I really liked this book. It was thoughtful, it was interesting, and it kept me thinking all the way through. But it was also preachy and if you aren't very spiritual or religious, it might feel like a bit too much to take in and can possibly make you feel uncomfortable. 
 For me, however, it was exactly what I needed to help me through some recent issues I've been having with my depression. 
 What it reminded me of really, was another story in the bible but a modern day one. It had the same type of lessons within dialogue that is so familiar in the bible but at the same time it was in terms of a modern tragedy which makes it that much easier to relate to. 
 There were a number of excerpts and lessons that I held onto an read and re-read over and over again. 
 I've never read a religious book before, and I'm really not sure if I'll ever find the need to read one again, but this book seemed to lift a weight off of my shoulders that I've been carrying for a very long time. For Mack it was called "The Great Sadness". And when he was relieved of it, he felt an extraordinary weight being lifted from his shoulders. That's how I felt after reading this book. I guess that's how it feels to have faith; to take your sadness, your anger, your anxiety and give it to Jesus, let him carry it for you. It's a beautiful way of thinking. 
 I know this review is all over the place. I apologize for that. I just don't feel like it's the type of book you can sit down and really dig into it. I think it speaks to each person differently. And no amount of reviewing will change what someone else feels when they read the story. I'm not so closed minded to think that someone else might take away more or perhaps nothing at all from this tale. So instead, I'll end this review with a couple of my more favorite and thought provoking quotes: 
 "Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person's throat......Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established.........Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.........Forgiveness does not excuse anything.........You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness......" 
 "Just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors." 
 "So no, I'm not too big on religion...and not very fond of politics or economics either...And why should I be? They are the man-created trinity of terrors that ravages the earth and deceives those I care about. What mental turmoil and anxiety does any human face that is not related to one of those three?" 
 "In some sense every parent does love their children. But some parents are too broken to love them well& others are barely able to love them at all.." 
 "Women, in general, will find it difficult to turn from a man and stop demanding that he meets their needs, provides security, and protects their identity, and return to me. Men, in general, find it very hard to turn from the works of their hands, their own quests for power and security and significance, and turn to me." 
 "If you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. When we see each other or are apart, there is an expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. The expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that expectancy to and expectation-- spoken or unspoken? Suddenly law has entered into our relationship, you are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a 'good friend'" 
 Each one of these quotes reached to me on a personal level one way or another and sometimes a quote with such deep meaning is what you need to read when you are feeling a bit lost.