The Shack by William Young

Cheryl's Comments: My mother-in-law reads a lot of books. I mean a LOT of books. Frequently she’ll tell me about what she’s reading. Fairly often she’ll recommend a book or series, and once in a while she’ll hand me a book and say “Read it!” A few weeks ago, she handed me The Shack.

The main character, Mack, is a man who has experienced a lot of suffering. He perseveres the way most of us would, putting one foot in front of the other and taking care of his family, and yet he finds himself weighted down with what he inwardly calls “The Great Sadness.” Anyone who has felt that sort of grief fogging up their life will understand how it can affect your relationships with others and often even with God.

Mack gets to experience a rare opportunity as he wrestles with his grief: He gets to speak to God about it face to face. This part of the book is not a strict allegory but is instead the author’s answer to his own “what if” question. What if we could spend a weekend physically in the presence of a touchable God? What would he look like? How would he answer our hurts and anger? Author William Young avoids the traditional answers and the church-speak you might expect for book that is a conversation with God. Those tired of simplistic answers to tough questions will find it refreshing, and some traditionalists will find it uncomfortable.

You may love this book, or you may hate it, but it will probably get you into some interesting conversations. One day as I read this book while waiting for my daughter, a 19 year old stranger walked up and asked how I liked it and couldn’t wait to talk about it with someone. I was referred to this book by a Grandmother and have discussed it with people of all ages. Whatever you think of the book, the questions it raises and the conversations you’ll have will be worthwhile. Check Status at GPL