Customer Reviews:
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 Breaking Report from a former Shack Promoter November 26, 2007
Better to be Righteous than Right
721 out of 941 found this review helpful
This is going to be a unique review in that I could give this book five stars or one...I've chosen the one star category, admittedly for visibility (and also because it's stuck on 1 and I can't change it), only because I feel it so important to caution people about who they give this book to, and to point out what's missing (and encourage discussion group facilitators to point it out).
I was giving copies of this book out left and right, and most everyone responded to it the same way I did--with much enthusiasm. This book answers masterfully the question of suffering. It is also a fresh breeze for Christians who've been burned by religion, or simply want to be drawn into a deeper walk with God. For those reasons I will continue to give out copies of The Shack to those I think will respond as most people seem to.
However, I've discovered first hand that while the The Shack can be an instrument of salvation to one person, it can be an instrument of destruction for another. I gave it to a friend of mine who is a deeply spiritual New Ager, as well as extremely intellectual. I knew this was probably the only Christian book he could stomach, and I felt he'd actually like it. I was more than right. He LOVED it. He re-read it, taking notes. I had to wait several days before meeting with him to discuss the book, and during that time a haunting question plagued me: Did my friend love this book because it brought him closer to the Truth? Or because it only reinforced his belief that all paths lead to "The Divine?"
In the course of our conversation, my worst fears were realized. I point blank asked my friend, "So do you think the author's intent was to adhere to the fundamental Christian belief that Jesus is the only way to the one true God?" Without hesitation, he said, "Oh no, I didn't see that at all."
People will continue to defend The Shack as THE BOOK to give to unsaved loved ones, but if my friend remains eternally lost, all the 5 stars combined will not matter. To put this book into the hands of someone wanting to read in to it what they want to (and Young makes that very easy, as is evidenced by some of the replies to this post) is a little bit too much like giving a three year old a piece of hard candy. I can't just cross my fingers and hope it goes down safely.
The other tragedy of The Shack is that two important elements are either downplayed or left out intirely: The Word of God and The Body of Christ. Jesus left us both in which to find Him. Sadly, Mack was left with neither.
 Don't buy just one.... November 26, 2007
Laura Lyn Donahue (Franklin, TN USA)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Honestly, I don't think that there is a book other than the Bible itself that has influenced the dimension of my love for my Father, Jesus, and Sarayu (I love this name). The visual imagery that the author has been able to convey through the eyes of Mack will forever impact my visions of my Trinitarian guardians. The words, "I am very fond of you" resonate within my heart and, though spoken to Mack and later to Willie, I know are meant for me as well. Don't expect The Shack to be just "a good read." Instead, to read it is good for the soul.
5 stars insufficient November 25, 2007
StarLysandra Cole (Oregon, USA)
21 out of 31 found this review helpful
Right behind the Bible, this is at the top of my reading list. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read it again... but had to surrender it to my husband first who had been bugging me to define what I was reading. He isn't "a reader," but in less than two days, he has devoured 2/3rd of the book and is losing sleep cuz he can hardly put it down.
I'm back, to buy a dozen copies for 2007 Christmas... more than half to simply give away.
This is the most "nonfiction" fiction book I've ever read. The story line and presentation resists categorizing into a specfic hole... it reads like all the good parts of a "near death experience." It captures your imagination and holds your attention.
If you've ever been hopeless, joyless, confused... or simply complacent... about Who God is and how He feels about you... READ this book. I'm sure there will be those who don't "get" this book and its message. I am sad for those. There are those who will dismiss this book on preconceived "theological" or "doctrinal" issues. I'm far sadder for them. But, if you have been sincerely seeking to hear God's Heart, to catch a glimpse of Him in His Reality... apart from a transfiguration experience, I'd be hard pressed to think of a better way to touch Him.
And, if you have struggled with the issue of forgiveness for someone who has committed the "unforgiveable sin" against you... this book just might help you begin to see a way through that obstacle.
This goes to the TOP of my "MUST READ" suggestion list!
Do This One Thing November 25, 2007
L. M. Stewart
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I don't care who you are or where you came from. I don't care where you think you're going, either. There's not a place under the Son where this book won't meet you-if you let it.
A new revelation for me! November 22, 2007
Rex Schultz (Colorado Springs, CO)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I am a pastor and seminary student and I have never read anything like "The Shack". It is a must-read for everyone whether you are a person of faith or not, whether you are in pain or not, etc. The story drew me in and I could not put it down. Your theology will be turned on its head and you'll see your entire life from a completely different perspective. Don't miss this!
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