Do You Believe?January 6, 2009 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Shack by WM. Paul Young is a Christian fictional novel that will have you questioning your relationship with God. Mr. Young tells a story that will hold you captive, make you cry, laugh and feel emotions that may have been dormant for a long time.
Mack is a caring father and husband, but questions his life when he thinks back to his abusive childhood and questions why did God allow this to happen to him? A family outing that was planned for rest, relaxation and some quality family time quickly turns into a nightmare when Mack's youngest daughter, Missy, is missing. Mack's wife Nan has placed her faith in "Papa"; that is her nickname for God and she believes everything will turn out ok. Mack's viewpoint is completely different; he feels God has never been there when he needed him so what would make this instance any different.
After a long search and recover of the woods, little Missy remains to be found. Trying to pick up the pieces of their lives, the family struggles to stay together; so they have a memorial in Missy's honor. Mack is motivated into keeping the family upbeat. Three years have gone by and he is still in mourning; one day he receives a mysterious letter inviting him to come to the shack, and it is signed "Papa." He demands answers. Who is this person that is so bold to leave him a note? And signed "Papa"; is this Missy's abductor playing games, or could it be....? Here we are introduced to God's unique personalities and wonderment. Mack is a lost soul when he encounters God and he has some questions and boy, he cannot wait to hear the answers.
Can you be angry at god for what you feel he should have stopped, or never allowed to happen? Can you learn to forgive even though you will never forget? This book is filled with spiritual revelations, and soul searching that will make you cry and feel fulfilled. I was overwhelmed with emotions reading this book and brought to tears on a crowded train as I could feel Mack's transformation taking place right before my very eyes. This is a definite must read. Mr. Young has penned the perfect eye opener in regards to religion, love, trust and nurturing. I was truly touched and recommend this book to readers of all genres.
Reviewed by: Cheryl H APOOO BookClub
Life ChangingJanuary 6, 2009 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I recently lost my Dad to cancer and this book was just what I needed to read. This book will change how you look at people you know or are strangers to you, whither you are a believer or not!
Read this book, it can be life changing.
Meg's view of "The Shack"January 6, 2009 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book will intrigue you, regardless of the name on the door of your church. Its core message of love and forgiveness is one that may make you reexamine the meaning of "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Its worth the time it takes to read it, if it doesn't do anything else but make the reader examine his own feelings about God. Well-written, not too long, and definitely not "preachy." I am going to read it again.
The ShackJanuary 6, 2009 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is one book that everyone should read. It will answer many questions that you may have about God. We bought one for each of our children to read. Will read it again and again.
All talk and no substance!January 6, 2009 I had heard so much about this book and so I was very excited to finally get my own copy. I was very disappointed to find out that this book was somebodies personal soapbox for airing their strange religious views. This was possibly one man's journey to find peace, but it is not a definitive look at the nature of God.
