Spring Break
Christian book becomes a controversial sensation
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Lifestyles
"The Shack" by William P. Young (Bantam, $27.50)
It can be difficult to explain how a book becomes hot property. In the case of "The Shack," the answer is very simple - by word of mouth. Originally released with only a three-digit budget, this book has caused a sensation among the Christian community.
Author William Young has produced a book that is very controversial, and controversy stirs interest.
The plot of "The Shack" revolves around main character Mackenzie (Mack) Phillips, whose daughter was abducted and presumably murdered by a serial killer when they were on a camping trip four years earlier.
Mack has lost his way since this terrible tragedy and is seemingly passing through life in somewhat of a haze.
One day, however, Mack receives a note from Papa, his family's nickname for God.
God invites him to return to the shack where his daughter's torn and bloodied dress was found many years ago.
Mack, thinking this is some sick joke, hesitates, but his curiosity gets the better of him and he takes the journey into his past.
Upon arrival, Mack does encounter God, and he spends the weekend discussing his life, the death of his daughter and his future.
This might not be an earth-shattering plot for man, but Young mixes a little unexpectedness into the book.
He portrays the Trinity as two women and a man all of different ethnicities. They are shown as almost regular people who eat, listen to music and take on everyday tasks. As such, this might come as a shock to those who have never thought of God in this manner.
This book is, without a doubt, very controversial. It contains many thought-provoking statements, and readers will either love it or hate it. It's suspected that very few will find the middle ground.
It can be difficult to explain how a book becomes hot property. In the case of "The Shack," the answer is very simple - by word of mouth. Originally released with only a three-digit budget, this book has caused a sensation among the Christian community.
Author William Young has produced a book that is very controversial, and controversy stirs interest.
The plot of "The Shack" revolves around main character Mackenzie (Mack) Phillips, whose daughter was abducted and presumably murdered by a serial killer when they were on a camping trip four years earlier.
Mack has lost his way since this terrible tragedy and is seemingly passing through life in somewhat of a haze.
One day, however, Mack receives a note from Papa, his family's nickname for God.
God invites him to return to the shack where his daughter's torn and bloodied dress was found many years ago.
Mack, thinking this is some sick joke, hesitates, but his curiosity gets the better of him and he takes the journey into his past.
Upon arrival, Mack does encounter God, and he spends the weekend discussing his life, the death of his daughter and his future.
This might not be an earth-shattering plot for man, but Young mixes a little unexpectedness into the book.
He portrays the Trinity as two women and a man all of different ethnicities. They are shown as almost regular people who eat, listen to music and take on everyday tasks. As such, this might come as a shock to those who have never thought of God in this manner.
This book is, without a doubt, very controversial. It contains many thought-provoking statements, and readers will either love it or hate it. It's suspected that very few will find the middle ground.
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