Thursday 21 December 2017

The Shack .. By William Paul Young


An unusual and mysterious book which I am sure many people will find it highly controversial in religious or spiritual sense because of so many reasons I don't want to get into, but to be completely honest with you, I grew quite fond of the story even though it had some fluke aspects that we tend to avoid. And before I begin to explain why the book was worth reading, I would like to give a synopsis -

When Mackenzie takes his three children on a camping trip, his youngest daughter goes missing and later he finds her bloodied clothes in a shack far out in a forest and everyone assumes the worst. The whole family sinks into a great sadness.

One day, Mack receives a note in his mailbox from "Papa", saying that he would like to meet with Mack that coming weekend at the shack. The family refers God as "Papa", however, Mack assumes this to be a trick or some sick joke from his murderer to lure him out too. Outraged by his own misery and his family's condition, he sets out towards the shack, unsure of who he will find there. After reaching the shack, however, he finds himself face-to-face with manifestations of God in different forms. 

What you need to find out is.. Will he confront God for what happened to his daughter? Will he find inner peace and ability to cope with his life after what he went through?

This story is more about the journey of a tortured soul and his relationship with God and how to deal with people who hurt you and your loved ones in the most heinous way.

I liked this book not only because of its valuable teachings, which without a doubt was insightful. I liked it more because the image of God in his various forms were exceptionally fascinating and also the way Mack come to terms with his suffering was beyond something.

I would highly recommend this book to all, especially those who have been angry with God or are trying to process pain and suffering in their own lives.

I am sure Papa will help you as he is especially fond of you!!!

Monday 11 December 2017

The Hunger Games .. Mockingjay # 3.. By Suzanne Collins


The final book of Hunger Games is a mixture of battles and politics with an amazing but slightly predictable end of the series.

Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old girl, who outlasted two Hunger Games - a deadly fight for survival, becomes the symbol of a rebel to overthrow an evil empire for its unspeakable cruelty towards its citizens. 

"It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart."

I have a mixed opinion on this book because, on one hand, it had an amazing characterization and a lasting impression, despite which it fails to generate the level of excitement created by the first two installments with less of adrenaline-driven power acts and more of sorrow and destruction. 

This time it is not about the actual challenge to survive against the other districts, which is what made the Hunger Games books so much fun for me, but it is more about the revolution against the government and the struggle to obtain freedom. Although the book is beautifully written with all the emotions rightfully expressed and with a wonderfully laid out story, it fails to draw the reader into the plot as it did with the other two books.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the series very much with its perfect amalgamation of sci-fi and fantasy, which is enough to steal the heart of any youngster.

Please check out my reviews on its previous two books:


"Here's some advice. Stay Alive."

Happy Reading!!!