'The Shack' Author, William P. Young Interview
December 4, 2007 by Sherman Hu
Filed under Faith-Based, Interviews, Video
On November 13th, 2007, William P. Young (he goes by Paul), author of The Shack, visited my hometown for a book signing and we were thrilled to finally connect LIVE in living color! Here’s the back story…
On August 30th, I finished reading The Shack. Read the back cover to get the gist for what The Shack is about. It’s my favorite book I’ve read all year!
I emailed Paul immediately, with this intro…
“Hi Paul, I just finished the book about 5 minutes ago, and I’m wrecked! 
I cried, I laughed, wept, then laughed again. Thank you!…”
In the email, I shared how I would like to volunteer just a few hours to help him revamp his blog, which so happened to be the professional Wordpress theme I coach my students at WordpressTutorials.com to use. Honestly, it was a pitiful sight, and it needed some TLC
What I didn’t realize was that in May this same year, a Paul Young had registered at WordpressTutorials.com and was attempting to set up his own blog. The same Paul Young! So when he received my email, he knew exactly who I was and his prompt reply was…
“Dear God-send…the username and password combination for windrumors.com is… Brother, you can do ‘whatever’ you want!!! You have my permission to totally have fun with this!…”
Amazing small world huh? God works in mysterious ways…
So what you see at www.WindRumors.com is what I’ve helped him with so far, and there’s more to do. The video interview below includes our conversation about what technology we could potentially deploy to help his readers and audience share their feedback and voice on his blog.
This video interview has been split into 3 parts. Our conversation revolves around faith, spirituality, The Shack book’s miraculous results in sales, language translation, virality, and lives changed, and also technology, new media and social media. I challenge you to view these videos and to pick up a copy of the book for yourself. I’ve already ordered and handed out 2 autographed case lots of The Shack from Paul
Enjoy these videos and/or MP3s (may be easier to download to consume it) and I invite your feedback and comments…
William P. Young Interview Part 1
William P. Young Interview Part 2
William P. Young Interview Part 3
Part 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (114)
Part 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (66)
Part 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (249)
Part 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (276) Part 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (51) Part 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (45) Part 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (210) Part 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (214) Part 3: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (58) Part 3: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (43)Related posts:
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Thanks Sherman for putting this together and sharing it. Good stuff.
So cool seeing Paul Young in this interview you did. I heard him in the podcast at thegodjourney.com that he mentions but it’s great seeing the video face with the voice. Wonderful seeing The Shack taking off and impacting so many folks.
Dave, thanks for swinging by and adding your feedback. Yes, Paul just emailed me and shared how they had just shipped 20K more of The Shack over this past weekend – awesome! That’s 20K more conversations, 20K more journeys started, and 20K more hearts and spirits lifted!
Awesome, Sherman. Just thinking of your interview/conversation with Paul and how all he shared could be taken and attempted to live out as some formula, some series of steps to get closer to God (or worse yet, to become “better christians!”) This is an awakening for sure but not by our might and wisdom but by this crying out to know this Papa and Jesus which is truly way beyond ourselves. What a joy to have our eyes opened like this!
Blessings to you
Dave
This book is a must-read and it will change your preconceived notions, even those notions entrenched from your youth, placed there by well meaning teachers and preachers. Here is a novel, reading more like an autobiography, and you will find yourself easily able to identify with geographic locations and the private thoughts of the heart. Last night ten of us had opportunity to spend two hours with the author to listen, ask questions and to observe the man. Paul Young is genuine in every respect, a perfect example of one living in the moment. Thank you for reinforcing the need for everyone to be in the present in each conversation, each encounter, as each hour in the day is redeemed for His glory.
Blessings,
Bill
I haven’t even read the book and I’m touched. Since I live in the UK, I can only get it via Amazon and I want to read it TODAY!!
I Love what William P Young said that he would never ask God to bless anything he did again, but he asked God to let him hang around what He has blessed. This is my mantra now and fits in with what God has been showing me lately about “Seeking First His Kingdom … and ALL these things will be added beside.”
Thank you for sharing this Sherman. Fantastic!
Blessings
Trish
Hey Trish, I wish you were closer – I would’ve sent you an autographed copy from Paul. But shipping is still going to be slow this Christmas.
Do share your experience with me once you read it ok?
God bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks for thinking of me Sherman!
Two of the books are still coming from the US because believe it or not, there was a limit on how many Amazon.co.uk would allow me to buy … ONE!!
