By Ciara Frisbie
Staff Writer
Photo by Mallory Hayes
I will admit that like almost any other person who has picked up The Shack, I was hesitant. When you hear God is portrayed by a large, African-American woman, you are almost certain that if you open to even the first page, you will immediately be struck by lightning. I survived.
I can honestly say The Shack is unlike any book I have ever read. I understand many may find it sacrilegious; I have even heard one pastor refer to it as “heresy.” Yes, there are many ideas in the book that make it seem “out there,” but those that focus only on that are truly missing the point. As cliché as it may sound, The Shack is a life-changing novel.
Young’s book chronicles Mackenzie Allen Phillips’ struggle with losing his six-year-old daughter and the experience that would follow to change his life forever. One day as Mack was checking his mail, he finds a mysterious note from God asking Mack to meet him at the shack – the place his daughter was murdered. The remainder of the novel recounts Mack’s time at the shack and his unusual encounters with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The conclusion of the novel is what ties the entire story together to make for a beautifully written piece of work.
Whether you are looking for an adventure story, a love story, a dramatic story, or any other genre imaginable, this book has it all. It is filled with beautiful imagery that keeps the reader enthralled at every word. It is impossible to walk away from this book without questioning what is really important in life and how each life affects another.
