Love (See 1 John 4:7-21) but sometime struggle finding God's Incarnate Love in the real world, this is a book you shouldn't miss reading. I have purchased copies for people struggling with serious life issues and hope it helps them make some sense about this world which is so full of pain, anger and sorrow. I would love to see it made into a movie. In the mean time, I think I'll read it again!

Deacon Warren A. (Ed) Dorsch
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

I can't say enough about this book! I've read it myself (several times) & purchased numerous others to give away - before the Shack, I've never read a book that I felt compelled to purchase & share w/ others. It's a must read if you've been hurt in someway in your life... ok that's EVERYONE. It's especially for those of us who have believed the lies either through heartache or what others have told us about WHO God really is. Paul has blown every possible religious scenario out of the water to reveal a PAPA who loves YOU dearly. He introduces us to a Loving, NON-judgmental PAPA who gives us a CHOICE to love Him w/out force! Like Mack (the main character in the Shack), you to can meet PAPA & learn about relationship (not religion) & love unconditional... Now that's freedom!!!

I enjoyed this book very much. Not for facts regarding God, as it is fiction, but because it makes me want to research the Bible for the Truth. There are some identifying factors in the conversations with Papa that just made me go, "Yes, I understand and have always thought that", and therefore only strengthens my belief in God, not the Institution of God. Read this book because you are curious and want to make up your own mind, not because you want to believe it is Gospel.

I'll have to admit I was a little leery of this book at first, even up to the time Mack first encounters the bizarre, unlikely trio at the shack. But lo and behold, I wasn't too much further into the book before this "unlikely trio" won me over, and I couldn't stop reading.

"The Shack" is a totally engaging, many-layered story that can't fail to leave a profound impression, no matter what a reader's religious beliefs. It's no wonder so many have been deeply moved by this surprisingly engaging story, with its powerful message of healing and forgiveness.

Sarah Bruce Kelly
Author of THE RED PRIEST'S ANNINA

What a sham. Too much hype. I bought the book based on wht people said about it, and was very disappointed. In fact, I didn't even finish reading it. The author has just found a new way to make money from all the sad, lonely and searching people. I am NOT a hardened, cynical person, and I like to read inspirational books. But this one was a major disappointment to me.

I believe, yes, I believe. Never hold it past God to address us in some way that we are able to receive. I have had it happen to me. God meets us right where we are.
It is understandable that some who have not had a previous relationship with God would shake their head at the story line in The Shack. That is due to a certain breakdown of faith which is essential in understanding the story line in this book. Yet, once understood and accepted, the joy known to the believer, and the reader, is wonderful and fulfilling. God is great! - Liberating! - Full of life and gives joy to all who will believe. I believe, yes, I believe. I, too, have been met by God in the most unusual of ways in the most dire consequence. This is how God works.... in avenues of love.

I was not told what The Shack was about for a reason. I am a literary agent. My neighbor knows I am a critical reader. All she said was that it was "life changing".
I have always believed in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit but I had "boxed" Him into a catagory, which can not be done.
Mac's attitude reflected my own but on a different level.
Unforgiveness can be subtle or outrageous but either way it hinders your ability to "come ny" to Him fully. Forgive and release yourself from bondage. Do not be a slave to the devil and his lies.
Elouisa, Jesus, and Sarayu will forever be my names for Them.
I had a family friend who was the spitting image of Elouisa and boy, could she make some bisquits. I always felt safe and loved around her. Daisey.
Jesus has always been my hero. No man on earth could ever match His love, strength, or bravery.
Sarayu means "wind". The day after I finished reading The Shack, I was walking under our live oaks and the wind was singing through the branches. I realized that He is the wind we breathe. From conception on, we are filled with His life, His breath. When we die, we take our last breath of air through this body and we release His spirit. It all made sense in that moment of realization given to me by Him.
Listen for His voice. It comes when you allow yourself to hear it. He speaks to us all the time but most of the time we have the "volume" turned down or our "noise pollution" turned up.
Read The Shack and know He will find a way to get to you. Be ready.

I found this book to be sly, glib and crackpot. Similar to The Celestine Prophecies, it's a very poorly written frame story for unwieldy and bankrupt spiritualism. This is emphatically not a 'Christian' text. This is pop theology with enough christian-seeming symbolism to be choked down by readers who feel the feelings of the silly story without thinking through the implications of the text. It's a feel good book with terrible implications. I couldn't even give my copy away or share it with another person in good conscience. I turned mine back in for an immediate refund.

This is a book that must be read with an open mind. Unfortunatly, so many of us think we have God figured out. This book changed my life. I read it about 4 months ago and am still thinking through some of the things I read. It is a book to read prayerfully and with much thought and meditation.

The Shack either provokes praise or condemnation. It merits praise. In a long conversation with a friend, he shared that this book had allowed him to come to grips with an old, deep hurt. The great virtue of the Shack is that it is a gift to anyone who has been bitterly wounded at some point in life. It is remarkable guide to any reader trying to find a path out of a maze of personal grief or loss. It does not sugar coat its remedies nor does it attempt to minimize our tragedies. It embraces hope rather than curse the darkness.

