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The Shack
The Shack | 
 enlarge | Author: William P. Young
Publisher: Windblown Media
Category: Book
List Price: $14.99
Buy Used: $4.95
You Save: $10.04 (67%)
New (90) Used (39) Collectible (1) from $4.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  2256 reviews
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 0964729237
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780964729230
Publication Date: July 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Gently used, average wear.
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Product Description
Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2251 more reviews...
 No Flannel-Graph Jesus January 27, 2008
1133 out of 1335 found this review helpful
In the book world, it's hard to explain "the buzz." What causes word of mouth to start spreading? What turns an unknown author and novel into a surprise bestseller? Even more inexplicable for the book snobs is when a story fails to meet their literary standards and yet touches the masses in an undeniable way.br /br /"The Shack" is the buzz book of the past few months. I hadn't even heard of it in November, but by the end of December I'd had relatives, friends, and online pals from across the country telling me I "had" to read this one. I've been burned by such recommendations in the past, particularly in relation to spiritually oriented titles. (Can anyone say "The Prayer of Jabez" and "Left Behind"?), but I was willing to give it a shot.br /br /William P. Young's book has an intriguing premise. Years ago, a father name MacKenzie Phillips took his children camping and lost one of them to a man who has kidnapped and killed others. Mack has grieved since then. His marriage has struggled. Understandably, his relationship with God has suffered. Then, one wintry day, he receives a note in his mailbox inviting him back to the woods, to the shack in which his daughter's dress and bloodstains were found. The note, it would seem, is from God.br /br /From this simple yet effective premise, Young leads Mack Phillips back to his point of despair and anger. The encounters he then has with God there in "The Shack" serve as thought-provoking moments for both Mack and the reader. This is not the God of stodgy Sunday school classes. This is not a flannel-graph Jesus. This is not limited to a fluttering dove of the Holy Spirit. The descriptions here are startling, while remaining true to the nature of God's love and grace as portrayed through Scripture. Not only are they startling, they're wise and moving and beautiful.br /br /Some might argue that "The Shack" has little theology or accuracy to it, but the very argument is what Young is trying to melt away. I earned a Bachelor's from a Bible college, and the majority of Mack's godly encounters could be wrapped up in biblical theology: redemption, grace, forgiveness, propitiation, etc. Do I agree with every line of the book? Not necessarily. Yet, while never sounding like trite religion (because they're not and never should be!), the words spoken by God in this book are full of vibrancy and life.br /br /Is it the best crafted novel ever? No. In many ways, it could be encapsulated in a non-fiction treatise. However, in sharing this remarkable tale in a fictional form, Young has breathed wonder and wisdom into a story that will continue to buzz around for years to come.
This Book Restored My Faith-Crystal Clear January 28, 2008
111 out of 137 found this review helpful
This is probably the most profound and best book I have ever read in my entire life. It has brought me totally back to God. I have never felt better. I totally identified with Mack and the Great Sadness which has been in my life also. br /br /I am a Viet Nam combat vet. In Viet Nam I had forsaken God. I could not believe that God would permit such things to happen on Earth. But as I learned more about WWII and Korea and other World events my lack of disbelieve just strengthened. Until about six and one half years ago I felt a need to come back and test the waters. My oldest son was in 9-11 as a paramedic (he went in on his day off) and I was so proud of him, but I felt a need to find my faith, because he had found it. He was a block away from the second tower when it collapsed. He went on to fulfill his lifelong ambition to become a New York Fire Fighter and actually entered into the prestigious Squad One. But oh, what a price for him and his family to pay. So much death to witness, and all of those funerals to attend. I wished I could have protected him from that, but I could not. I failed. I hold myself accountable for this lack of ability to successfully fulfill my mission in life as a father, just like I do the men I sent to their deaths in Viet Nam and the hundreds of people I have killed. I have lived with Viet Nam inside me for over 35 years until recently. These are only some of the crosses I bear. This book has brought me full circle. It has helped me to restore my faith. I have helped several people to purchase this book and I will continue. But I now know what is important and what is not so important.br /br /My Step-daughter Lisa recommended I read this book after she read a Christmas message I sent to all of my children, step-children and special friends over and over again. I had sent a picture of Arlington at Christmas that had touched me very close to my heart. So I wanted each of them to see this and understand this was the price of liberty and that there were men and women who were willing to give their lives on foreign soil to guarantee their rights under the constitution of the United States. I penned a personal message to each of the couples or person along with the general message.br /br /To John and Lisa, who are House Pastors for a local church, I was sorry I was not stronger for them when Kelsey their newborn went to heaven. Kelsey was born with a small aorta and Dr. Starr in Portland, OR was going to fix that. He was the best. I felt we were fine, but I had no