I sure will share my experience with you and, I’ve already put the videos on my blog at theinfluentialwoman.com.
You and your family have a blessed Christmas too Sherman.
Trish
We were given the Shack by a friend in September. I read it over a week end and of course passed it to my wife. We given dozens of copies away. The Shack has had a trememdous impact on our lives and those around us.
Your interview was incredible. To be able to hear Paul Young is wonderful. Thank you.
Art
Hi, Sherman!
Enjoyed your interview with Paul Young, and I will follow up on The Shack — sounds intriguing. I have a book release, What Did Jesus Say? The Master’s Instructions, so I paid close attention to his blog page.
Two questions, please:
1 – How did you set up that interview in what seemed to be a restaurant?
2 – What’s the difference between a permalink and a trackback?
Thanks!
Jean
How thankful we all are that Mr. Young would take the time to share with us God’s awesome love – so clearly, so intimately, so real. The book is touching so many lives and what a breath of fresh air it has been to those who have never had a loving father or a father at all to whom they could relate.
The description of the fields and flowers were so magnificent that you knew it could only come from heaven, and what a joy to be able to picture it and enjoy the splendor of it all.
Praise to our Father!!!!!!!!!!
Linda Denham
@ Art and Linda, thanks to both of you for stopping by and checking out this interview. Appreciate your feedback too.
@ Jean, congrats on your book release! To answer your questions:
1. We were at a local cafe, and though it was busy and somewhat noisy in there, my RODE shotgun mic on my Panasonic camcorder captured Paul quite well. The mic and camcorder was pointed directly at Paul. Plus I had setup the camcorder on a mini-tripod and it was sitting on the table with us. Hope this helps.
2. A permalink is short for ‘permanent link’, like an absolute URL (or web address).
A trackback is the practice of commenting on a blog, like mine as an example, from within your own blog.
You would simply write your comment like you would write a new blog post in your blog. Then you would use the trackback URL provided by my blog (as seen below my entry above) and input it in your ‘trackback url field’ and publish that blog entry.
When I approve the trackback, it’ll show up in my blog comments with a link back to your blog’s entry. This provides your audience and mine exposure to the conversation between us.
Hope this helps.
I think this book was one of the best books I have ever read and I am only fourteen! I loved how it took you in the story and would stir your emotions to the point I actually cried! I am just amazed by your work William and I, as an aspiring author hope I can write as well as you did in this magnificent book. Hope you keep it up. Thanks!
Hi William I have somthing God has givinen me that I fell belongs to you to take care of. If this word means any thing to you E-mail me. ( Fuzzels )It stands for food for your soul
Hello, Paul…
I have just finished The Shack. My tears have dried enough for me to write. I lost three of my six children to a killer disease (called Batten’s Disease, a slow killer). So I was in that meadow and behind that waterfall, watching my kids playing together with Jesus. You have helped me see that Papa is loving and laughing with them. We saw that when they were alive, when they were dying, and now we see that He is still with them and their life is better than it ever was in this world. What a gift you have given me.
My wife and also spent some retirement years in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, which links me also to your childhood in some mysterious way. This is not the end, but the beginning of more good things in my life and family. I love you. Steve
I have never finished a book in one day, I could not put it down. It has totally opened my eyes to be able to see how much God loves me. How God is good ALL the Time. That He has a purpose for Everything and Everyone. This book has helped me give up the need to control things or the need to be right. It has helped me to walk more in Grace. It has given me a better understanding about good and evil and choices that we make. It has also give me a better view of the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you for writing this book for your kids but sharing with all of us.
Really, really liked the book. Glad to see this interview of the author, would enjoy it more if there weren’t all that background noise. :-/ Hearing problems. :-p
His preserved word is in the KJV? Well, I guess if the KJV was good enough for the Jesus and apostles than it’s good enough for us.
WARNING: Attempting to comment on a book before actually reading it it could contribute to your stupidity.
Sorry… couldn’t help myself. Feel free to delete my reply Sherman.
I am on my second time reading the book. And again it is the best book besides the bible that I have ever read. It breaks things down and helps me understand better. God is a spirit and can appear as anyone He disires to be, He is so loving that He makes it about us, what we need to see. I have recommeded this book to everyone I come across. But I do tell them to be prepared. It blows every sterotype and it knocks off every religious spirit you may have. It shows what a wonderful, loving, awesome, incredible God we serve. I love my Papa…… again Thank you for writing this book…..
