CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It was an emotional afternoon at the Civic Center on Monday. Best selling author Paul Young was in Charleston for a fundraiser and to discuss his book, "The Shack."

Hundreds of readers attended the event.

“I was lucky my boyfriend’s mom, Jackie, had an extra ticket and invited me,” said reader Jennifer Deitz. “She knew how much I liked it, so I was fortunate enough that she had the extra ticket and I’m so thrilled that I got to hear him speak.”

Young’s “The Shack” tells the emotional story of a father coping with the death of his daughter.

“I think what is so good about it is that each person finds something in it for themselves that’s individual with them, and individual with the relationship they want to have with God,” said Deitz.

Young says he never intended to write a best selling novel, originally printing only 15 copies for his children and family. The book is not only a best seller for many readers, but also a source of reflection and healing.

“I’m nobody’s savior, I’m nobody’s healer,” said Young about his following. “There’s only a God who really knows the depth of those people and I get to be there and present and participate in one little tiny way, maybe. I’m thrilled to do that.”

Initially, Young only had 10,000 copies of the book published, but the book grew in popularity, spreading mostly by word of mouth. Deitz was one of those readers who learned of the book through a friend.

“Everybody finds something amazing in it, and they want to share that with their friend or their mom or whoever,” said Deitz. “It just gets passed on and I think that’s an amazing thing.”

Deitz said she will pass her copy to her mom and dad.