It was a pretty interesting read. The horrible part at the beginning was difficult to get through just because of the nature of the event. I liked how plainspoken the book was in regards to explaining the Trinity. There were a few parts that didn't sit well with me, like when the main character forgave the perpetrator so quickly, but I still liked it overall. ( )

My sister bought this book for my mother after reading it and then my mother bought me a copy after she read it...I'm so glad she did. What an absolutely amazingly written story. Of course it is sad about the family's "great sadness" and the events surrounding it but the way in which the story was handled and the way God is described is unique. I have my own views and, say, version of my "Christianity" and the way the author described it is so on track that I was stunned. I truly think this is a must read book even if you're scared to read a "religious" book. It is fantastic and truly captivating. Bravo! ( ( )

First the good news: the depiction of God in the shack is much more compatible with modern Western sensibilities than that presented by traditional, non-liberal Christianity. It is also not as far from my personal opinion of how the historical Jesus understood God.

Now the bad news: the book is dishonest in pretending that its views do not contradict traditional Christianity and biblical literalism. When God and Jesus make statements that seem unbiblical, I expect Mack, who was a former seminary student, to at least ask for clarification. This never happens. It seems the author wants it both ways: a kinder, gentler God for the 21st century that is still acceptable to evangelicals and fundamentalists.

Now the other bad news: the book presents faith as a form of comfort against suffering through the childish idea of a faith that God will provide a happy ending. This notion is a set of training wheels that allows those who are unable or unwilling to grow spiritually to muddle through. However it is an impediment to spiritually mature faith that accepts, embraces, and rejoices in the rightness of what is, no matter how personally painful.

Now the other other bad news: the writing left me cold. I'm willing to cut the author a lot of slack as someone who is not a professional writer but still has something he wants to say. However, the book could use a lot of editing, particularly of the events that occur before and after Mack visits the Shack. In fact, I can't help thinking how much better the book would be if these portions were reduced to a few paragraphs each, like the prologue and epilogue in the Book of Job. That in itself would earn an additional full star in my rating.

The Shack is less interesting for what it says per se than for what it's popularity says. Apparently, many traditional Christians want a more-liberal God. Those who find this book more acceptable than, say, Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" might benefit from a refresher course in the faith they claim to follow so devoutly. ( )

I am typically not one for religious stories, but this book was well written. Admittedly, the religious portion just made me laugh and shake my head. The imagery for the religious characters were also well done. It may be rather enjoyable to someone who has that particular faith. What kept me reading to the very end, was having more TO this work of fiction's plot than just another 'struggle of faith' story, though it did have a great deal to do with it. ( )

This book was recommended by a retired pastor and his wife. What a find! While emotionally draining (as you live a parent's worst nightmare), the book leaves you with great hope and a burning desire to know the true and to believe. ( )