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The Other Half The Other Half
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If I have spoken to you at any length since September 2008, you will probably already know all that I am about to write! While visiting San Antonio, Texas, I bought a book called “The Shack”. I had heard before we left England, that it was a Christian novel which everyone was reading and that it had reached the No. 1 spot on the American best sellers list, so it was an easy choice for in-flight reading. I loved it! Easy to read but challenging thoughts in every chapter. As soon as I finished it I wanted Charles to read it so that we could discuss the themes and the development of the story. The book addresses a lot of the fundamental questions people have about God and suffering. It portrays the love of God in a most refreshing and exciting way. I felt convicted of how God really loves His children – and how that love allows us to make mistakes but He still loves us unconditionally. I understand that not everyone likes “The Shack” - in fact some very harsh words have been written about it – but we were pleased to read the review written by Fr Ronald Rolheiser in The Catholic Herald when he wrote “In my view, this is an excellent book that presents a wonderfully positive and healthy theology of God. I heartily recommend it.” As Charles finished the last page he shut the book and said “Amazing, truly amazing.” I think that describes it perfectly. I’ll have to say a little bit about the story – just in case you are still reading and haven’t rushed out to the bookshop! All this is written on the cover so I won’t spoil it for you. The story is about a man, Mack, who takes his children on a camping weekend during which one of his daughters is abducted and evidence of her murder is found (but not her body) in a deserted shack. For four years he suffers the Great Sadness (his words) until, one day, he receives a note, apparently from God, asking him to meet Him in the shack. He goes – and the story unfolds in a wonderful, compassionate yet humorous way. Many not-yet believers are reading it and secular book clubs are choosing it, as it really does stimulate discussion. Would you believe that Tesco have been selling 2 copies for £7! The cashier was confused when I bought 4 but said she would read it if it was that good. Buy two – one to read and one to give away, so that you can discuss it with someone else. Believe me – we think you will find it “Amazing”! © Sue Whitehead
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