The Shack
The struggle one encounters in understanding God's love and the terrible pain we have in life is addressed in this wonderful book. The main character, Mackensie Phillips, has the same questions we all have when we undergo inexplicable trials in life. The author lovingly, and in surprising ways, reveals God to us--Father, Son, and Spirit. This book is a must read. I laughed, cried, and said, "Ah, YES!" throughout the pages.

The Shack
I found this a good, enjoyable read of fiction. There has been some complaints of this book not being true to the Bible, but it is fiction. I am amazed how the author could put this story together. GREAT.

Wow! What a book!
Working Monday - Friday, 7:45am to 5pm or later, I rarely get to see daily TV programs. Because July 4th was on a Friday this year, I was able to flip thru the channels. I happened to catch Kathy Lee Gifford tell of a favorite book she had recently read titled, The Shack. Her explanation of the book and how it made her feel intrigued me. I bought it the next day, started reading it the next day, and finished it the next!

Wow! What a book!

The Shack is written by William P. Young and is the story of a father's loss of his youngest daughter by an abduction and apparent brutal murder. Evidence of the crime is found in an abandoned shack buried in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, he is summoned back to the shack by a mysterious note appearing to be from God.

I will not give any of the story away, just that it gripped me and held me tight until I had read every last word! This book taught me more about the Holy Trinity than I learned in Catechism classes as a kid! While I didn't understand everything that was written, it still made sense. Hard to explain - you really just have to read it for yourself!

I highly recommend this book! Initially it was scary reading for me, having 2 young girls of my own. But I am glad I read it and I think you will be too!

- 1smileycat :-)

Best book since the Bible
I think this book is the best conceptual description of God presented since the Bible was written. By placing the characteristics of the members of the Trinity in forms so different from the usual presumptions about the appearance of the three persons, the author lets us see their essence. We didn't really need another portrayal of God as a white haired white man. Having God show up as a black woman, particularly to a character with major father issues, was a stroke of genius. "Papa" makes the point that God can and does reveal himself to us in a variety of ways. This book takes all the "oughts" and "shoulds" out of relationship with God and replaces them with overwhelming, unconditional love.

Enjoyable
I did enjoy this book despite the fact that there was so much hype surrounding it. I realize for many that the portrayal of God in the way this book sets out to accomplish is challenging for some. It was not for me. Still, I would encourage anyone to read this who is interested in a view of the divine focused on grace as opposed to judgment.