The Shack by Wm. Paul Young - 3 stars

[Ellen]

Mack Phillips decides to take his 3 youngest children, Kate, Josh, and Missy, on a camping trip to enjoy the waning days of summer vacation before school starts up again. The four of them enjoy hiking, fishing and just spending lazy days together. With their father's permission, Kate and Josh launch a canoe close to shore. A sudden movement by Kate flips the canoe and Josh becomes trapped beneath the boat. Mack rushes into the water and is able to save his son but during all the commotion, Missy disappears from the campsite. Within a few hours it becomes obvious that 8 year old Missy has been kidnapped by a serial murderer who preys on young children. After an exhaustive search through the wilderness of the Oregon country, Missy's bloody sundress is found in an old, abandoned, falling-down shack. Mack must accept the fact that Missy is gone for good. A few years later, Mack receives a note in the mail asking that he return to the shack. The note seems to be from God.

This book was a huge bestseller several years ago and I avoided it at all costs as it just did not seem to be something I would enjoy. While I greatly admire the author's imagination and his commitment to his beliefs, the book is not one that I am particularly comfortable with.

[Jeremiah]

Ellen wrote: While I greatly admire the author's imagination and his commitment to his beliefs, the book is not one that I am particularly comfortable with."

Ellen -- I couldn't agree with you more. I felt as though the author took liberties to the point that the liberties over-powered the message of the book.

[LibraryCin]

I wasn't a fan. Love the start of the book, as it makes it sound more like a mystery/thriller, but then it's not...

[annapi]

I started reading it, not knowing what it was about but hearing a bit of the hype. I think I only got 2 or so chapters in before giving up on it - so NOT my cup of tea.

[Joi]

I just saw a list of books becoming movies and this was on it. Definitely interested since its set in Oregon.

Interesting people saying this is not a mystery/thriller? It certainly sounds like it from the blurb. It's tagged as Christian fiction though- which is a turn off for me. Is this pretty religious?

[Ellen]

It is definitely Christian fiction and very religious. There is a mystery aspect but it is solved within the first 1/4 of the book.

[LibraryCin]

Joi, it's very very religious, which is why I ended up not liking it.

[Joi]

Dang- I think that makes the shortest time a book has lasted on my TBR- Less than 5 hours! Removed!