2 TIMOTHY 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Author—-God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob!
It appears to me that there have been some thoughtful comments that have been erased on this site.
Lets see if these “people of God” will delete God’s words???
Berean,
Explain? I’ve yet to read the book, but are you putting this book down to nothing more than a fable that lacks truth? If indeed you have something to say, speak up!
Again, I make it clear, I haven’t read the book but found truth in the interview William P Young had with Sherman and, I’m also intrigued to know, were the parables of Jesus fables too?
May I tell you how many people have finally understood who our Heavenly Father really is!! How many times I have heard their comments that they always pictured this God in Heaven with a ruler in His hand and a stern face, just waiting for His children to mess us – oh what a lie – and thousands have believed this lie from childhood – it’s what they had been taught in their churches. Thank you Paul Young for taking the time to share with us this magnificent, awesome loving Father we have whose arms are always open to us to receive us and forgive us and teach us and love us!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Linda Williams
Fasinating book but it left me with a question for the author. At the end in the section titled “After Words”, you wrote a question; “So the question I am faced with as I pen these words is how to end a tale like this? This question in and of itself calls into question the whole book. Can you help me out here.
Dear all,
Is there anyone out there who can help me find contact details of The Castors (Mr (Steve)& Mrs Castor). I have been trying for a long time now trying to get in touch with them. They spent some years teaching in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and were like parents to me.
Please help me find them!
Tavota Yaboro
Hello to Tavota Yaboro!
What a surprise to read your name today in the blogs of Sherman Hu! I remember you so very well — like yesterday — even though 16 years have slipped away. I would love to learn about what you have been doing since your high school days. And to hear more about some of your classmates who touched my life so profoundly. My e-mail address is scastor@frontiernet.net. My mail address is 2535 Nunda-Byersville Road, in Nunda, NY 14517 USA.
God bless you richly with His love, Steve Castor
Just reading these comments, touches my very soul with all the love everyone expresses.. Sounds like I will be picking this book up before my roadtrip from PA->California or shortly there-after. thanks every1
I was brought up in a very legalistic environment. It has taken me years to heal from the spiritual abuse. My Papa has been walking me down a road to Himself. He has pointed me toward Authors like Steven Brown in “Approaching God how to pray”. Phillip Yancey’s “What’s so Amazing About Grace. Brennan Manning’s “Ragamuffin Gospel”. What a WONDERFUL PAPPA he is. I asked God a few years ago to show me HIMSELF. I asked Him to show me His face, His nature. He has been faithful. Some people I guess must live their Christian lives by rules and regulations but there are a few who have found TRUE freedom in Jesus Christ. It IS all about HIM anyway isnt it. As I read some of the blogs I see that some are still bound up in legalism while others are finding TRUE freedom in the work that Christ did on Calvary. The debt is PAID IN FULL. Thank you William P Young. The Shack has changed my life in only the way one human soul can be changed, through the revelation of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. This book is truly Inspired and one more take on GRACE and LOVE.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I’M READING IT AGAIN (AND I NEVER READ BOOKS TWICE) AND UNDERLINING THE PARTS THAT SPEAK TO ME PERSONALLY. I’M PASSING IT ON TO OTHERS TOO. HOW I WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF A BOOKCLUB TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THIS WITH OTHER PEOPLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY COMMENTS.
The Shack is an example of what I call “encounter theology.” Though in fable (or fictional) format, it teaches an unbiblical view of God, the Trinity, salvation and divine revelation itself. It’s undertones are negatively oriented toward “regular” biblical theology, that is knowledge of God founded upon and derived from the written Word of God, the Bible. It’s salvation plan is “muddied” and confusing and does not make clear that the death and resurrection of Jesus is the ONLY way to God the Father. The teaching of the classic biblical doctrine of the Trinity deviates violently from the Bible’s and Church’s teaching through the ages. It’s story-like, good-feeling, experiential (existentialist?) paradigm reminds me of New Age thinking and teaching. Sorry, but it does not at all measure up to the classic Pilgrim’s Progress or much of C.S. Lewis’s works–all based squarely on the Scriptures.
A good read does not mean good teaching! And it may in the end simply promote increased Bible illiteracy.
for Mr. Willian P. Young,
I haven just read your “The Shack” and agreed and gavenit mnuch deep thought until until I came to the part that even when Missy was being killed the Trinity was with with her. As aloving mother I would have killed the evil and saved her, I have a very difficult time nexcepting this version of our Creators love!!! Please help???
