The Shack [Paperback]

 

 

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I am one of the people who dislikes religious organisations, rarely goes to church, and have been unsure where a loving God fits into the dreadful things that go on in the world. I picked up this book by mistake, and read it with the intention of writing a harsh review advising others to save their money. It turns out that I was wrong. This is a very readable book, which addresses questions such as "Why did God let this happen?" and "Does God really have an interest in what goes on in the world?" without being preachy or pious. I was delighted by the humour contained within the pages, which made the sadness in the story bearable. Buy a copy for yourself and a friend! I'm not going to tell you what happens - you'll have to read it yourself.

The Shack is clearly an influential book, and judging by its prodigious sales a lot of people are reading it. As well I noticed that it has (especially in Canada) received a lot of controversial reviews. There are those who love it, and those who hate it passionately. It seems that a lot of this depends on the reader's theology. I would like to critique this view not based on its theology, but on its inspirational value as a work of fiction

First I would like to start by arguing that this is a work of fiction and that fiction is not the same as nonfiction theology (which some reviews seem to claim). The purpose of a nonfiction theological work is to teach through instruction and argument. Fiction, such as The Shack, however is meant to inspire the imagination through the use of vivid and attention-grabbing tales; fiction strives to rouse our emotions and this allows us to consider issues in a different way. For this reason- and I hope this is already clear- The Shack is not a conclusive theological thesis, but a pointer towards a new way of thinking which can then be either validated or invalidated by looking more into the thoughts and feelings we derive from reading it. It is like listening to Silent Night on Christmas Eve as opposed to listening to a university theology lecture. It is what it is. What is important about this book is how it makes us feel and think.

It is within this context that I would like review The Shack. I do not really care whether it mirrors my theology or not, I care about how the book was written and whether it evokes emotion and personal reflection. Now, I have set up very subjective criteria for whether or not I consider this book a success, but I think this is necessary to give the book justice and not simply argue against it based on my theological preference.

I have to admit, for me, this book was not that compelling. Perhaps it was the hype that came with it (read some of the 5 star reviews!), but when I resolved to read this book, I was anticipating the most revolutionary book I had ever read. It was given to me because my best friend had just died in a car accident. I was in desperate need of comfort as I tried to make some sort of sense of the circumstances. Perhaps it was due to these lofty expectations that this book did not come through. I thought that the prose seemed cliché and the writing felt superficial. I did not feel compelled by many sequences of dialogue. In all honesty I had some difficulty sympathizing with Mac, and given his circumstances, this should not have been the case. There were certain touchtones within the book (I liked his image of God as an African American woman, since this is as likely as the traditional conceptualization of God as the wise old white man) and I loved how he conceptualized Mac's pain, calling it the "deep sadness". For me, however, this book did not sufficiently answer the problem of pain (which I think is a rational as well as emotional problem we all must deal with), and it did not especially help me with my pain that much. In fact, as I struggled with my loss, it was through a plethora of other books by authors such as CS Lewis, Harold Kushner, and Paul Tillich that I found peace.

I liked the idea of the story, and the book had some touchtones within, but as a life changing work of fiction, this book did not do it for me. For this reason I give it 3 stars.

Read this for a book club. Girl who chose the book couldn't say enough about this "awesome" read. Once Mack hit the shack I lost all interest. Flipped through the pages and couldn't believe he was in the shack for the entire book. It was a chore to get through. Even my Mom, who is a devote Christian, found it so far fetched that it ruined the book for her. I was expecting to find this book moving and was very curious to read it. I can't tell you how disappointed I was. I do not understand the great reviews this book has received. Am I missing something???

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1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
I was disappointed in the size of the book received.It was not specified on amazon that the book was so small in size. Read more

Published 3 months ago by Lizzy McGuire

5.0 out of 5 stars The Shack
Very well written book. I have purchased it for my library along with the likes of Man's Search for Meaning.

Published 4 months ago by Barbarah K. Nylson

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome book, good service!
The book arrived in good condition and in good time, and was an amazing read. Recommend book and seller to everyone! :)

Published 6 months ago by Elizabeta

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Must Read!
A most impressive read and I gladly add my name to previous statements of having learnt a great deal and shed a tear or two. Read more

Published 7 months ago by Lady Sam

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Don't let the controversy fool you. This is a great book, fun to read. Thought provoking, engaging, made me laugh and moved my heart.

Published 8 months ago by lerics

5.0 out of 5 stars the shack
I ordered the shack from Amazon and it came in within 3 days... wow I was just amazed at the speediness of the delivery. Read more

Published 8 months ago by prestige

5.0 out of 5 stars Sprat
This book is a must read. It really helped me to get a new perspective on my christian life and the God I serve. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Jackie

5.0 out of 5 stars Faith, Hope and Love The God Experience
Papa, Jesus and Sarayu are The Three Person God: a God of love, of concern, of freedom. But where is this Three Person God when tragedy, hurt, fear, lovelessness strike? Read more

Published 9 months ago by JRT

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the shack
One of the best books i have ever read, i gave it to my family it is a must read for all
I loved it. thank you

Published 9 months ago by veronica

4.0 out of 5 stars INSPIRING!!
Didn't think I was going to get into this book when my best friend who is a Born Again Christian bought it for me. Read more

Published 10 months ago by Maxine

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