The Shack by WM. Paul Young
By Cheryl Hayes • Jan 8th, 2009 • Category: Book Review •
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The Shack by WM. Paul Young is a Christian fictional novel that will have you questioning your relationship with God. Mr. Young tells a story that will hold you captive, make you cry, laugh and feel emotions that may have been dormant for a long time.
Mack is a caring father and husband, but questions his life when he thinks back to his abusive childhood and questions why did God allow this to happen to him?
A family outing that was planned for rest, relaxation and some quality family time quickly turns into a nightmare when Mack’s youngest daughter, Missy, is missing. Mack’s wife Nan has placed her faith in “Papa”; that is her nickname for God and she believes everything will turn out ok. Mack’s viewpoint is completely different; he feels God has never been there when he needed him so what would make this instance any different.
After a long search and recover of the woods, little Missy remains to be found. Trying to pick up the pieces of their lives, the family struggles to stay together; so they have a memorial in Missy’s honor. Mack is motivated into keeping the family upbeat. Three years have gone by and he is still in mourning; one day he receives a mysterious letter inviting him to come to the shack, and it is signed “Papa.” He demands answers. Who is this person that is so bold to leave him a note? And signed “Papa”; is this Missy’s abductor playing games, or could it be….? Here we are introduced to God’s unique personalities and wonderment. Mack is a lost soul when he encounters God and he has some questions and boy, he cannot wait to hear the answers.
Can you be angry at god for what you feel he should have stopped, or never allowed to happen? Can you learn to forgive even though you will never forget? This book is filled with spiritual revelations, and soul searching that will make you cry and feel fulfilled. I was overwhelmed with emotions reading this book and brought to tears on a crowded train as I could feel Mack’s transformation taking place right before my very eyes. This is a definite must read. Mr. Young has penned the perfect eye opener in regards to religion, love, trust and nurturing. I was truly touched and recommend this book to readers of all genres.
Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub
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Cheryl Hayes is a Financial Administrator or glorifed bookkeeper. I reside in NYC with my three kids and am an avid book lover. I balance my life between two jobs, my three kids, taking care of my grandmother and reviewing books for APOOO. Reading is not a job, but my passion and a way for me to escape. Being very competitive I enjoy marathons, long walks, quality time with my family and of course reading whatever I can get my hands on.
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I intend to read this in the upcoming months. I was drawn to it in the book store several times. I finally had to pick it up.
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I received The Shack as a gift back in September and stopped reading at Chapter 2. I think I was afraid to press on based on where I could see the story going, but I’ve been told by the gifter that I must finish it, so I will, soon.
This book has over 2,220 reviews. Amazing!
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