The Shack

Customer Rating:
Summary: Creative but deeply flawed
Comment: First I consider myself a mature Christian but do not find many redeeming qualities of the church as an "institution" or "religion" in general for that matter. When Jesus spoke of the church I do not believe he was describing what it has become. Furthermore, I believe "theology" can be taken too far to the extreme thereby losing sight of the personal nature of God while theologians parse nuance upon nuance of each verse of the Bible. So given this context, the unorthodox approach the author uses in illustrating the nature of God is not, in itself, troubling to me. Having said that, there are some key points regarding the Trinity, redemption, and ...yes, God's judgment...that are profoundly off base within this book.

As far as reviewing the book as a novel is concerned:

Positives:
- A creative attempt to describe the nature of God by emphasizing that He desires a personal relationship with His creation
- For the "mature" Christian, can re-focus your relationship with God to be more personal in your day-to-day life.
- A quick read

Negatives:
- Predictable plot progression
- Weak character development
- Poor dialog construct and prose between God and the main character; that is, the conversation with and between God was laughable at times and does not draw the reader in.
- For those relatively new or young in their faith this book can lead to a very superficial and inaccurate understanding of God.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Amazing! Could not put it down!
Comment: This book is by far, the finest "fictional" book I've read this year. It is more than just another book, it has the power to transform lives. The writing is exceptional and the storyline captivating. It is helping me to re-examine my relationship with God and to look at my own issues of anger and unforgiveness. The inherent goodness of God seems more real now. In short, this is a powerful book that I highly recommend.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Comment: I was "warned" about the "danger" of this book, so immediately wanted to read it - I could not put it down! Loved the message and story. My truth is the Holy Bible, so there is no work of fiction that is going to shake my foundational beliefs that the Bible is God-breathed and inspired by Him. "The Shack" is a fabulous work of fiction that may upset the apple-carts of some, but still has a great story to tell. I highly recommend reading this book.

Customer Rating:
Summary: The Shack
Comment: "The Shack" was so different than any book I've read. I have read it twice! The first time through I was so excited that I read it too fast. It has the most unusual story Line that grabs you from the beginning to the end of the book. Little but mighty.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Great book to share
Comment: I purchased a dozen copies of "The Shack" and sent them all over the country. Already I've had many favorable responses for a book that really touched my heart. I highly recommend it and believe it will change the way you look at life and your relationships.