Book Review #1

The Shack
(Reviewed as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper)

“Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” That is the question that haunts Mackenzie Allen Phillips when his worst nightmare comes true in “The Shack”, William P. Young’s compelling new book.

I almost put this book down after reading the first few chapters, my own beliefs shutting the door to my once open mind. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go on but I did and found a poignant storyline that could be applied to anyone.

After his youngest child, Missy, goes missing during a camping trip Mackenzie is thrust into a deep abyss. In the backdrop of the Oregon wilderness he is lured to “the shack”, but what has brought him back there to the home of his “Great Sadness”?

Forget what you thought you knew of God. “The Shack” will have you questioning those thoughts and finding something more palpable to put in its place. What Mackenzie learns transforms his life. The premise “If anything matters, then everything matters” is what Mackenzie struggles with as past, present, and future collide in a story so eloquent as to inspire a modern day crusade.

The author paints a vivid picture as he narrates for Mackenzie in the end telling how his own life has been changed by Mackenzie’s experience. His words bring this work to life leaving many readers wondering if this is a true story or a work of fiction.

Young’s intention was to write a story as a gift to his children. His work inspired those around him and he was encouraged to publish it. To date the book has sold over two million copies and has launched a movement, The Missy Project.