The Shack (Young novel)
| Company type | Independent publisher |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | William P. Young, Wayne Jacobsen, Brad Cummings, Bobby Downes |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Brad Cummings (president) |
The Shack is a 2007 novel authored by Canadian writer William P. Young. Originally self-published, it achieved USA Today bestseller status, having sold one million copies by June 2008. The book dominated The New York Times Best Seller list for paperback trade fiction from June 2008 until early 2010, after partnering with Hachette Book Group's FaithWords imprint (known as Hodder & Stoughton in the UK). In 2009, it was honored with the "Diamond Award" from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for surpassing 10 million copies sold.
The book’s title represents "the house you construct from your own suffering," symbolizing spaces of pain and humiliation, as Young has articulated in interviews.
Plot
Set against the backdrop of the American Northwest, the narrative follows Mackenzie Allen Phillips ("Mack"), a father of five children. Four years prior, during a camping excursion near Joseph, Oregon, Mack rescues his son from drowning but leaves his youngest daughter Missy unattended. Missy is then kidnapped and murdered by a serial offender known as the "Little Ladykiller." Her remains are never found, leading Mack into what he terms "The Great Sadness."
At the story’s outset, Mack receives an enigmatic note signed "Papa," inviting him to visit the shack. Although estranged from his abusive father, Mack suspects this message might be from God, whom his wife Nan affectionately calls "Papa."
Mack ventures to the shack alone, where the surroundings undergo a supernatural transformation. He encounters tangible incarnations of the Trinity: God the Father appears as an African American woman named Elousia (Papa); Jesus is depicted as a Middle Eastern carpenter; and the Holy Spirit takes the form of an Asian woman named Sarayu.
The plot revolves around Mack’s conversations with Papa, Jesus, and Sarayu as he grapples with Missy’s death and his spiritual beliefs. Significant moments include walking on water alongside Jesus, witnessing an image of his earthly father in Heaven accompanied by Sarayu, and engaging with Sophia, who embodies God's wisdom. Later, Papa reappears as an elderly Native American man and discloses the location of Missy's body inside a cave.
Following his departure from the shack, Mack narrowly escapes a deadly car crash. During his recovery period, he realizes that his time at the shack coincided with the accident day. He guides authorities to Missy's remains; forensic findings lead to the arrest and prosecution of the Little Ladykiller.
Publication
Young initially wrote The Shack as a Christmas present for his six children without plans for publication. Encouraged by friends, in 2006 Young collaborated with former Los Angeles pastors Wayne Jacobsen and Brad Cummings, along with filmmaker Bobby Downes, to prepare the manuscript for release, completing four revisions over sixteen months. After failing to secure contracts with either religious or mainstream publishers, they established Windblown Media to independently publish the work. The Shack climbed to No. 1 on bestseller charts mainly through word-of-mouth promotion and a modest $300 website investment; no additional marketing expenses were noted up to September 2007. Brad Cummings, president of Windblown Media, funded the venture by maxing out twelve personal credit cards.
Reception
Initially overlooked, The Shack experienced a surge in popularity by mid-2008, debuting at the top position on The New York Times paperback fiction bestseller list on June 8. This momentum was driven by a grassroots effort involving churches, Christian radio stations, websites, and blogs, spearheaded by Young, Jacobsen, and Cummings.
By 2010, the book had surpassed 10 million copies in circulation and held the No. 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list for an impressive 70 weeks. It was published in hardcover format and translated into several languages, including Spanish (), German (), Croatian (), and Polish (), with multiple reprints reflecting ongoing demand.
Nevertheless, notable evangelical leaders expressed strong theological objections. Former Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll condemned the work as heretical and a distortion of God’s nature. Evangelical writer Chuck Colson criticized its depiction of the Trinity and its diminished regard for scripture. On his radio show, R. Albert Mohler Jr. labeled it "deeply troubling" and heretical. Apologists Norman Geisler and William C. Roach issued a comprehensive critique identifying fourteen doctrinal disputes, deeming the book "unorthodox" and "very dangerous." Pastor Sean Cole of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Colorado also presented six significant theological objections.
In reply to these critiques, theologian Randal Rauser wrote Finding God in the Shack (2009), offering a sympathetic response to the concerns raised. Psychiatrist Brad Robison collaborated with Young on The Shack Study Guide (2016), aiming to facilitate therapeutic applications of the book. Early contributor Wayne Jacobsen published a thorough defense titled "Is The Shack Heresy?" through Windblown Media.
Legal dispute
In July 2010, the Los Angeles Times reported that The Shack had led to several lawsuits concerning royalties and authorship claims. Young asserted he was owed $8 million in royalties, while Jacobsen and Cummings initiated legal action against him. Young sought to dismiss or pause these claims, with responses from both parties following. Publisher Hachette requested judicial clarification regarding royalty distributions. On January 10, 2011, the court acknowledged that the matter had been resolved or was in the process of resolution and dismissed the case.
Film adaptation
A movie adaptation, directed by Stuart Hazeldine and featuring Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, and Tim McGraw, premiered on March 3, 2017. Although critical reviews were predominantly negative, audience reactions tended to be more positive.
The Shack is referenced by Stephen King in his 2010 collection Full Dark, No Stars, where the protagonist in the novella A Good Marriage recalls her husband describing it as a "life-changer."
Additionally, it is cited in the introduction of Richard Rohr and Mike Morrell's The Divine Dance, where it is credited with inspiring renewed contemplation of the Trinity.
External links
- Conversation with William P. Young conducted by broadcaster Sheridan Voysey