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Original poster

One of my Yr 11 students keeps nagging me to read a book called "The Shack"

56 replies

twinsetandpearls · 16/01/2009 23:47

I teach him RE and he says I will find it fascinating.

What is it about? Is it any good?

OP posts:
saphron · 19/01/2009 21:40

I read it, and I just feel like I wasted a few hours of my life by doing so.

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 19/01/2009 19:50

That sounds very interesting Cornflakegirl.

So far have only read the into of the shack, will let you know when I get further

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cornflakegirl · 19/01/2009 17:07

What's so amazing about grace is a fantastic book. I'm rereading it at the moment because my small group is studying Romans. The retelling of the prodigal son makes me cry every time I read it.

psychomum5 · 19/01/2009 16:14

or not, just readin that you have bought it

psychomum5 · 19/01/2009 16:13

I have just read this book, and I personally enjoyed it.

it is very strong on the religion front, and quite funny in parts, gut wrenching in others, especially the part that describes the abduction, and then search for the girl.

I thought it would be a little OTT, but didn;t find it so.......in some ways it was quite thought provoking (in that it made me think about my beliefs, I was quite surprised to find I actually do have some!).

I found it an easy read, and would be happy to loan you my copy twinset

roisin · 19/01/2009 16:04

Let me know what you think.

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 16:18

Have bought the book.

OP posts:
Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 12:39

i might buy the student who recomended the shack a copy of the Yancey book

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Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 12:38

thanks roisin.

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roisin · 17/01/2009 12:36

Well, I wouldn't personally Twinset, but you might find something in there that you could use if you really wanted to.

What about something from Philip Yancey: What's so Amazing about grace? - an infinitely superior book in every way.

Lauriefairycake · 17/01/2009 12:26

I think it was poorly written and very neatly sidesteped any actual challenging of right-wing Christianity in America.

However, it is a lovely simple book and has some nice things to say about God. IMO it is a very appropriate, simple book for 11 plus and it's gentle version of Christianity is 'nice' and may keep some teenagers from becoming fundamentalist.

So, to sum up, it has a good heart but is very poorly written if you're an adult.

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 12:23

Roisin do you think a section of it would be good for my A/S philosophy of religion group who are looking at the problem of evil. They are on the whole not that bright as I have the lower set so with two exceptions targetted at a C grade. I was planning to use something from Knowledge of Angels.

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roisin · 17/01/2009 12:21

I read it for a similar reason. A colleague (who as far as I can tell never reads) recommended it to me.

I didn't like it at all: very American Religion (not in a good way). I didn't like the style, thought it was badly written, and I didn't like the initial almost gratuitous setting of the little girl being abducted: sort of a "the worst thing you could imagine happening" scenario.

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 12:19

I am off into town in a second with the girls to see if I can get a copy.

OP posts:
MsG · 17/01/2009 12:18

I've got this, but not started it yet - I think it sounds really interesting. x

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 11:49

This boy is not uber religious, comes from a very moderate c of E family, more the tory party at prayer than religious fanatics.

I will give it a read, as a theology graduate I am sure I will find it entertaining.

OP posts:
Califrau · 17/01/2009 03:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FlossieT · 17/01/2009 03:16

I haven't read this myself, but have seen some very scathing reviews of it (by regular human beings, I mean, not papers or anything), criticising its dodgy theology and poor writing.

Seems to be massive in America.

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 00:43

I will check out our charity shops then

He has asked me very nicely to read it and wants my opinion so I will.

OP posts:
phatcat · 17/01/2009 00:40

it's been in my local charity shop for weeks! one to avoid I think

RedtartanLass · 17/01/2009 00:40

Oh good will be interested in your opinion, you being a RE teacher!

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 00:34

Yes have googled it and found lots of hyperbole. Will have a look in town tomorrow and if I cant get it there I will order if from amazon.

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RedtartanLass · 17/01/2009 00:30

In brief, a man's little daughter is abducted and he begins to loose his faith. A few years later he receives a letter from God inviting him to the shack where years earlier the police had found evidence of her death, for a weekend.

Then it just gets yeugh! However if you google the book it appears to have transformed some people's lives (mainly American) but I feel comparing it to the Bible is a bit OTT.

I absolutely loathe this book, can you tell?

Original poster
twinsetandpearls · 17/01/2009 00:11

tartanlass, what is it about?

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RedtartanLass · 17/01/2009 00:09

OMG it is the worse book I have ever tried to read. Our book club at work chose it and there was so many complaints, almost half didn't bother to finish it.

Whoops just seen you teach RE, you may enjoy it then

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