The Shack

Okay, I know lots of people feel their theological understanding has been broadened/deepened by this book, and God bless 'em. I'm sure the author is well intentioned, but goodness it's poorly written. (A well respected book-seller I know calls it "a trail of cat sick") That may be beside the point, of course, but I found it condescending, simplistic, with some characterizations that were downright offensive. ( Discussion of Jesus not being handsome enough because he has a large "Jewish" nose, for example.) For truly enlightening Christian spiritual reading, might I suggest some of Bishop Spong's writings? Or Thomas Moore, even, or C.S. Lewis? Or C.K. Chesterton? Or Madeline L'Engle? Or, in fact, the work to which this book is laughingly compared -- Bunyan's THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS (which is rather like comparing "Lemony Snickett" to MacBeth.) Still, if it brings you closer to the sacred -- fair enough.

Remarkable....this is a deep easy to read book that truly makes you think. I know I'll be reading it more than once....This is definatley a great book to give as a gift!

This is truly one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read, not to mention interesting reading. It's hard to put down. I will need to read it again (and perhaps again and again) to get all the benefit there is in this book. I can see it as a truly life-changing book, even though a work of fiction, because the truths expressed, and the ideas expressed, are really worth exploring. Wonderfully written, amazingly thought out ... just a really top book! Everyone should read it ... but especially if you are suffering from some tragedy and wanting to blame God for it!

One of the most moving books I ever read. In fact I read it twice.

i liked this book, but, before I was done I wonted it to be over it draged on far to long . this book is a make you think books.

I found this book extremely hard to get through. I agree that it is thought provoking in ways that most books aren't, but to me the story dragged on and on. I even stopped reading it for almost a full year before forcing myself to pick it back up and finish the last third of it; I'm not one to not finish a book I've already started. By the end I did get a few good quotes out of it and could appreciate some of the messages but overall it was boring and overly idealistic. Either way though, I have to agree that I think this is a must-read novel because although it didn't do much for me, I know of several family members who read it and were "changed" by it, just as the critics claim. Your call, but I'd say try it out. It can't hurt.

It was a tough book to get through. Yeah, I can see why some people may find it inspiring but to me, it seemed like just a different way of preaching; same as what one might hear during mass, a service, or someone wanting to spread "the word" in a public place.

William P Young's fantasy God seems quite silly in Light of the Power of the Truth.

im am currently reading this book and its so awsome so far i almost started to cry what happened is just so sad but yet then so amazing becauses everyone knows that what happens 3 years later could never happen for those who have read this book know what i am talkin about i really encourage that other people read this book its just that good

I wasn't overly blown away by the writing style, and felt, at times, that thw writing was telling me how to feel rather than allowing me to make that decision for myself. Other than that, I but found the story to be spectacular. Very inspiring.

Very thought provoking book, but a little formulaic. The ending and the twists were expected. Still, made you stop and think about what you believe and why.

Even if you are unsure of your religious convictions, this book is a MUST. It is one of those book you will not soon forget!

I love this book....I am thinking of reading it for a second time!