Book Review: “The Shack”

Special to the Herald-Guide

December 22, 2011 at 10:55 am  | Mobile Reader | Print 

Courtesy photo

"The Shack" by William Paul Young revolves around Mack Philips.

The story begins four years after Mack’s daughter, Missy, was abducted during a family vacation. It mainly takes place in the shack where Missy was taken. Young wrote this novel as an inspiration to find happiness in even the worst of situations.

In dealing with what Mack calls the ‘Great Sadness,’ he becomes more distant from his wife and his other children. He receives an unaddressed note in the mail saying that the person wanted Mack to meet him at the shack during the upcoming weekend.

The note was signed "Papa." This was strange because his wife calls God by the name of "Papa." Mack decides to visit the shack, where he meets God, learns life lessons and finally allows himself to grieve the loss of Missy, his daughter.

In my opinion, "The Shack" is an amazing novel. However, this book requires a mature audience due to graphic details and perceptions of religion. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who needs therapeutic reading.