Book Review of “The Shack”

A few months ago I started seeing references to a new book that folks were insisting was a “must read.” Now, I have a lot of books recommended to me, and I love to read. From time to time folks even give me books they think I’ll like. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to read them all.
But this book was being pushed by folks I admire, people I respect as deep thinkers in the Church. Oh, there might be a caveat here or there concerning some small theological point they questioned, but overwhelmingly they all loved this work. The book was William Young’s new fiction novel, “The Shack.” And so a month ago I read the first chapter online (you can find it at www.theshackbook.com ). Last weekend I found it at our local library and finished it today. Frankly, the reviews didn’t do it justice.
Now, I don’t want to give the plot away. Suffice it to say that it is the story of a man who has been wounded by his past who encounters God at an old shack that holds particularly gruesome memories for him. The encounter proves to be transformational.
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not God is good, read this book. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not God loves you (or how much) read this book. If you’ve ever wondered what you were created to be or how you were created to live, than read this book! Even if you're not asking any of these questions (or dozens more) it will leave you craving after the presence of God. Oh, and one more thing. Read this book!