The Shack

New York Times best-selling author William Paul Young to speak at WWU

New York Times best-selling author William Paul Young is scheduled to present at the weekly Walla Walla University chapel program, CommUnity, on Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. in the University Church. Young is the author of The Shack, a novel that addresses the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” His novel deals with pain, loss, and an interesting take on God amidst times of trouble.

Originally born in Canada, Young spent several years of his childhood in the missionary field with his parents in what is now Papua New Guinea. Before becoming an author, Young received a bachelor’s degree in religion from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Ore., and worked in a variety of industries. Initially using his talent of writing simply for crafting stories for his friends, Young’s wife eventually suggested that he write a story for their six children while simultaneously “putting down in one place his perspectives on God and on the inner healing Young had experienced as an adult.” The result of this was The Shack and the formation of Young’s own publishing company, Windblown Media, in 2007 in order to publish the book. It wasn’t long before The Shack had reached number one on the New York Times bestseller list in June 2008, and as of 2010, Young’s novel has sold over 10 million copies. Young has written and had two other novels published: Cross Roads and Eve.

Young and his wife, Kim, live in Oregon. They have six children and eight grandchildren.

CommUnity is held at the University Church, which is located at 212 SW Fourth St., College Place. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about WWU's CommUnity program, visit the CommUnity webpage.

Posted November 10, 2016

Young received a bachelor’s degree in religion from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Ore.
Young’s novel, "The Shack," has sold over 10 million copies.