Have you read it, or heard about

[vampire]

I've not read it but I've heard about it. see my ma maw read it she says its awesome. here is what it is about ( Mackenzie Allen Phillips youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have 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 Macks world forever

[Suzanne]

Read it. Actually, I listened to it. I found it in the library as an audio book, and it kept me in my car even after I would arrive to my destination. It provides somewhat of an answer to the unanswerable question "why do bad things happen to good people?" It helped me see God in a different way.

[J.L.]

It is a must read and at the top of one of my favorite books. While you are reading it, there is no way to predict what is going to happen, and the middle and end gets so thick and good. You will love it.

[Laurie]

Painful and heart-wrenching to read, but a unique way to look at the "why" of life. Will really make you take a hard look at your spirituality. Made me feel closer in my relationship with God...more one on one.

[Ciarra]

I read it for school. It's out of my normal reading comfort zone, but I really enjoyed it.

[???!!!]

Certainly put it in my 5 Stars category. Very emotional and intense for me. It's been a few years since I read it and still it moves me whenever I think about it. Not many books can do that for me. Yes, it tried to explain "why" but more importantly the author explains it in an easy yet compelling way. In some areas of the book, I have to say, a little cliche from time to time. But the author was able to get back to the main track, thank God. I enjoyed it tremandously.

[Carl]

I loved the book. I felt it was a non-liturgical approach to God. Yes, the Apologists trashed it because it wasn't Biblical --- I guess they missed the part about it being a fictional novel. It was a heart wrenching story that looked at a man's struggle to deal with an awful situation and his inner search to answer his own questions. If you're looking for spiritual guidance and Biblical references, this book will fail you. If you're an out and out Atheist, you'll probably also find tons of fault with this book. For me, I found it a refreshing look at God and, although not in accordance with standard Christian churches, revealed a lot of truth behind the cliches and comic moments.

[Karen B.]

This is one of my all time favorite books because of the non-traditional approach to God. I laughed, cried and highlighted a lot to go back and read. Sometimes I felt as if "God's" comments were directly related to me. Sometimes I find myself praying and saying "God, I really feel guilty..." and the words from the book come back to me... Something like "Yeah, well let me know how that works and get back to me."
I don't want to give anything away but my favorite part was where the character of "Jesus" dropped a bowl of dressing and the "Father" makes a comment like, "Well He's only human you know." This book was interesting, a fun read, but also made impacted me in a real spiritual way. Funny too that this should come up on what some Christians observe as "Holy Week".
Warning though: Some very committed Christians really objected to this book because of its fictional presentation of God.

[Pam]

It looks like I'm one of the few people in the world who hated this book. I read it for one of my book clubs and everyone else loved it. I felt like he could have said everything in one chapter. However, I bought it for my father and he thought it was very interesting.

[Karen B.]

Pam,
I'm interested too.

[Pam]

Okay, it probably would have taken more than one chapter but I just felt that so much of it was redundant and that it would have been better as a short story or novella. Even then I doubt if I would have liked it but it would have saved me time and aggravation.

[Carl]

@Karen .... just a comment...I'm a "very committed Christian" that thought this was a great book. I believe what you really meant was the religious zealots and ultra conservative Christians. There are a whole bunch of Christians that believe in the words and teachings of Christ that don't fit into the mold set by the Religious Right and other such groups.

Or, as I like to say: "I'm not THAT kind of Baptist" :D

[Karen B.]

oh wow. I saw your post about it, didn't mean to imply that all Christians wouldn't like it. Most of the committed Christians I know who have read it, loved it! I guess I was trying to say what you were saying about Apologists who trashed it. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
And as I like to say : "I'm not THAT kind of Catholic" :D Actually I have always said, "I'm Catholic in spite of my 12 years of Catholic School" *LOL* No not busting on Catholic schools. Ended up teaching in one for 30 years and loved it!

[Karen B.]

Interesting point Pam. I can see that. For me it was like some of the points had to be drummed into my head. *LOL*

[vampire]

The reason i started this was cause my mamaw has read and owned this book is is in love with how the book as god helping a man who lost his daughter

[Courtney]

After more-or-less falling out of my religion (family issues too long to explain) my cousin lent me this book to read. After being really skeptical about the whole "what is religion and my purpose in religion" I was able to rediscover what I think God is and what "it" is not. I say "it" because God is depicted as something completely different in The Shack. Whether you are religious or not, or maybe even questioning what you believe like I was, this book shares with you something that all religions seem to have forgotten. That religion is more about your state of mind and what you do in life than all the Holy Days of Obligation, fasting, etc. that you are expected to do. If you are looking for an answer, I'm not sure this book has it, but it might be able to direct you on your journey. READ IT if only for it's heart-wrenching story.

[vampire]

Girl i know Ive just herd you say that but that almost made me cry. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Karen B.]

Courtney thanks for sharing. You've hit on some really good points. What I saw in the book, and maybe this is what you're talking about, was the difference between religion and spirituality.

