Finished audio 5-5-10, rating 3/5, spiritual fiction, pub. 2007
Narrated by Roger Mueller
Mack is haunted by the death of his youngest daughter. Becoming a shell of his formal self he keeps God at a distance even as his wife embraces God, or Papa as she likes to call him. One day a few years after the kidnapping Mack receives a note from Papa that asks Mack to come to the Shack. Mack hides his intent from his wife and children and heads to the Oregon wilderness one weekend. Mack is greeted by a large black woman (God), and nondescript Jewish man (Jesus) and an Asian spirit (Holy Ghost). As the weekend unfolds Mack learns about what love and God really mean and he is able to come to terms with his heartbreaking past, even beyond that of the death of his daughter.
There are many hot button issues covered here with religion, forgiveness, pain, and grace being a few of the prominent ones. Mack spends alone time with each of the trinity and learns from each of them, some lessons more meaningful than others.
My Mom raved about this one as did many people who read it and I wanted to love it too. Only I didn’t love it, but I did like it. There were lots of things to think about in this one, but it didn’t change my view of the world or my role in it. There were lots of things in here that I already believed and there were others that were interesting and thought-provoking. I guess I just don’t like fiction books that cram too many spiritual ideas in. The story becomes irrelevant and almost trite. I’d rather read a fiction story that addresses one issue or a nonfiction book that doesn’t bother with trying to manipulate my feelings.
I listened to this in the car which I do not think was ideal. Maybe if I had been able to set the book down and think on it at various times I would have enjoyed it more.
I borrowed this unabridged audio book from the library.
Stacy's Books 
I’ve been steering clear of this book myself for probably the same reasons you didn’t love it. I don’t think I will be adding it to my tbr pile any time soon. Thanks so much for the honest review.
A lot of people liked this one, but I just can’t bring myself to read it.
I think this is the first middle of the road review I’ve read – most people seem to hate this book or love it. I don’t think it’s for me.
I had no desire to read it either, but when your Mom really wants you too…
I’ve had this book on my tbr list. I’ve heard the same, you either love it or hate it. I’m not a spiritual person so I probably won’t get it LOL!!
I understand where you’re coming from. The book isn’t for everyone. But, thanks for reading it for dear old mom.
I heard a lot of raves about this book but then the more I heard about it, the less I wanted to read it. It sounds kind of … um…overstuffed and too “made up.” I don’t know if I want to read it actually.
I bought this book without really knowing what it was about (lesson learned. LOL!). And though I honestly tried to finish it, I just couldn’t.
About 1/2 way through this one and I was done. I just didn’t care for it, yet others that I work with loved it.
You are the first person I know who neither loved it or hated it. Everyone seems to have a passion one way or the other about it. I haven’t read it and probably won’t. I don’t like being manipulated in books. At least not in an obvious way.
Well, it did get some credit for being a favorite of my mother’s 🙂 It is not the type of book I usually read, but some of the ideas were interesting, even if the story wasn’t.
Despite being a Christian, I have avoided reading this one. I don’t know why, though.