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The Shack
15-year-old Justin Spencer is a loner with a tragic past, whose devotion to his deceased father is threatened by his mother's remarriage to an abusive alcoholic. Justin has long accepted his father's death, but the fact that his mother was willing to put both of their lives at risk for a man created turmoil between mother and son. Determined to stop the abuse and heal their relationship, Justin's mother schemes up a plan to escape with Justin and start a new life in an old house in the quaint fishing town of Sherbrook, Maine. It is here that Justin befriends Natalie Boyer, an attractive yet enigmatic 16-year old girl. But when Justin discovers that his new friend is hiding a dark secret and needs his help, it will lead him down a dangerous path of discovery, and one which he will have to walk alone if he is to uncover the truth and help his new friend before it's too late.
146 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2017
284 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 23, 2020
Great, fun read.
July 21, 2021
This book had a good story. However, I bought it by accident. I had meant to download the other “The Shack” by William Paul Young.
I realized right away it was the wrong book, but decided to read it anyway. I liked the story, but wished it would have told us why the murder occurred. Also, how did the dad react to find out what his daughter did?
I could see this as a beginning to a series where the main character helps other murder victims find closure.
Finally - I don’t understand the title. It doesn’t have anything to do with the story. It is almost as if the author wanted to mislead the potential buyer,
I realized right away it was the wrong book, but decided to read it anyway. I liked the story, but wished it would have told us why the murder occurred. Also, how did the dad react to find out what his daughter did?
I could see this as a beginning to a series where the main character helps other murder victims find closure.
Finally - I don’t understand the title. It doesn’t have anything to do with the story. It is almost as if the author wanted to mislead the potential buyer,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
THE SHACK
I was encouraged several years ago to read this book. I had never been much of a reader at that point but I think I can say that now I'm an avid reader. I love thrillers and mysteries but while waiting for the next book from two of my favorite authors I decided to read this. It was very good. I also love the paranormal and found a lot of enjoyment reading The Shack. The characters were vey real in my mind. I just would like to know Anna's motivation for killing her twin sister. I have a set of twins and there is nothing they won't do for the other. I was also entranced with Amelia. Good read.
I was encouraged several years ago to read this book. I had never been much of a reader at that point but I think I can say that now I'm an avid reader. I love thrillers and mysteries but while waiting for the next book from two of my favorite authors I decided to read this. It was very good. I also love the paranormal and found a lot of enjoyment reading The Shack. The characters were vey real in my mind. I just would like to know Anna's motivation for killing her twin sister. I have a set of twins and there is nothing they won't do for the other. I was also entranced with Amelia. Good read.
March 3, 2022
This book was gifted to me, and from the cover, I'll be honest, I expected something different. Throughout the entire story, I kept waiting for a shack to come into play that never did. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story. It's always fun to watch the dynamics between adults and teenagers. They never do seem to understand each other and that was well-written in this story. There were parts that I felt could have gone into more detail and some things left unanswered, but this is a book written more for teenagers than adults. With that in mind, I plan to have my two teens read it and have a family discussion. Maybe I was being too adult and not understanding the teenage mind of it all.
December 31, 2017
Not the book I thought I was ordering
This was an okay read that needs some serious editing and the ending would benefit from a complete rewrite. Too many sentences chopped up with unnecessary commas...that really ruined it for me. I can say that I liked the main character through most of the story line. I thought I was ordering The Shack by William P. Young; that's what I get for not paying attention. I still don't know why this book has the same name and similar cover art...nothing in the story line about a shack. Bait and switch? Not happy with this purchase.
This was an okay read that needs some serious editing and the ending would benefit from a complete rewrite. Too many sentences chopped up with unnecessary commas...that really ruined it for me. I can say that I liked the main character through most of the story line. I thought I was ordering The Shack by William P. Young; that's what I get for not paying attention. I still don't know why this book has the same name and similar cover art...nothing in the story line about a shack. Bait and switch? Not happy with this purchase.
October 21, 2018
The Shack
I am not typically a fan of books about the supernatural but this one was listed on the PBS "Great American Read" and it was available through Amazon Prime so I indulged myself. Even though I am well past the Young Adult sector I enjoyed the book very much. It was well-written and caught my attention from the first chapter. I devoured it in less than a day and will recommend it to my granddaughters. Thank You Michael Gabriel!
I am not typically a fan of books about the supernatural but this one was listed on the PBS "Great American Read" and it was available through Amazon Prime so I indulged myself. Even though I am well past the Young Adult sector I enjoyed the book very much. It was well-written and caught my attention from the first chapter. I devoured it in less than a day and will recommend it to my granddaughters. Thank You Michael Gabriel!
November 12, 2021
Good Entertainment
This is a good story about a journey through adolescence. It had many insights into many of the struggles adolescents go through. More importantly, it highlights what makes good relationships and bad. The protagonists relation with his mother is especially insightful and “nice”. This makes for relaxing as well as insightful reading.
This is a good story about a journey through adolescence. It had many insights into many of the struggles adolescents go through. More importantly, it highlights what makes good relationships and bad. The protagonists relation with his mother is especially insightful and “nice”. This makes for relaxing as well as insightful reading.
February 16, 2018
This is a good middle schooler book
The book had a lot of excitement that I think any tween would enjoy.
It had a bunch of unbelievable parts but that's what a kid would enjoy.
It had good flow through out the book, plenty of action and just a few grammar issues.
The book had a lot of excitement that I think any tween would enjoy.
It had a bunch of unbelievable parts but that's what a kid would enjoy.
