The Shack

I know I have promised 'short' entries before, but this one must be by its nature. The Shack is a novel by William P. Young. The premise is somewhat challenging, as the foundation of the story is a meeting with God experienced by a man who is seriously troubled about the tenets of his religion - at least what he believes are the tenets of his religion. Many people will reject the premise, and close the pages immediately.

Don't.

The novel presents what the author believes is a viable way to approach spirituality, religion, God, faithfulness - whatever one wants to call the component of life that transcends to earthly/physical.

The story presents a three or four dimensional main character and creates a storyline that is compelling. Furhtermore, the author can write. Unlike Mitch Albom, who has become lucrative as a teller of heartfelt tales, but who approaches the task of writing like a plumber elected to create a three course meal, Young really can write. His characterization is solid, and the storyline is well managed, but his facility with language makes the difference.

Young covers difficult territory, and pushes the limits of credulity throughout the story, but he keeps the reader committed because he says what he has to say so well. I think I am a critical reader, and I was drawn to stick with the story to find out what he had to say, in large part because the voice of the narrator is so engaging.

I think the target audience for the book is anyone who has been troubled by the ambiguities and contradictions of institutional religion, whichever denominiation is involved. Let's face it, all of us have at one time or another happened upon dilemmas that our religious teachings really don't answer in a satisfactory way. Why do good things happen to bad people? What is the best way to live our lives? Why doesn't God intervene when tragedies strike?

It's an interesting book. Give it a shot.