Thank you for the love of God that saturates this book. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to read it. I can’t wait to just love and forgive because I now know that God is truly good and that he truly loves me. Thank you for helping me to deepen my relationship with PAPA.
Gwendi
Paul’s life parallels my husband’s; so therefore my life is similar to Kim’s. Is there a place where either of us can go to talk on-line to others with the same background??? It helps so much to be able so share. Thank you in advance. Mary Jo
A forward written about and by the author, using pseudonyms of course. So who else could write one better???
Unlike many others, who “read it all in one day” or “night”, I read it through in a period of months! Nearly each page contained “meat”, i.e., “food for thought”; I would have considered it next to blasphemy to have read it in only one read! (So…let all those speed readers out there stick pins in a voodoo doll that represents me). I’m sixty-six years old and have always been pretty much of a thinker and doer, and because I am a thinker–and, hopefully, listener–I made many trips to my Bible and concordances to check on various statements made by the author, who, by the way, is a very substantial theologian.
I trust you can make sense out of this. I encountered your interest in “The Shack” and want to give you an offer to send you a copy of my book “Lessons from the Vineyard” if you want. Make that 2 copies – one for you and one for Mr. Young.
I would welcome your comments on it. Also I need direction on what to do with 5 more books I have in my hopper. I believe God has a reason for leading us down a path. More when I get your response to this.
Thank you and may the Lord reign in the heart of all we contact.
Duane McCutchan, 559-897-0100
A thought for the loving mother… I think it is in the book that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not step into lives and situations, but supports those going through, especially when they have no control over the events. Missy’s Dad couldn’t be there to prevent, But PAPA was, to hold her in the pain she may have felt… and maybe to bring her to them before all of the horror happened to her earthly body. Wow, to know that I would not be alone, experiencing all of the horrors …… awesome.
On the flip side, what if this brings a hunger to readers to know more and begin to study the Bible? Also, I wonder how many times you have read it…the second time is bringing many many many more Bible bases than the first read did…. Think about it a bit.
When I read the book the first time I had to stop when the dress was found. I was so upset. My daughter called just then to tell me not to stop but that there was so much good to be learned. I continued and now because I had to read it as fast as I could to find out what came next, I am reading it a second time and taking notes in my journad of things that minister to me. What an inspiration it has been to me. I praise the Lord for allowing this book to be written.
I dont read a lot,but the other day I just knew I had to go to the christian book in the town I was in,I was drawn right away to this book,
I read it in about 8 hours,for me this is a record
thankyou
After reading this book, I sent a copy to my pen pal who is incarcerated. He read it in 2 days and began sharing it with his fellow inmates. They love reading it and express the thoughts that it really opened their eyes to the nature of God’s love and that they want to read it multiple times. When I saw that Paul was doing a discussion and book signing at a nearby B&N, I bought a hardback copy for him to sign for the guys at RMSI. When I told Paul what I planned to do with the copy, he looked at me, smiled and thought for a minute and wrote a special message to the guys. Way cool! I was privileged to present to book to the guys at a Sunday communion service and read the incription to them. I can hardly describe the looks on their faces – they were so touched by his words. Their response to the book is so deep and thoughtful. They want to take notes, re-read it, just like me. It has impacted their lives profoundly. Thank you, Paul, for your gift.
I would like to get in touch with Paul Young or someone who works with him. We are a ministry – “Freedom House Minisitry”
in the Chicagoland area and we would very much like to invite him to speak at one of our events Please notify me in how I could make contact with him.
http://www.marianne@freedomhouseministry.net
I’ve heard several stories as to how and why this book came to be. The one I want to know about, did Young really write this book for his son in the face of HIS great sadness over the tragic death of his sibling? Or is it just his creative way of showing his readers the depth and grace of God’s love? Or both? I’d really like to know but whatever–the book makes one think deeply, crying and rejoicing. Hope to get an answer.
Above is my comment. How did Young come to write this amazing book? Truth and fiction combined or pure fiction? Whatever, there’s much within its pages to return us to God’s word.
Dear Margaret-
When you get there be prepared to start anew.
Felt like I was reading a story and a bible lesson for the day everyday after a certain point in the book. YEA:) WAS REFRESHING.
REFRESHING;)learned alot! BEAUTIFUL STORY
recommended to all my family members! (6) …great christmas gift!
My heart is truly sadden to see so many reject Gods love and base it on the Bible. Isnt that how the Jews missed out on Christ? We are so worried about living by the law, that we forget that because of Christs death and resurection, we no longer live by the law. We live in freedom through the love of the Father because we are His Children.
This book is fiction and is one mans view of God in all 3 persons. It is not a theological study on the trinity (which is also mans attempt to understand God and not even biblical) or in redemption or forgiveness.
Tthis story is about one persons experience of meeting God right where he was. It was his choice to step out in faith, but ultimately God was there even in his pain, anger and misunderstanding of who God really is.
God is using this book (as well as His living Word) to restore a faulty relationship with my dad.
I have never understood my relationship with my earthly father and thus never understood or comprehended my relationship with my heavenly father. This book brings to life His love for me as a son. I am now accepting my own dads love as a son. I want to sit in the arms of my heavenly father and fully accept His love and acceptance knowing that there is no expectations only an expectancy in the relationship!
Eric… reading what you just read reminded me of the true power behind this book (the True Power’s name is PAPA!). So many are missing the point, missing the boat, really. Straining over doctrinal correctness and missing the reality of our loving, wonderful Father who desires us passionately! Thanks for what you shared.
Sherman, I continue to enjoy hearing folks that have posted here, how they have been so moved by The Shack… so moved by His grace for sure.
Dave
You know Eric, I couldn’t have put it better and so nicely!
I would probably have ranted about their legalism and being the ones Jesus was referring to about “shutting up the kingdom of heaven against men…” This book is probably turning more men to Christ than all their legalism put together.
When Tommy Tenny wrote “Hadassah” God told him to get to people “through the back door” and this is the reason he made it a novel because it would get people to read it.
I don’t say we should preach lies – for those of you ready to shoot me down – but if you can’t get to people except via preaching scripture you have the problem, not those “NOT” listening to you.
Sherman, forgive me for “ranting” on your blog but boy, these people gotta understand what it really means to “be in the world but not of it,” and for some of these folks, they are so heavenly minded, they have no earthly use!
Eric, I’m so pleased to see this book has helped with rebuilding the relationship with your dad.
Be Blessed,
Trish
Actually, I should rephrase my comment above … “they’re not even heavenly minded, they just think they are!”
You know what is so awesome with Gods love? He extends it to everyone! I would ask that we pray for those who find it necessary to question how God works, rather that we would simply jump in (as Peter did in faith!) the flow of Gods love and let it just be!
You are so right Eric … this is where we measure the depth of our love.
Eric, thank you for opening up your heart and sharing your comment with all of us. I to have been blessed reading this book. It encourages me to read all the ways this books has blessed so many people. Papa is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He meets you just where you are. He reveals Himself to you the way you need Him to. Thank you for everyone who allows us to see a glimpse of Gods love through your comment.
I just love reading from all of you that are seeing God in this book. Everything Jesus said and did while on the earth shocked and appalled the smart, learned religious leaders. He came to love the lost and the broken. Thank God!
i need someone to answer this question is the shach a true story or is it fiction did this little girl really die i did love the book but i am confused
fiction…
Rest assured The Shack is a work of fiction. If you look carefully on the cover/back of the book, you’ll probably see it noted somewhere. A real little girl didn’t die, but she represents Innocence of a Child, “murdered” by someone. So many people have something within them taken/destroyed/murdered when they are yet children (physical/sexual/mental abuse, etc). That leaves deep, deep scars and wounds that take years, if not decades, to heal. Through building trust and developing a loving relationship with Papa, we can recover from anything and heal the deepest wounds. You are loved!
Hello,
I would love to know if there are any plans to have this book translated to Spanish?
I know it would be a HUGE blessing to the hispanic community as well.
thanks!
Good evening,
I just finished reading the Shack and I am so grateful for it! The book was given to me by a fellow from church who said it was really different. I didn’t start to read it right away but a few weeks later, another fellow who was ministering to me
ask me if I had ever heard of it. I said it was sitting on my kitchen table,unread,but I recognize God’s voice when I hear it…copies in Spanish are available from ChristianBook.com, as I am buying one to give to a very dear woman from South America to read as she flies home for the holidays.She has no idea what she will be experiencing when she goes to”the Shack”!
you really should put SOMEWHERE on the book that it isn’t a true story cuz here i am readin it thinking this really happened but no! it didn’t so you should think about people like me next time the people who believe the book was true!!!!!
other then that it was a good book.
ok i’m sorry it does say it im sorta blonde…… it should still say it bigger. sorry i think the book portrays an image of god that we all should have or want to have it shows him as wanting to be there for us and it shows how god doesn’t bring pain on us we bring it on ourselves i do like the book and i may read it again. i am very glad that you published this book and im happy you wrote it, it widened my understanding and my desire for the lord. i’m sorry and thank you
i finish the book in my holiday to spain.one of the best book i ever reed.GOD bless u Young.Did anyone know if i can find this book in bulgarian?
My friend told me about The Shack. I cried, I laughed, and when I was finished I made a mental list of all the people I needed to tell about it. I grew up learning about God’s love and this story explained what I learned. Thank you for this gift. God has used you in such a wonderful way through your writing.
Hi – I LOVED The Shack!
But there is one thing the author missed – I would LOVE to talk to him about it – it is the most amazing discovery about God that I have ever made, and would add an even further dimension to his work.
I hope to hear!
Rita
i hope people who read this book dont start to think that God saves everyone even when they willfully sin and dont repent. yes, God loves us all but do you love him back? im someone who believes that there is no better book than the Bible Itself!
This book is both amazing and wierd. I don’t like other people’s idea of God and agree with Tony P. that the Bible is the best source for truth. I have one big question for the author, what does he mean when he says Jesus is not a Christian? That whole last page of that chapter has me wondering about the whole message!
Thanks, Sallie
Sallie asked a question regarding “What did the author mean when in a chapter it stated that Jesus was not a Christian? I have not come to that place in the book yet however, may I throw this out. “Christian” represents a state to be Christ like, to walk the pilgrimage, to believe in Christ. Having said that: Jesus Christ is already “Christ” period. He paid the price. We need him so much for all depths of our hearts. I am so humbled and thankful he is Christ and he knows the depths of our hearts and he is the loving great healer. “He is “The great I AM” In Christ Love Susan
Sallie – I just heard the author speak this weekend and he commented on this exact subject being one of the most controversial in his book. Paul (the author) states that Jesus was obviously not a “Christian”, he was/is a Jew. He was born, lived and died a Jew. The term “Christian” did not come to be used until many years after Jesus death. Paul even uses the following joke to poke fun at the whole concept: Did Jesus arrive in heaven and think to himself “…darn, if only I had waited 10 years, could I have asked myself into my own heart?” The author also says that people often ask him “Are you a Christian?” He responds…tell me what one is and I’ll tell you if I am!
…Hope this helps. David
I loved this book and it was an amazing transition for me. This book was such a healing experience for me. I had just gone through a devastating period in my life where I caught my husband cheeting on me, and he was really mean and he managed to fire me from our company and took my income away and removed me from my life and moved his girl friend into my life.
I was depressed and could hardly get out of bed. I was wondering around a book store looking for something to read and came across “The Shack”. I didnt know what it was about, but it sounded inspirational, so I bought the book. The girl at at the check out counter told me that she had heard it was really great. I had never heard of it before.
I like so many others, must admit, I couldn’t put the book down. I laughed, cried, laughed again. I is an amazingly powerful book that made me look inside myself. My divorce is not comparable to loosing a child, but the principles that are conveyed in the book spoke to me. I was consuming myself over the grief of loosing my husband my business and I felt so sorry for myself. I got out of bed and got a job and started back on the road to a healthy happy life with my kids after I read the book. It wasn’t an instant change, but it was a beginning to getting me out of bed and back into the world of the living.
I have been a christian since I was 9 years old…I am now 48.
Your book has tremendously made a difference in my life.
After reading some reviews, I see I am not alone in the emotions that ‘The Shack’ brought to me.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to shout….so many feelings.
In September, 1997, my 16 year old son was killed in a car wreck.
Over the years, I have been on emotional roller coaster.
In the past couple of years though, God has eased my pain.
Some of the incidents in your book, have only confirmed some of the things that God has revealed to me.
I know it is fiction, but I believe it came from a heart that Truly loves God.
Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
I’m telling everyone I know, to read it.
Again, Thank You
Debbie Graham
YESSSSSS…REST is living in the present(ce) of God… moment by moment not meditating on the future or the past but on HIM who is life! Within this rest is LOVE PEACE AND JOY! yes… we have to make the decision to live like this.