It had good flow through out the book, plenty of action and just a few grammar issues.
April 22, 2018
Not enough
This tale could have been a 5, however there was just not enough substance. Appeared to be written by a very young inexperienced person, but please keep with it. Some of the events (escapes,etc) are a bit too unbelievable.
This tale could have been a 5, however there was just not enough substance. Appeared to be written by a very young inexperienced person, but please keep with it. Some of the events (escapes,etc) are a bit too unbelievable.
May 24, 2018
What can I say but a very very good book.
I just finish reading it so I can't hardly even give a review as it's all swirling in my head still . I guess what I can say is, thanks for writing it . I could barely put it down .
I just finish reading it so I can't hardly even give a review as it's all swirling in my head still . I guess what I can say is, thanks for writing it . I could barely put it down .
July 1, 2018
Mystery the mind?
Best mystery i have read in a while!Ghost are such a thing,do they live with us every day?
How do we know they are there?
Hopefully you will read the book and find answers to your questions!
Best mystery i have read in a while!Ghost are such a thing,do they live with us every day?
How do we know they are there?
Hopefully you will read the book and find answers to your questions!
October 1, 2018
Review of Th Shack
This was a very well written and fast moving book. The story y was over uhh well told and had suspense enough to keep me reading and not want to put it down. Thank you.
This was a very well written and fast moving book. The story y was over uhh well told and had suspense enough to keep me reading and not want to put it down. Thank you.
October 24, 2019
A fictionalized & slightly quirky murder mystery!
This book held my interest from start to finish. I loved it & would recommend it to anyone who likes to read unbelievable stories of suspense.
This book held my interest from start to finish. I loved it & would recommend it to anyone who likes to read unbelievable stories of suspense.
March 15, 2021
The Shack
I don't understand why the book is called the shack because I don't remember reading about a shack . But still enjoyed the story and now Justin was able to prove his innocence.
I don't understand why the book is called the shack because I don't remember reading about a shack . But still enjoyed the story and now Justin was able to prove his innocence.
May 30, 2021
Shack
Loved this book. The characters seemed almost real and it shows how people can assume anything about another person without knowing all the facts. I would recommend this to anyone
Loved this book. The characters seemed almost real and it shows how people can assume anything about another person without knowing all the facts. I would recommend this to anyone
August 28, 2021
The story is about truma, trust, fear, loss, pain and suffering. It a list young boy who after at bring a victim commits a horrible sin. He learns through a dreams about "God" . That is where he learns the truth about the cabin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2022
the shack
The characters were well developed however I’m a bit confused on why the abusive second husband was part of the story. I guess it explains why they went to Maine. I would have thought the abuser could have worked into the murder somehow.
The characters were well developed however I’m a bit confused on why the abusive second husband was part of the story. I guess it explains why they went to Maine. I would have thought the abuser could have worked into the murder somehow.
July 5, 2022
Decent read
The story was good but I thought it would be a little different since the story was titled the shack. I did not understand the title when it had nothing to do with a shack but a playground.
Its a good story.
The story was good but I thought it would be a little different since the story was titled the shack. I did not understand the title when it had nothing to do with a shack but a playground.
Its a good story.
August 29, 2024
I recommend this book all the time! It's an excellent story, and an introduction to the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit without "religion" playing a part. So good, thought provoking and tears might just flow. The story is amazing. Plus, God is depicted as a woman of color. Epic tale.
June 3, 2018
Great
I had trouble putting it down it was that good. I sure hope you will continue writing.
I lost sleep reading late into the night so I could finish reading.
I had trouble putting it down it was that good. I sure hope you will continue writing.
I lost sleep reading late into the night so I could finish reading.
August 25, 2018
Great book
As the book started I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy reading. It didn't take long to really get involved and I couldn't put the book down.
As the book started I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy reading. It didn't take long to really get involved and I couldn't put the book down.
November 8, 2018
Inconclusive. The actions of one chapter to the next is unclear
There could have been more accurate info as to what happens
Before the present is already here all of a sudden.
There could have been more accurate info as to what happens
Before the present is already here all of a sudden.
December 21, 2018
A must read!
I gave five stars because it was well written and the story line pulled you in. I really enjoyed it.
I gave five stars because it was well written and the story line pulled you in. I really enjoyed it.
June 2, 2019
Young reader book
This was an interesting story but not a challenging read. There were numerous errors in quotations and paragraph spacing. I would not recommend this book.
This was an interesting story but not a challenging read. There were numerous errors in quotations and paragraph spacing. I would not recommend this book.
July 23, 2019
Amazing story hands down,hard to put down, if you have ever had doubts in God or you're faith than this book is for you it will touch you're ❤,mind and soul.
September 1, 2019
New author scores touchdown with first book
This book was an easy read. It did not waste any space with useless information, yet it told a complex story with a new twist.
This book was an easy read. It did not waste any space with useless information, yet it told a complex story with a new twist.
November 23, 2019
Good book,but a little slow once and while.
January 3, 2021
Truly a great mystery
This borders on the paranormal and covers that well. The part between a mom and teen was really on the normal side. The story was intriguing til the end
This borders on the paranormal and covers that well. The part between a mom and teen was really on the normal side. The story was intriguing til the end
February 20, 2021
Review of Shack
How did you come up with the name Shack?The story wasgood.
I don't know why ,he had to be in a mental hospital?
How did you come up with the name Shack?The story wasgood.
I don't know why ,he had to be in a mental hospital?
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews