The Shack

As much as it was a hyped book, I really did enjoy it on it's own merits. I think anyone, believer in God or not, could benefit from reading this book - especially if you are currently or have recently suffered great loss. While it's obviously written from a Christian (or perhaps disgruntled Christian is more accurate) perspective, there's much to learn about our world and why bad things happen and perhaps, why God seems to allow them to happen.

This book changed my life for the better the very first time that I read it. It changes my life each time I re-read it as well, because it reminds me just how much God loves me. This is still my favorite book of all time. I've read it more than a few times as well. Each time I set a goal to read thru it without getting emotional at all about it, but I just cannot do it. Might have something to do with the fact that I have two daughters, I'm thinkin'...

In regards to all these comments about how people think this book is blasphemous, it is possible to read this book and still believe in the ultimate power of God, and so forth. I don't think the author is trying to make a point that he believes that God is just a man (or woman) or anything like that. I think he makes God's character the way it is in the book to get the reader to see their relationship with God from a different, and possibly more personal point of view. Just my two cents though, and what do I know? Nothing, lol.

Very interesting book. Something to keep in mind is that this is not a true story, so there is no Missy, or that whole thing. I don't think the author claims this view of God as ‘holy' or ‘devine' or any of that, I think if anything, he just gives people a chance to imagine what it would be like if you got to sit down with the Creator of the Universe, how would that visit go? A great start to think about what God really thinks of us... and what we are supposed to do when bad things happen, or when we get angry at God.

1.5 star read. Highly disappointing. Overly simplistic. Not realistic and slightly corny. This story tries to present a plot line of overcoming adversity by eating breakfast with God,Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a fictional dream world log cabin. I found this book an unsuccessful attempt at trying to make religion more contemporary and relevant in modern literature. Wasn't my cup of tea. Too far fetched for me. Maybe you can have better luck with it than I did. Good luck to all you who try!

I read this book several years ago but I couldn't remember much about it. I came across another copy so I read it again. I remember hearing other people talk about it and it seemed there were three camps. There are those that loved it, those that hated it, and those were afraid to say what they thought about it.

Many of those that hated it had a problem with God being depicted as a black woman. I thought this was very clever because it brings out the prejudges of people. God is not black or white or male or female. Anyone who believes in God knows that God is not limited to any one of those things.

I really enjoyed the story, although it was very sad, but I enjoyed the way things were wrapped up. I got a lot out of the chapter A Morning of Sorrows which talked about forgiveness.

I have to admit I didn't like everything about this book and what was said and some things I will have to continue to chew on for a while. I do plan to go back to this book later and think about these things some more. I have ordered a hardcover copy for my permanent library.

At the end of this book, it really felt like a true story. I mean I had to convince myself over and over that it was fiction. It was a story/vision that I believe many could relate to. I do love Christian fiction that is not over the top and in your face that everyone can enjoy without feeling like they are being preached at.