I read the book “The Shack”, it was an awinspiring story. When I wasn’t crying, I was laughing, or eager to see what would follow. There are few books I pick up and can’t put down. This was one such book. It was a life changing story. To each one that I have reccomended this book ( and there has been many) they have all spoke of how life changing it is, how they want to be kinder to their fellow person or how they want to just love everyone. It is wonderful and thank you Paul for bring it to us.
Bertha Giddings
I thought the book the shack was a wonderful book. Sometimes the Bible is hard to understand and this gives a person a better understanding of how the Lord realy is. This book takes the fear out of religion and makes you want more of the lord. This book shows that we have a loving lord and not what we have been taught about heaven and hell. I feel Mr. Young was lead by the Lord to write this book. The Lord does come to us through dreams and visions and this book proves that. The book the Shack may be fiction but it is so true.I have myself and know other people that have experenced these things that was in this book. I feel everyone should read this book and they will fall in love with the lord all over again, or want to know him. Golda Davidson
My life will never be the same. My eyes were open to the restictions that I myself had placed on what God would be like. I did not want the book to end. I read this book while recuperting from a heart attack and as such was able to devote significant time in reading this book. I purchased the book and am recommending it to all of my friends. Thank God for you!!!
I am about three quarters of the way through “The Shack” and have been touched; as have been many of the folks who previously commented. The story has enhanced my perspective of God and the relationship that He so desires to have with us.
I did have a couple of comments that I wanted to share. First, I think that one must be sure to view this, and similarly wonderful books, as a supplement to the word of God and not a replacement. While the Bible may be difficult to understand in places, it is God’s Word and it alone is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest sword, cutting between soul and spirit. I suggest that anyone having serious trouble understanding the Bible ensure that they 1) have a reputable easy-to-read translation with extensive footnotes and 2) pray that the Holy Spirit will unlock the meaning of God’s word and apply it to their heart.
The second comment concerns God’s great nature. He is truly loving, peaceful, awesome, and–praise Him–merciful. In fact, my vocabulary is far too limited to begin to describe how wonderful God is! However, God is also just. Without His justice, the world and our lives would be capricious jokes. That’s why heaven and hell are necessities. God’s assurance of an ultimate judgement for all expresses both His just nature and His high regard for humanity. After all, someone goes through life keeping God at arms length and/or trying to reach God through their own efforts or theology has very clearly expressed their desire to keep far away from God and not approach Him on His terms. God would be belying His own nature if He forced people that did not want to know Him to spend enternity with Him.
Be blessed.
It took me a while to get the beginning of the book. I read the first part before i moved on, but when I did I couldn’t stop. I learned so much about the questions I have been asking myself. I felt it was me asking the questions. After reading it I knew I wasn’t alone. This is the first book that I have read that was able to put it in common terms. Once I started reading it, it was hard to put down. The book was introduced to me by a handyman I hired to do some work. He said, “you have to read this book, you will never be the same.”
I let me mother read the book and she has read it over and over about 10 times. She called her sister in Houston and she bought the book and her two daughters bought the book. My mother took it to the church and several ladies from the church bought it. My mother told my sister and brother and they bought it. My mother is spreading the word better than any advertising agent. When we go home to visit her (she is 74) we have to be prepared to sit down and discuss the book.
It would be a great day if she had the opportunity to meet mr. Young.
Sign Pat
This is the interview on the audio Cd version of The Shack. Paul really spills it all. http://www.drewmarshall.ca/listen2009.html#090509
Our nephew bought our family The Shack after our youngest son, 23 yoa, died suddenly while away at college – April 25, 2009. This book ministered to my heart in the deepest and most profound way. God provided this book to “take me away” from the heartache of having a child pass away. I only wish I wasn’t done with it…what did it do for me? Well our son was “born again” at age 15, but was not walking iwth Christ on a day to day basis, bottom line, he was human and not perfect. He loved the Lord and knew JEsus was the only way — so the shack presented God/Jesus/Holy Spirit in such a loving, kind, sweet way that is so contrary to what we hear today. I am a daughter of God and honestly, I have been so turned off by the church today, long before our son went to be with Jesus. It is about love, love your neighbor as yourself,and know God. I am rambling, my heart is broken but always from the time we found out our Daniel son was no longer on this earth with us — God sustained us with strength and gave us a peace that passes all understanding that Daniel is in Heaven now, he just moved. Thanks and May God’s Light Shine Upon all of you!
