There is a significant amount of controversy surrounding this book. This is understandable. In The Shack by William Paul Young, the story begins with Mack Phillips, still wallowing in a “Great Sadness” that occurred a while ago. The book then jumps back in time to explain the brutal, tear-jerking, and traumatizing abduction of his six-year-old daughter, a bloodstained memory that has prevented him from seeking God.
The beginning of the novel is easy to read: camping, a canoe accident, panic, police, and a country-wide search. As soon as the novel begins its heavy discussion of religion and philosophy, delving into concepts of judgment, abuse, and other raw subjects, through bizarrely portrayed members of deity we know, the book becomes difficult to process.
I can only say that I encourage you to continue reading. Like Mack, you won’t understand everything. However, especially if you are going through, or have overcome, a “Great Sadness” in your life, Mack’s slow and painful journey toward healing will perhaps help you with yours. I am nowhere near being a parent, but this grief of a father was nearly impossible to read about without shedding tears. I would strongly recommend this book regardless of denomination or religion: the raw emotion, character development, and questions about life make it worthwhile.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Published through the Teen Review Board of the Hamilton Public Library
Apr 30, 2020
Link: https://hpl.bibliocommons.com/item/ugc/614593125?ugc_id=1630986529