If you are one of those who asks why God allows bad things to happen....read this book. If you want a more personal feel about your relationship with God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit, read this book. If you want to be moved to tears, shaken in the truth of human misconceptions, read this book. Then, read it again. I ended up buying 4 more and gave them away....I wont part with my copy. Some will say its not biblical, so they didnt "approve"....but, thats not the point. Its fiction with such a commonality of purpose to appeal to all who question that it goes far beyond one who is looking for a biblical leaning. The biggest messages to me are what a personal relationship with God is, what love can do, forgiveness, healing and peace of mind. Powerful scene in the cave...and something most all of us can relate to. A "put down the book for a moment" moment.
Couldn't recommend it more....

Not rarely, but not frequently either, the title of a book succeeds in actually completly reflecting what the book is about. The subject in question is introduced to the reader's attention early only to capture his mind; but then letting a diversion coming into the scene, arousing a curiosity about the main character daughter's fate. This book provides the final push for those who are in the state of almost believing that God does exist.

I went from-NO WAY....to hummmmmmmmmm...to well, maybe,..........to why not...to ..this book is a keeper and to be read again and again.

I read this one long after it first came out. This story 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.

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.

I absolutely love this book! I have read it three times already and need to read it at least a dozen more. I am shocked at how profoundly this book affected me. I did not expect that. I think that I still have bruises from where sections of this book hit me upside the head like a brick. There were times when it felt as if the author had crawled inside my head and was reading my thought and questions. I also purchased the audio version and am hearing thinks that I missed in my first three readings. It made God much more accessible to me and has laid a foundation for what I am hoping is a stronger relationship with God, Jesus and the Spirit.

I would recommend this book to anyone!

This book brings God's love for you back into focus. It will help begin or renew your relationship with God and bring his presence back into your life.

I also have a daughter the age of Missy and stories like this leave me angry and revengeful... but this story explained that God didn't hurt Missy, the killer did. What God did was comfort her, hold her, and wrap his love around her; he never abandons us, especially when we need him most.

I was skeptical about reading this "religious" book but to me, it felt more spiritual and healing. Enjoy.

First of all, I would like to say that I go to church each week, and this was my first 'Christian' novel. I have never been interested in one so kept my fiction mostly religion free. There was such a big hoobla about this book, so I decided to pick it up. I read the author's introduction, which told what inspired him to write the book; a dear friend told him this, so he put it into words for him. Then you get into the actual novel:

Warning: Spoiler Alert **********

So the guys daughter gets kidnapped, and he finds a shack then meets god. That is pretty much it. If all of the 'god' stuff was taken away you would be left with 30 pages of book. I think the author must have just watched the Adam Sandler Movie 'Click' prior to writing this, because the story is basically the same. Guy goes to shack, passes out, wakes up to god, then in the end wakes up in an empty shack again.

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I think most people would be better off just picking up a bible than reading this. The book throws out questionable theology and in the end all you are left with is a lie that makes you feel like you bought into one of those pyramid schemes and found out about it. Why do I say it is all a lie?

***Spoiler that everyone should know before reading the book***
The intro to the book goes on for 10 pages about how the author knows the main character in the book, and gives you background into his life. This being a 'Christian' book, I assumed that what is in the main novel would be fiction, but the intro, if the author is talking about a supposed real person, that it would be truthful...boy was I wrong. The character is made up, the one the author spends 10 pages convincing you is real. You go through the book thinking, 'what a nice story', then the afterward tells you that he just made it all up. I felt like I was tricked. You would think a 'Christian' novel wouldn't try to convince you something was real if it wasn't. So once I read this I instantly hated the entire book. If I wouldn't have been led to believe the character was real, I may have liked the book more. Plus, how much cursing needs to be in a 'Christian' novel?
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From now on I will stick to non-religious fiction novels, and when I want to read about God, I will pick up my Bible.

If you like the idea of God but hate the idea of religion, you need to read this book. If you a part of mainstream Christianity you need to read this book. The Shack does an outstanding job of showing us the God's heart. While I think there are some theological problems with the book, they are over shadowed by thing things everyone should know about God and the Trinity. There are some books which should be read again and again. This is one of those books. I intend to read this book a least once a year.

I'm a Bible believing, Evangelical, conservative, Christian who doesn't like organized religion. The book was given to me by a lapsed Catholic. I've recommend the book to Mormons, other Christians, atheists and those who don't know what they believe. I've yet to here of anyone who didn't like the book or didn't gain something from it.

BUY AND READ THIS BOOK.

Divine Magic is the ability to turn negative aspects/circumstances into positive outcomes. The Shack is pure Divine Magic at it's finest! One of the most horrible horrendous crimes known to man takes place and Wm. Paul Young turns it around to introduce us to God. Not the God we might expect however, but one that surely exists, nonetheless.

I only lit 4 stars for I personally did not care for the way the beginning of the book was written. It was slow and too descriptive. I had to read all the way to page 35 till I became interested. But I had heard so many positive things about this book, how could I not keep reading? And it was worth the struggle because once the gray shack and the writing experience changed; shall I say came alive? It was like a breath of fresh air; need I say the breath of God?

This book was very different and unique. I like different and unique! I Love Great fiction that grabs you and at the same time makes you better somehow. It's rare, but The Shack definitely delivers on these concepts. I am the author of "The Magic of Divine Love."