Book Review: The Shack

Back in December, my blogging friend Connie read this book, The Shack by William P. Young. She came over here and encouraged me to check it out and read it. I told her I'd try and add it to my list of books. And I DID make a mental note to do so.

It wasn't until I was purchasing some books for summer reading, however, that I actually purchased the book to add to my pile. I started it just after we returned from Alaska. Then, I thought I left it in a hotel on our July 4th weekend. And after I bought a new copy, I found out I'd just tucked it in my tote bag for safe keeping.

It was when I went to buy my new copy that I heard about all the controversy that is following this book. The sales lady said she had read it and enjoyed it. She said she especially "loved the ending" but she wanted me to be aware that there were people in the Christian community who are emphatically against the book. In fact, our local Christian bookstore put the following notice in the book:

The management of [insert name of your local Christian bookstore]does not agree with the theology and doctrinal statements of the book entitled, "THE SHACK",but since it is written as FICTION,you be the judge and make up your
own mind.Comments are welcome.

OK, in many ways, that is like telling someone "not to think about a pink elephant." And never being one to shy away from the "pink elephant" without a clear reason not to forgo my reading of this book, I decided to plow ahead.

I took the new copy on my cruise to the Caribbean, but couldn't bring myself to pick it back up. In fact, I gave that copy to my cousin, Lynn, and decided I'd read it as soon as I returned home. I looked for a deeper reason for the delay in my finishing this book. But there wasn't one, of which I am aware.

I finished the book, however, during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics last night. And I'm glad I did.

At first, the story reminded me a bit of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" as we find the main character "Mackenzie Allen Philips" heading back to an abandoned shack in search of answers regarding the brutal kidnapping and murder of his daughter. He ends up meeting up with God or Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu (Young's version of the Holy Spirit) in a very unique way--that's the "Dickens part".

I tried to keep in mind that this was, in fact, a work of fiction. And, for me, I did not find the areas of "issue" of great concern. Here is a great article on the controversy surrounding the book in USA Today.

Here are a couple of highlights from the story for me:

While Jesus and Mack are talking, Jesus discusses where Mack's imagination is most of the time. He notes: "When I dwell with you, I do so in the present--I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine. Mack, do you realize thatyour imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you?"

OUCH! I am guilty of worrying about that future and forgetting that Jesus is a part of it as He walks with me each and every day of my life. Rather than worrying about it, as the Bible tells us...we need to live in the here and now.

And because I see and hear over and over again people trying to say that "God caused a tragedy because..." OR "It was 'his/her time to go' because God needed him/her in heaven..." I loved Papa's words to Mack when speaking of the horrible tragedy that claimed his daughter's life:
"Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors."

I love that!

Another poignant part of the story is when Mack is confronted with his own habit of judging. I'd love to say that I couldn't relate at all to passing judgment in some of my own life situations. But I can't. And neither could Mack. He is forced to realize that each time he judges something, he is playing God. And no one has that right.

The book is centered on relationships and facing the things that can "grip us" from our past--requiring each reader to visit our own "shack" of sorts. Again and again Mack is reminded that he must have a relationship with God (Papa) through his son Jesus. And while Young's critics note that he doesn't mention "The Bible" in this book...I know of no better way to learn the character of God and to be in relationship with Him than to be "in the Word".

I can see this being a book that appeals to those who are seeking God in a very real way. The story reminds us that God is there even when we endure unspeakable pain. Speaking about his main character, the author says: "Mack is me, a guy who has made a mess of everything," Young says. "The book takes him[Mack] outside everything familiar, back to the worst experience of his life and lets him recognize God is so much greater."

And, in my opinion, Young "hits home" the most important message of all: God loves each of us deeply regardless of where we are in our life's journey!