The Shack by William Young (Windblown Media, 2007) is a novel, written as if it were a true story. The story begins three or four years after the death of Mackenzie Phillip’s youngest daughter who was abducted and murdered. Mackenzie is stuck in his grief and loss when God intervenes and takes him on a healing journey. It is a fascinating journey with many surprises along the way. It addresses the age old question of why a loving God allows suffering. It is written to deliberately shatter religious stereotypes and will no doubt offend some, especially if it is made into a film as planned.

William Young’s understanding of God’s purposes plus his creativity and imagination make a powerful and moving story. The book contains many insights which may be missed as the story is engrossing and cleverly written. Its message is deeply challenging, showing us how we often miss God in our daily lives because we cling to our independence and semblance of control instead of fully trusting in the intrinsic goodness of God and His unconditional love for us.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It made me re-evaluate my perception of God and consider again the depths of God’s sacrificial love for me