[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Has anyone here read 'The Shack'? http://theshackbook.com/

I spoke to a friend of mine today who lives in Missouri. He recommended that I read this book and stop focusing on politics. Just wondering if anyone here has read it?

[Patricia A. Marsh]

Purchased The Shack while visiting family a few weeks ago . . . read the first few pages before going to bed . . . left the book on a table in the living-room, forgot about it when I packed up to return home, and haven't seen it since . . . since, that is, my daughter just could not put the book down once she started reading it . . . and then . . . now my son-in-law is reading it! So . . . looks like I'll have to make another trip if I expect to get <u>my</u> turn to finish reading The Shack.

BTW: If I'm not mistaken, The Shack is based on a true story.

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Thanks, Patricia -

I tried to find a copy while I was out shopping, but came home empty handed. I will likely order it on-line. I'm glad to hear that it is a page turner. Maybe it will change the whole world

Anne

[Patricia A. Marsh]

I noticed The Shack when I stopped to catch my breath at a book display not far from the checkout lines (where I'd decided to wait while my daughter finished shopping) at either a WalMart or a Giant Eagle . . . or maybe it was a Meijer!? Can't remember for sure!** Anyway . . .

Have you taken a gander at the following website yet?
http://theshackbook.com/discuss


____________________
**I remember only that it was the weekend before Labor Day and it seemed as though, for two days, my daughter and I had been running all over creation---frantically hunting for, among other things, a few last-minute surprise birthday party must-haves---while everyone else in the world was in the same store(s) simply stocking up on hot-dogs and beer.

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Thanks, again Patricia. No, I had not visited the site. I just heard about the book today.

I went to the link and was stunned to read the words of a woman struggling with whether or not it would be okay with God if she commits suicide. Obviously so many of us are struggling to keep going. It is hard to keep getting up each day and look in the face of human suffering. I really do think I need to read this book because I often feel like I'm ready to throw in the towel (and I think I would have by now except for the sake of my children). Perhaps one of the downsides of being a Universalist Christian (besides the awesome moments of peace and freedom from fear) is that suicide sometimes seems like a reasonable option whenever the joy fades away into the shadows.

[Patti McCarty]

I've read it. It was a tough read in many ways, but well worth it. Don't know if it's based on a true story but think it could have been. It was definitely inspired, though. I hear they're going to make a movie out of it. If done right, it would have the potential to change the world, as you put it.

Patti

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Thanks, Patti -

I am now looking very forward to getting my copy because of the positive feedback here. It certainly appears to be a very inspired book from what I'm hearing.

Anne

[Patricia A. Marsh]

Originally posted by Patricia A. Marsh:
....

BTW: If I'm not mistaken, The Shack is based on a true story.

Anne---

If I'm not mistaken--(again!)--I was mistaken when I said "...The Shack is based on a true story." . . . because, despite any imagined indications to the contrary, The Shack is fiction. IOW: I haven't been able to find anything online saying that it is, in fact, based on a true story.

Also: When I checked The Shack's book discussion forums a little while ago, I found it sorta enlightening that one of the threads I'd read last night has disappeared . . . interesting, if ya consider that that particular thread was started by someone who said the story is "blasphemous"!

[**shrug**]

All best---
Patricia


Edited to correct error: "blasphemy" to "blasphemous" . . . and to say that, while re-checking those discussion forums a few minutes ago, I found that the OP's subject line (among other things) was changed by a moderator.



[This message has been edited by Patricia A. Marsh (edited September 15, 2008).]

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Originally posted by Patricia A. Marsh:

Anne---

If I'm not mistaken--(again!)--I was mistaken when I said "...The Shack is based on a true story." . . . because, despite any imagined indications to the contrary, The Shack is fiction. IOW: I haven't been able to find anything online saying that it is, in fact, based on a true story.

Also: When I checked The Shack's book discussion forums a little while ago, I found it sorta enlightening that one of the threads I'd read last night has disappeared . . . interesting, if ya consider that that particular thread was started by someone who said the story is "blasphemy"!

[**shrug**]

All best---
Patricia

Jesus was also accused of blasphemy for saying he was the son of God. Religious fear is often the tool of choice used to bind people (powered by the fear of death). I've learned over the years not to listen to anyone who is using the fear of death to control others. But such people will always be around I reckon.

[Patricia A. Marsh]

Is The Shack a true story? The author answers that question in a blog entry at the following URL:

http://www.windrumors.com/30/is-the-...-a-real-person