For a "religious" book, I found it was less about religion and more about trust, faith and love. I'm not what you would call a religious person, but I fell in love with the story and cried and laughed with the characters. I love the way that God and Jesus and the holy spirit were protrayed - now that's a belief I could get behind! One in which forgiveness, and redemption of others are paramount to rules and regulations written by man. Pick this book up with an open mind, and you'll find that it will be opened further.

It wasn't the best book I've read, but it wasn't bad. Just ok.

the shack is so enlightening and heart warming. lately i felt less caring, giving up and no connection to anything let alone God. my bf's mom recommended this book and she said it is a religious book. i was pretty skeptical when she told. i've never read a religious book or any book that has touched or talked about religion. i figure it would be a boring one sided novel. she was convincing and i started reading it anyways. the foreword was hard for me to get through. boring dull....im not surprised. after the second chapter i was hooked i couldn't wait to meet the other characters in the shack. the way they describe all the details is fascinating as if you were really there looking on. Meet Papa/ Elousia, a carpenter and Sarayu. well technically i think they have always been with us... i won't say much about the book but you must read this book. i couldn't possibly put into words the way this book opened my eyes again. but it will open your eyes and make you believe again. need guidance? want help? read Mack's encounter with his 3 friends (cook, gardener and a carpenter) You will believe and see again.... this book needs to be part of your all time favorite lists!!! (only note i will mention is that this book needs to be read more than once to get the entire message and even after that read one more time...you will want to regardless) that's how good this book is

Lots of food for thought in this one. I won't be a spoiler, read it!

This book was 'ok' at best. The writing is 'ok'. The story is 'ok'. I don't recommend it for the age group as listed. In a word it was tedious to read.

I picked this book up because I heard it was a "must read." I found the plot interesting and riveting and I couldn't put it down.

When I read "The Shack", I found the author's unconventional portrayals of God interesting and provocative in a positive way. Rather than seeing in God a vengeful or retributive judge, the author's "Big Mama" depiction gave me the impression of One who allows people to experience the consequences of their choices, rather than absolving us of the responsibilities for our actions. We experience what we choose, we see what we believe (or, our perceptions shape our realities.) All of our perceptions of God are clouded by our anthropomorphisms of the Ineffable Unknowable.

This book I would describe as for the most part inspirational for those new to a certain religious journey. The characterizations were a tad bit out of the ordinary which may appeal to some readers. Overall I found this book a pretty boring read.; and would possibly recommend it for those who are interested in gaining more background on the Christian faith.

From a non-religious point of view, this book was definitely enlightening and really makes you think. A favourite part of mine is how the 1. Father, 2. Son, and 3.Holy Ghost is: 1. Black woman 2. Middle Eastern man 3. Asian woman I've read it months ago and my thoughts still refer back to this book; not even just about God and religion, but the life lessons Young teaches you.

I think this book would be both a great read and inspirational one for those who are non-Christians or new in their Christian journey. I found it odd the author would characterize the Trinity in such a way that God and the Holy spirit resemble human figures and Jesus comes off as someone quite the opposite from the Jesus we are familiar with through historical accounts. Personally, I found the book rather boring to read, but I think that someone new to the Christian faith may actually gain a lot from the book especially if they are seeking an inspiring message.