I was so moved by this book (I LISTENED AUDIO) I purchased the book for my son and wish to pass it to all my family- this made the understanding and love of the trinity so simple and moving that I can go on and on about the spirtit moving in me as I listened. We have one commandment and that is to love our neighbor- this I wish on everyone
I just finished the CD and went and bought the book….wonderful…and I went to see what others thought of it….mostly good, except for all the preachers, ministers and priests…you know those people who don’t work for a living…the ones that sell sell Jesus for a living. They attack it with a vengence because it threatens their livihood. What a bunchy of phonies. I found “The Shack” to be absolutely refreshing and it answered a lot of questions reinforced a lot of questions and opinions that I had about organized religion. There ought to be more of this type of non typical literature published…it is great and ought to be read and pondered by people who can think for themselves
I just started reading the book. At first I was upset because of the little girl. It reminded me of when my brother was murdered and they never found his body. However, once I got past that the book really touched my heart and emotionally I could feel God working in my life. I am on Chapter 9 now and the last few chapters made me laugh deep in my soul. I could really understand where Mack was coming from and the answers are crystal clear. All the critics with their heresy remarks are ridiculous. They don’t get the humor and he spiritual aspect of it. So far so good and I can’t wait to finish it.
It is the BEST book I have ever seen ….. and its so INSPIRING ! really I feel so Overwhelmed when I read that … totally changed the whole thing in my mind . really . what makes me think is moreover towards completely change paradigm
and i love the way when there PAPA revelaed that there is NO RELIGION . Awesome .. there is no religion what still exist GOD himself. AMEN!
Hi,
I finished reading “The Shack” last night. I must admit that I cried several times both in sadness and in joy. Paul’s take on who God is and why things are, was simply beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will recommend it to my family and friends. Thank you
the author sent me the address so I could send my book and have it signed. I accidentally deleted it, do you know where I might be able to find it again?
Elizabeth Barrington
Elizabeht, I’m unsure what Paul had shared with you. But you can check his WindRumors blog for details.
Dearest All
I have not yet read The Shack although been introduced this via a colleague I wait with bated breadth for it to arrive. I am a very spiritual person and my life is enriched in my heart with the love I have for Jesus and God. I am a Catholic but would just like to say I am not ignorant of others faith, here is why. For many years I have prayed endlessly to God for him to assist my marriage, to guide my husband to him. I loved my husband so much that all I wanted for him was to be a true person, to love himself, then others. If he respected himself then he could respect others as God wants. Anyway I found out my husband had an affair my heart broke- my world was torn apart. How could this happen to me I do not deserve this- for some time I have struggled with forgiveness. My husband also a Catholic struggled with his feelings and had lost his faith.
For seven years I have had a lovely man at my door he is a Jehovah’s Witneess. I have been very wary because it was drummed into me as a child and a Catholic do not let them in. Anyway to cut a long story short- this man stopped at my door to give me a copy of the Watchtower- as usual I was polite and none ignorant. My husband came out and began a conversation with him- that was the day he met God. A few weeks have passed and there is no promise of my husband becoming ever a JW. But this man sits and chats and discusses the family and importance of being a better person- he has calmed down, stopped smoking has become the person I wanted him to be for himself. He takes time to listen, is thoughtful. Therefore God comes in different guises and religions, if you believe in Jesus and GOD then believe someday, somehow he will come and maybe not in the way you thought he would. That mans persistence knocking at my door prevailed after 7 years- I am being honest from my heart- my home is now a garden finding bloom- each day I am being given a bouquet of happiness xxx Love Peg xxx
A job well done over at Windrumors!
I too feel that The Shack was a breath of fresh air for those who find the church’s traditional emphasis of the anger, judgement and remoteness in the Father’s character has stifled any real affection or love for Him. The Shack opens up some new vistas in regard to God’s grace, love and desire to really engage with us at a meaningful level.
My reading group has recently combined The Shack with Forgiving Ararat by Gita Nazareth and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, in raising an intellectual debate about religion. Thought you may find it to your liking.
hiya Stella, thanks for jumping in to this conversation with your feedback and resources.
RE: WindRumors – I had originally worked on it, but the super delicious new design has been designed by a design studio to take Paul and his blog to the next level
RE: Book recommendations – thanks for sharing!