[Rachael]

i read it. i thought it was a great approach to opening some one to the idea of god without being too preachy. i am not a religious person but i did enjoy how they were portrayed. i found it at times to be a bit too emotional in dealing with the daughter. i had to put the book down a few times. it was definately worth the time to read it. but not one of my fave books.

[Cyd]

I read this awhile ago and gave it 5 stars because of the refreshing look at God. I really like what Courtney said. I just went back to look at the reviews and the book gets 5 stars then 1, and continues that way.

[Lily]

I am one of those with grave reservations about The Shack , mostly because of the quality of the writing, rather than because of its messages or depictions of how we may meet the divine. However, whether you like it or no, I have just encountered another book about how we live the journey of life that you may find as interesting: The Collectibles by James Kaufman. You can find some reviews here: http://www.jamesjkaufman.com/the-coll...

It is an easy read with some really likeable characters. Not always totally believable, it is still a wonderful story, from doing business in today's economic climate to living out our relationships with our fellow human travelers.

[vampire]

Rachael wrote: "i read it. i thought it was a great approach to opening some one to the idea of god without being too preachy. i am not a religious person but i did enjoy how they were portrayed. i found it at ..."

well i respect that put i have some thing for you guys 2011 WILL BE DAYS IN HEAVEN

[[deleted user]]

I have to balance out this thread. I did not care for this book much at all. I agree with the comment that this was much longer than necessary. I am a person that likes long books. But I felt this was more of a religious philosophy in the guise of a story - and the philosophy was dragged out in order for their to be some sort of plot. I suppose the characters were likeable if you are ok with God being represented by a character that reminded me of a certain maple syrup figurine.

As a person that is not "committed" to religion, but is religious in general, I didn't buy on to where he was going with this and personally do not think he knows anymore than anyone else what God's plan is, which is probably why this book did not change my life. I understand that people need ways to cope with losing loved ones. I would be devastated if that happened to me and there is just no way for a human being to really make sense of it all and the only thing that makes sense in that situation is that it is all part of a larger scheme...but we certainly don't know!!

The bottom line, though, is this book meant something to a lot of people. For that reason I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it even if it is a dissenting viewpoint. It is a relatively quick read so even if you were to find it repulsive it does not bog you down for long.

[vampire]

Jeremy wrote: "I have to balance out this thread. I did not care for this book much at all. I agree with the comment that this was much longer than necessary. I am a person that likes long books. But I felt t..."

OK listen i don't like judging people but for you to say that the characters were likable with god being represented by character on a maple syrup figurine is WRONG OK.

[Karen B.]

Thank you. I never knew there was a site like GodJourney. The site looks great, even before listening to the interview.

[[deleted user]]

Mahaley wrote: "Jeremy wrote: "I have to balance out this thread. I did not care for this book much at all. I agree with the comment that this was much longer than necessary. I am a person that likes long books..."

I don't feel you are judging me by disagreeing with me no more than I would judge you for liking a book that I didn't - but I am not the only one to think it. A guy writes a book where he created characters to represent the trinity of God. One of them reminded me of Aunt Jemima. This is only one of the reasons why I did not find this book to be compelling.

I have read some of the follow up to this and I find it fascinating that William Young notes to not take the ideas too seriously. Well, I certainly didn't and yet for the millions that did made him a pretty rich person.

[Karen B.]

Oh I have wanted to read the one by Jake Colsen. Thanks so much

[Mo]

Pam wrote: "It looks like I'm one of the few people in the world who hated this book. I read it for one of my book clubs and everyone else loved it. I felt like he could have said everything in one chapter. ..."

DITTO!

[Sheri]

Mahaley wrote: "Jeremy wrote: "I have to balance out this thread. I did not care for this book much at all. I agree with the comment that this was much longer than necessary. I am a person that likes long books..."
although it was not pc to refer to the imagine of a certain syrup bottle but i loved the thought of each person seeing "their"image of God. that He reveals Himself to you in a way that is ,most comfortable for you to handle. This theme was explored in the movie and book contact by Carl Sagen. when the pilot of the space travel vessel meets God the same way (her dead father)loved the book really tried to answer the why bad things happen without being preachyor relying on the same 'ol cliches.

[Lily]

A book that might be of interest to those of you who even considered reading The Shack is The Collectibles by James Kaufman.

It is a relatively easy and quick read about a man who must deal with his own personal catastrophes and in the meantime brings his considerable legal and business acumen to play in attempting to rescue a business franchise in the current economic climate in ways that save people's jobs and lives and finances. But, it doesn't stop there and takes a look at how our lives can be positively entangled with those of others, particularly others facing one predicament or another. Hence, the "collectibles." It is a book about which I am particularly enthusiastic since it so clearly mirrors how I think so many of us would like to make our lives be -- both taking care of ourselves and our families and having useful roles in the larger communities of our lives.

Jim Kaufman is a businessman, lawyer, and former judge. He brings his experiences and his values to his writing.

[Tyler Banks]

Recently re-listened to this (i have it on my i~tunes library) when I hit some very difficult times at the "office". Found myself enjoying the walk with Mac, going down some of the same paths. It will open your heart, and when your at a low point and you need the Lord to shine a little light into the darkness, consider this to be a Flashlight.

