William Young’s The Shack is a best-seller for BN and has topped 
the NYT list. It’s a Christian genre book and that’s what makes its success surprising — and controversial. Albert Mohler, in a full-length radio program, has called it “heresy,” and Lifeway has apparently pulled it. But in addition to sales, customer reviews say the book is enriching and renewing.
For me and other would -be writers the most interesting thing here is the book’s publishing history. Young, recently bankrupt and having lost a home of 19 years, wrote the book for his children and a few friends. They loved it, word of mouth marketing kicked in, and a best seller was born.
“Dear Mr. Young, we regret to inform you . . .” Yes, the book, like so many other successes, was rejected by both Christian and secular publishing houses. Undeterred Young formed Windblown expressly for publishing his own novel. Then came a webpage. Barnes and Noble bought a few copies and when sales soared, ordered more. Many more.
Issues? Christian leaders say the book may be harmful. Fans say it’s the best Christian book they’re read. By the way, in the book God is a black woman. A quick read will tell. I’m waiting for it to hit the used bookstores or be available at the library.
Young’s website gives the front matter and chapter one for readers. NYT Books has another review. And of course, blogs are weighing in on both sides.
3 responses so far ↓
Bob // June 28, 2008 at 6:51 am |
Here we are in 2008, with an entire generation, maybe two, that evaluates “Christian” books by whether or not they have “swear words” in them. G-rated movies are good, PG is suspect.
Recently you posted on why content is King. Unfortunately, content in the mind of most Christians is not only “in the mind,” it is reduced to emotional response. “I learned sooo much from this book,” a Christian might say. What he or she really means is that the book left an uplifting feeling at the end of the read.
My advice. For an uplifting feeling, try drinking a beer. If you must read, read with discernment.
paisleyandplaid // June 28, 2008 at 4:06 pm |
I’ll be able to speak more authoritatively when I’ve read the book. Thinking is better than feeling — at least when it comes to evaluating fiction.
Daughter Dearest // June 29, 2008 at 2:29 pm |
Tres interessant. Being an English major who’s still in college, I tend to sneer at the label “Christian fiction.” Also at its target audience, who tend to read such things because they think they should, and give the expected response of being moved deeply. You know, you hear all the time “how much this novel just touched my heart.” Give me a break; read a Pride and Prejudice, then we’ll talk.