The Schack.

Book Review.

Young, William P. THE SHACK. Where tragedy confronts eternity. Windblown Media. L.A. 2007
W.Y.- A Canadian who grew up in a missionary family in New Guinea. “He suffered great loss as a child and young adult, and now enjoys ‘wasteful grace’ with his family in the Pacific Northwest.”

Comment. Henry
When it comes to reading novels I am a novice. Not because I have a problem with that style of writing but I have not made an effort to include it in my choice of reading. With all the ‘hype’ surrounding this book I had to read it. This is a great story in which the author uses his skill to explain many difficult things about life and about the Trinity and heaven in particular.

A very disastrous father/son relationship and a devastating loss of a daughter have brought “The Great Sadness” (25) into the life of Mack. He receives a mysterious invitation to meet with Papa (God) to revisit the circumstances of the daughter’s fatal disappearance. This experience is the major part of the story and is in fact a physical encounter with the Trinity and a ‘visit’ with his daughter in heaven. The ideas shared are thought provoking and could add to one’s understanding of deep spiritual truth.

An older sister of mine made this simple assessment of the book. “There is no heresy in the story.” Eugene Peterson gives this endorsement. “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good.” As helpful as this book is in it’s creative explorations having to do with significant experiences of life there will always remain elements of mystery that require a strong measure of faith to keep a balanced view of life.

I can imagine that a group discussion of this book would be an enjoyable, energetic experience. No doubt there will be more stimulating books coming from the pen of this talented writer.