My Mom likes to say "God Writes Straight with crooked lines"; a good one line foray into what you will find in these pages. God Bless

[Connie]

Not great literature, but it might help someone cope with a death in their family. It presents a very loving God.
I only finished it because I was reading it for a book club.

[[deleted user]]

I have read it, then I bought many copies and passed them out! I thought it was a very good read on helping others see God in a way that may help them.

[Karen B.]

Ginny that's how I saw it too. But I kept mine, bought four other copies and gave them to people but they didn't really seem to like it. (and they knew I wasn't trying to convince them or proslytize.

[Krissy]

I read it. I ended up reading it because my mother had gotten it for me. I believe she did say that it was recommended by a co-worker. I also borrowed the book on CD version from my local library. I really enjoyed the CD version although I already knew the content. Would definitely recommend.

[Sharee]

I've been a borderline Christian most of my life. I believed in God and Jesus but i didnt have a passion for it. My sister gave me this book to read and it changed me. I started reading more Christian books. This book has strengthened my belief. I absonlutely loved it. It was heart wrenching and happy at the same time.

[Theresa]

I loved the book. Both sad and uplifting...also gave a different way to look at things. Really made you think. I'll recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good book.

[[deleted user]]

I kept my copy also Krissy! Passed out only the new copies! I had friends who didn't understand it etc. But for the people I gave it too, they said it changed their thoughts about a God who may not understand them or their hurts etc. :)
That was what I liked about the book and its message, was God can come to us as what or who ever we need.

[✨ABookGirl✨memoirs are my jam✨]

I couldn't even finish this book because I felt like it dragged on and on. It felt like he kept repeating things over and over. I was really intrigued in the beginning but in the end felt like it was putting me to sleep. :(

[Larry]

I found this book very interesting and a new twist on the whole christianity thing.

[Tonya]

It is a fictional book first and foremost, however, it can and does help you see God in a little bit of a different way. Is God really some Aunt Jamima looking woman? Of course not. So just dont take all the hate this book is getting so serious. Those people need to get over themselves. Its just a book and it is a book I happen to really enjoy reading. It is very emotional especially if you have children. This book will keep your mind working and your heart moaning.

[Karen B.]

A higher power in one's life can present itself in so many ways, we had an expression in a group I used to belong to, "Take what you can and leave the rest". The Shack was a great book for me. It wasn't for some of my friends. It helped me in my spiritual walk. I wouldn't want to shove it down anyone's throat anymore than I believe I should be shoving the Bible down someone's throat. I once was taught, the best gospel is lived, not preached. If it helps you to live better, go for it. If not, pass it on, donate it to your public library, sell it at a yard sale. Whatever works for you. I don't want to keep my God in a box, My God is too big for that. But some of us need the neat, orderly, organized box or it's chaos. At risk of showing my age here, Do your own thang.

[Karen B.]

oops... misquote here. the expression was "Take what you can USE and leave the rest. *LOL* Otherwise makes it sound like encouraging a lot of greed. sorry about that.

[Willi]

I read this book recently, it absolutely threw me!!I certainly did not expect meeting the Trinity in this book!!OMG I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the meanings behind it!!It renews any questions you have regarding faith!!

[Karen B.]

that's how saw it too. But I had to learn to accept the fact that many believers couldn't stand it. It's kind of like when I first got "renewed", "Saved", "Spirit-filled", whatever label works, I didn't have much patience when I went to Mass and saw these little old ladies with their rosaries, praying the rosary right through the consecration of the Mass. I had to get down off my high horse and accept that that was the way these little old ladies needed to get themselves in God's presence and I had to stop judging anyone else's walk.At the time I loved the guitar music at Mass and a lot of the other post-Vatican II changes. I couldn't understand that others didn't get "it". But I had to accept that not everyone wanted nor saw God in the way I did. Some people learned about God and felt drawn to Him through reading the Chronicles of Narnia, others of us were wowed by "The Screwtape Letters". God made us all in his image but unique. Therefore different things stand out to us in different ways. Personally I love that in God's love for His people He keeps finding new and different ways to reach people 'Where they are: abd drawn them to Himself. If we don't like that train, He just keeps sending another down the tracks. Some, like St. Paul, have to get hit by the train, to get the message.

[Elizabeth]

Our book club read this book. I thought it was very interesting, and it prompted big discussion on tragedy, God's role and healing at our meeting. Definitely worth reading.

[Kiru]

I read it and really liked it. It was an intense read and gave me a new perspective on faith and christianity.

[Northerngirl]

I was raised in a very christian home and although I did like this book, I found it a bit tedious of a read. If you are not a very religious person you may not enjoy this book.

[Mom Taxi Julie]

I really didn't like this book. We read it for book club when it came out. I had a hard time reading it and would have to set it down for awhile and come back to it.

[Jeanette]

I loved it. I also thought that a non religious person could relate to the trinity through the individual characters. What a wonderful story about hope and forgiveness. I went out and purchased a few additional copies just so I could give them to people.