Review – Cross Roads

WM. Paul Young, bestselling author of the The Shack that sold eighteen million copies in 2008, now returns with Crossroads. In another provocative tale of healing and hope wrapped in an account of relationships, selfishness, trust and choices. FaithWords releases one million copies Tuesday, November 13th which suggests they believe Crossroad sales could be similar to that of The Shack.

The poignant story begins with self-made businessman, Anthony Stewart, a lonely man in his forties known as a “severe negotiator and master deal maker.” His addiction to winning, demonstrated by his “growing investment portfolio,” was a goal Anthony pursed regardless of cost. Employees trembled in front of him and he delighted in “wresting the last vestiges of dignity from those around him.” 

Yet, Anthony’s soul, disfigured by “self-protective fear and selfish ambition” used denial to cover his inner pain, the loss of loved ones and sense of early abandonment. Until a cerebral hemorrhage left him comatose in Oregon’s Health and Science University’s ICU and doctors found a tumor in the “frontal lobe” of his brain.

However, Anthony is unaware of what’s happening on the physical plane. Instead, he’s drawn toward an “overpowering light…” Young captures Anthony’s confusion and disbelief with vivid word descriptions. Changing scenes challenge his beliefs, astounds his senses and leaves him with a potentially transforming choice. 

He meets Irishman Jack, the “Stranger” who comforts and the Grandmother who cooks with “secret family recipes.” Grandmother also teaches about death, forgiveness, “in-between” time and the choice, a center-piece of Young’s narrative 

As in The Shack Young’s depiction of the Christian Trinity, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are expected to raise controversy. His portrayal is from a spiritual aspect, by a man who considers himself “spiritual but not religious.” Young admits in a Publishers Weekly interview with Marcia Nelson that Crossroads “…raises new questions” and says there is likely an audience “…waiting not to like it.” http://tinyurl.com/a6g3yzn

Although Crossroads takes until chapter three to grab reader’s attention, the first two chapters are needed to understand the rest of the narrative. Then the pace picks up and Anthony moves towards the crucial choice Jesus talked about when He said, “…choose to physically heal one person…only one…when you make that selection, your journey will end.”

Anthony’s unique journey of healing is a mystery wrapped in fascinating fantasy. Young , as before, captures a sense of universal torment and hurt that teaches there are choices if we open ourselves to see them.