Fiction - but a good point to begin reflection
Customer Rating: 
I have spent a good amount of time deciding how to best describe my thoughts on "The Shack" without letting myself become caught in either of the extremes which seem to have developed over the content. I always become skeptical when I see this sort of excitement develop over a book. At the same time, I feel strongly that this was not a "middle of the scale" experience for me as I read it.
I found caution and constant perspective to be useful as I considered the author's message. Having let the content "sink in" for a few days, I believe I will recommend the book to others with the caveat that they too approach with a clear understanding that the book is fiction and intended as such - but that it is a very useful point from which to base a personal reflection. As a discussion of the Trinity and as an examination of institutional religion vs. a spiritual relationship with each of the three persons of the Holy Trinity - it was very powerful.
I found the idea of the three persons of the Trinity in relationship with one another - and in turn with us (me) as compelling and stimulating. The book was a good way to approach some very dense theology which the book does well to "point to" without asserting an academic character. To think for a moment that "The Shack" gives any academic treatment to certain theological truths is to give the book way too much (read inappropriate) credit. Any thoughts of using the text to learn these truths should be avoided. However, reading it as a healthy challenge to what you think you know, or reading it to form the basis for your own reflection from which to learn would be far more appropriate.
I give "The Shack" 3 stars. Five stars would mean it was near perfect - and this book misses that mark for the following reasons: I felt a little rushed in the final resolution; the conversational style and word choices were just a little off-putting - (detailed below); and the book can be damaging to a reader who approaches the text with the hope of finding the key to their understanding of God.
As to the style of the author: Without any disrespect intended to the author's first work - the style is just a little abrasive for me because of the characteristic flowery adverbs that are sprinkled generously throughout. To use the style of the author and a scriptural paraphrase to explain - As I read, I wanted to experience a beautiful and expansive field of wheat... but the author went into the field at night, and sowed daisies among the wheat seeds. As the seeds grew together, and as I then later experience the book, I was too often distracted by the shock of the bold flowers that were randomly mixed in and among the good grain that I much preferred to experience...
The book has a certain lack of luster and professional polish - but that I think is precisely what also made it fascinating. When you read "The Shack" (and you should) just be careful you don't then go out into the world and start manufacturing consolations for yourself and attributing them to Sarayu.
