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Why have millions of people read The Shack and continue to read it? Lisa, my wife, is in a book club group formed by members from our church that just started reading it. I still see it on the commuter train I take to work. And The Shack has now been on the New York Times bestseller’s list for 111 weeks. That’s incredible for a book that originally was self-published by author William Paul Young, who thought that he’d only write a nice story for his family.
So I’d like to know, what makes The Shack so special? How did it intrigue so many people? Why has it brought hope and faith to so many readers?
I have my own theory about this, but I’m just one person. I’d like to hear what you think. Would you share a thought or two about why you liked The Shack, or why you think it’s been so popular?
Please leave a comment below, or if it’s easier, you can comment on my new Facebook page. For anyone who responds (with more than 50 words) by Tuesday, August 24, I’ll randomly draw three names to each receive a free copy of the book to keep or pass to a friend, or any one book you see on shopguideposts.com.
What’s more, in an upcoming blog post, I’ll offer a general summary of what I find out. I think it will be revealing.
In the meantime, if you want to see more about The Shack, check out Guideposts’ story on author William Paul Young, or our online videos of the author. You’ll also find an honest and touching podcast interview here at Steve Brown, Etc.
Thanks for taking a minute to offer your opinion, and I look forward to hearing from you.
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David Morris, PhD, is the editorial director for Guideposts Books. He keeps busy mending his old house, playing guitar, and volunteering. He, his wife and two daughters live in northern New Jersey. Follow David on Twitter @davidrmorris or get the RSS feed to his Deeper Well blog.
Your Comments
thank-you! i cried many times through out the book, amazing well written. it hurts to know that the Lord is that forgiving. thank you thank you!
The first try at the book I put it aside after Chapter 4; it hurt too much. About 3 months later I started over and read it through in two evening's and night's time.
It was overwhelming. I felt transported into an experience beyond just living in this body and time frame. There was so much more of life - spiritual life - real life - opened up to me that I could not comprehend a tenth of it.
I remember putting small bits of paper markers at each chapter beginning with the comments of those whose words appeared above the words of the chapter. Then I put bits of paper in various pages where certain phrases and/or sentences pulled me to seek a deeper meaning from God.
I prayed ofen when re-reading these special bits, and at times I re-read the whole chapter in which the ideas were encountered. All that Fall I seemed to live in and through and that new spiritual outlook and felt my life to be immeasureably enriched. Even after I finally put it aside for other readings, I would occasionally refer back to parts of that story.
I have just now read the article in December 2011 Guideposts and listed to Wm.Paul Young on the videos. THen I came to this so am writing my thoughts and hope they will be a blessing to someone along the way. I've often been something of an odd-ball individual and at 77 am still seen as childishly impulsive or naive or too unrealistic to make sense, but I get along ok. It's hard on my husband, who is not a believer in a person's spiritual life, but we do ok.
Sincerely,
AS
WOW!!! I have read THE SHACK twice so far. I get more and more out of it each time. It has totally changed my relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. I have been a christian for over 60 years....THANK YOU so mcuh for this writing. Linda
"The Shack" not only tells a sad story that is too real and meaningful to readers. But, the book also takes you out of the box of God and shows You that all things are possible. We can make bad choices or we can go the way God way. We all need to go the gardens of our lives and work and toil to get the weeds out of our lives. I know why this book is doing so well. God touch it.
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