Last month I had the privilege of going to a Pastor’s Wives conference at Sandy Cove, along with nine of the other pastors wives from our church. While there I heard about William Young’s book The Shack from several of the ladies who worked at Sandy Cove. I am not much of a fiction reader, I think it has to do with my ‘get something done’ mentality and therefore I read tons of nonfictions books that can help me learn something to apply to my life. But when I step back and read a fiction book I am always encouraged! I should do it more often. Who needs to get things done, just soak yourself in a good tale and be inspired! 
Last week I finished The Shack and I must say I enjoyed it. There were times when I was not so sure and probably would have put it down for good if I had not heard from others a few warnings. Young says he wrote the book for his children and never expected it to actually be published, so its rising popularity is a surprise to him. The Shack unfolds a story of a man walking through the pain of family tragedy and his developing understanding of and relationship with God, and His “role” in this tragedy.
The first warning I received was that I might not agree with all the theology put forth in the book, and that was found to be true. Although I must say I once or twice found myself board with the theology dialog and wanted to get back to the story. I may give the book a second reading to pay more attention to the theology dialog now that I am not distracted with wanting to know what is going to happen in the story and how things are going to end up.
The second warning I received was that there was a murder early on in the book that sets everything up and not to give up on the book thinking it will be too graphic. I am glad I got this warning, because I surely would have put the book down. The subject of the murder hit too close to home and for a few days I could not read it before going to bed. But once the event is over, and with out many details, the true story of the book emerges with the aftermath of tragedy and the healing that is needed.
I would add one warning myself: be sure to read the forward! Now you probably think that is silly, who would skip it. Well I did and was confused on several points until I read it after finishing the book and then thought “Oh, now I see who that guy is and why this happened….” Silly me!!
By far I would say my favorite part of the book would have to be (now skip over this paragraph if you do not want to know something ahead of time – although this is not crucial info.) when Mack is reunited with his Dad and there is a colorful reconciliation. It was a beautiful picture that Young painted of forgiveness and reconciliation. Some of the other items I enjoyed was God’s comments that He is especially fond of Mack, or Mandy or … What a great way to put it, especially fond of . There was the interaction with Wisdom that I found interesting and thought provoking. And Young’s description of our quest for power in every relationship compared to God’s quest for relationship in and of itself was challenging!
Over all I would recommend the book (with the warnings ) and say it is good, frustrating, enlightening and interesting to read. If you decide to read it let me know. I would love to sit and talk this book over with another reader or two!