faith, just my gut instincts that had gotten me out of every other jam before except a couple that resulted in loss of life. I went to the hospital every noon to see Lisa and Kelsey and got to hold Kelsey and she was so innocent.. So the day came, Dr. Starr entered the waiting room with the bad news. Kelsey had not survived. John went to pieces and Lisa was helping him because she seemed stronger at the time. My wife was asking me if I was going to go to John and help him. She said this several times. I was standing up, but I was not there. I was near a river west of Danang trying to get two of my men out of a jam that I had ordered to stay back and lay down fire so we could extract some wounded. The smells, the visual, the noises were all real. My men were dead and so was Kelsey. I never told anyone about that until I wrote that letter. So Lisa read that over and over and recommended I read "The Shack". I am so glad she did too!! br /br /I never loan books, so I gave it to a close friend. I purchased the hardbound edition for keeping and rereading. br /br /Since reading "The Shack" I have never felt so whole in my entire life. I have redevoted my life to Jesus and I have laughed with him in his presence. Thank you for the Great Book. Thank you Paul for introducing me to Mack. He made me realize I was not alone. Be careful when they make this into a movie. I am not sure how they can do it justice.br /br /One more thing. Take your time reading this book. Take time to smell the roses. If you cannot, then read it again.br /br /Remember who is writing this review!! As Paul Young told me, live one day at a time and live in the moment. It is the only thing that is real. Enjoy your life!!
Now the #1 Best Seller--for good reason June 18, 2008
58 out of 70 found this review helpful
By habit, I am suspicious of books that are popular, especially in the Christian market. I read The Shack guardedly expecting for Oprah's New Age type religion/philosophy.br /br /I was pleasantly surprised with this stirring and unforgettable story about God's love and spiritual healing. br /br /This is a fiction book. Missy's death is a metaphor for an ugly, dark place hidden so deep that it seemed beyond God's healing reach. Mack spends the two and a half days with the Trinity learning about himself and God and relationships in the shack which is transformed into a mansion in an Eden-like garden for the weekend.br /br /I smiled, cried, pondered, prayed, and repented as I read this over two days. The main focus of this book is on God's love, God's mercy, and the importance of us loving and forgiving others. I came away from the book refreshed.br /br /Once I felt comfortable the author believed in salvation by faith through grace and that Jesus being the only way, I let down my guard and basked in this well written book full of hidden treasures. This is a novel you read with a highlighter.br /br /Those who view Christianity only as a religion with rules to follow will learn that faith and love don't come from theology or rules they flow from a relationship with God.br /br /Why is The Shack so Popular?br /br /Young approaches the popular topic the love of God and human suffering in a story. Jesus taught in parables and object lessons becasue we learn well from stories. Young's story is an attempt describe a God's character to his children. But God's character is essentially indescribable. We can only understand a part of God's characteristics by what we know and experience in human relationships.br /br /People in our culture have a need to connect with God as a personal God beyond the holy and omnipotent. Our reverence and wonder about the presence of God make hard to grasp God in terms of intimate family relationships such as God as Papa (instead of an unseen force or an abstract will).br /br /Young presents an easy to relate to version of the trinity of three persons with unique personalities spending a few days casual friendly folksy conversation and home cooked comfort meals. Easy enough for a child to understand, loving, warm and rich.br /br /If you have been hurt in your life through church or religion or experienced the pain of legalism or rejection of judgmental attitudes this book will especially touch you. I have been hurt a lot in churches so I was profoundly impacted.br /br /There is such a chasm between God's holy being and our imperfect world that it is simply hard to understand God's mercy and loving actions with unworthy man. The Shack gives us a grasp of the depth of the love of God and it is beyond comforting, it is exhilarating!br /br /The Controversybr /br /Any book that includes conversations with God is bound to receive criticism. How can anyone put words in God's mouth? But the critics seem to forget the book is a fiction story by a man telling a story about God's love to his children, not a book on theology. It is Young's perception of God.br /br /I was not in total agreement with The Shack (I am not in total agreement with several of my favorite authors). I don't expect any book but the Bible to be perfect. Books are like watermelons; you have to be willing to spit out a few seeds.br /br /I read many of the heresy hunters posts and some of them say some things that just are not true. The article "Is the Shack Heresy?" by Wayne Jacobson addresses each of the problems the critics bring up.br /br /The predestination folks (particularly Tim Challies) seem to have the most problems with the book (the teachings in The Shack--God loves everyone-- do not agree with predestination. See the video series for a full explanation).br /br /A Feminine God?br /br /I imagine the hardest part for Christians to grasp is God being first presented to Mack as a female. Its easy to understand a knee jerk reaction. I was cautious when I read this but not completely turned off I have a limited understanding of the masculine and feminine parts of the image of God(becasue of my studies in Hebrew roots). When Adam was first made, he was both male and female, formed in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).br /br /The Shack is not trying to reinvent God as a female, but revealing that God is beyond race and gender. The main character in the story Mack was abused by his father so the author presents a comforting mother type at first, later in the book (once the earthly father issues are solved) God is presented as the Father. Harper's Bible Dictionary explains the Bible uses both male and femal imagery to show the charter of God:br /br / Although masculine images for God dominate (e.g., king, judge, father, brother, shepherd, etc.), it must be recognized that feminine images are also frequently used to describe God's activity. Among these are images related to feminine anatomy (e.g., womb and breasts) and feminine function (e.g., conception, pregnancy, childbirth, maternal nurture, etc.). br /br /In the story, Papa explains that there is no hierarchy in the holy trinity--there is no need becasue each serves each other. It is a thought provoking description and my jury is still out on this section. But I have no problem questioning this and gleaning from the rest of the story.br /br /Turkey Baconbr /br /I was very disappointed that God served bacon for breakfast. My 30 year old son helped me with this. When we discussed it he said (tongue in cheek) "Hey mom, it is probably the same turkey bacon you serve." I was enjoying the story so much I didn't want this part to ruin it. So in my mind--it is turkey bacon.br /br /Christians can agree to disagree in non-salvation issues and still love each other.br /br /To fairly critique the book I would ask the question: What did Mack learn from his weekend with God?br /br /The Shack is not about theology or religion, but about the sweetness of an intimate relationship with God through Christ.br /br /Mack is reminded of basic truths found in God's word that he allowed forgot during his great sadness. The truths are given in an unconditional casual conversation format that may make some people uncomfortable.br /br /Mack learns that he doesn't really trust God and "Trust is the fruit of a relationship where you know you are loved" (p 126).br /br /Mack discovers that God's desires an intimate love relationship with each of us. He learns God wants him to spend time with Him and intimately communicate with Him, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to trust and follow Him, and to give his life meaning and purpose. He learns that God can use all things, even sin and evil to develop this relationship for good (Romans 8:28).br /br /Mack discovers the depth of God's grace (Ephesians 2:4-5) . He learns that he can not be self-sufficient and realizes he has been made acceptable through Jesus Christ and Him alone. He learns he will not find God through guilt or condemnation. He understands God is lovingly and patiently waiting on Him to submit (1 Peter 5:7).br /br /Mack is reminded of the two most important commands--to love God and love others (john 13:35). Mack already knows he must forgive others as Christ forgave Him but in the shack he is helped through the process.br /br /Mack learns God works through everything including our brokenness and sadness (Philippians 3:8). When we are separated from our prideful flesh (the carnal, corrupted life) through grace and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us He will gradually bring us to the restful place of humble dependence, wherein we can consistently receive the grace that leads to intimacy. Beautiful, loving intimacy!br /br /Mack learns God wants us to be made complete in Christ (John 6:44-45). God wants us to be of one mind with Him. God wants us to make His ways our ways, His thoughts our thoughts.br /br /I came away from the book feeling loved and secure with a strong desire to cultivate my relationship with God through His Word. How can that be a bad thing?br /br /
A beautiful story of redemption August 30, 2007
36 out of 44 found this review helpful
I could write a review based upon my experience with this book but I think I will use something someone else shared with me about their experience. This seems to be a very common thread that I continue to hear from people who have read it. br /br /They told me that they had always lived with the concept and belief that there was possibly a God that loved them even though it felt very conditional because of their experiences with religion . But they always lived with this feeling that something was missing. br /br /They told me they were beginning to understand what that was and why. They had lived with just a belief about something and it had never penetrated any deeper than that and it was a distorted picture of God based on their experience. The story told in the book began to take down the wall that had kept their understanding as just a mere belief about something. The wall was fear....fear of God that then spread out into a fear of everything. To have that wall begin to come down and to begin to consider the possibility of feeling safe enough to crawl up onto the lap of the God who really loves and cares for them began to change everything. This dear person who had spent 30 some years actually running from God due to this distortion, is taking a closer look today and finding someone so different. All from having read this little book.br /br /I think you will find yourself wanting to read it again and again.br /
An amazing journey September 10, 2007
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
What an incredible story! I wasn't sure what to expect but was drawn right in and unable to stop until the last page. Young introduces you to Mack and you find yourself "feeling" his personal crisis and wanting to walk through it with him. Mack's journey takes you from anger at God , questioning and denial until he gets to the other side of the wall and realizes the beauty that he has been missing.br /br /If you have ever walked through a personal crisis that made you question your faith..this is the book for you!
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