Even the Monsters

"Potter writes with unfailing clarity and confessional power—his interpretation of Job is profoundly informed by both rigorous study and thoughtful, personal meditation. The author doesn't simply implore readers to lean on the Bible for moral counsel and encouragement—he furnishes an illustrative example of how this can be done.

A stimulating reassessment of a key section of the Bible coupled with an affecting memoir."

—Kirkus Reviews

A grieving father and husband. A search for understanding. How can a suffering soul find meaning and peace?

First-time dad Daryl Potter never felt joy so deep. Then one week after his daughter’s birth, a devastating series of medical emergencies threatened the lives of both his wife and daughter, and that innocent joy was gone forever.

Daryl’s initial inability to find help in the Bible’s key book on suffering shook his trust in God. What followed was a desperate quest to find something in the story of Job’s trials that could help him or he risked giving up on faith altogether. The search that followed lasted over twenty years.

Does Job’s ancient poem have the power to repair a wounded heart? Can a life dismantled and hope destroyed ever be restored?

In this intimate and honest account, one man wrestles with deepening his perspective of God in the context of suffering. Comprehensive Biblical commentary is interwoven with Daryl’s deeply personal narrative. He offers those experiencing hardship a path to surviving life’s challenges. It is a path that creates a rich understanding of the one who is God of even the monsters.

Even the Monsters. Living with Grief, Loss, and Depression—A Journey Through the Book of Job is a must-have resource for those going through tough times. If you like relatable experiences, in-depth Bible interpretation, unflinching quests for the truth, and real-life application of God’s Word, then you’ll be moved by Daryl Potter’s meaningful and emotional account.

"Faced with overwhelming trials, Daryl Potter staked his faith on finding answers in the Book of Job. This remarkable book chronicles his years of study and suffering, and rewards the reader with plenty of hard-won insight, gut-level honesty, and in-depth Bible study. A compelling exploration of doubt, despair, faith and trust, Even the Monsters deserves a special place on every believer's bookshelf."

—Marilyn Kriete, author of Paradise Road and The Box Must be Empty

"...goes well beyond a self-help book, a religious treatise, or an evangelical statement of faith. Linguists, historians, philosophers, geographers, sociologists—the list goes on—will find Even the Monsters fascinating….[It] is a powerful study that enables readers to cope with grief, loss, and depression. A tome much needed in our times. Highly recommended."

—Chanticleer Reviews

"…a unique, remarkable exploration of the intersection between the book of Job and life. It is part commentary, part meditation, part personal story about a living nightmare. The parts are woven together in a compelling way….Even the Monsters is about hope in God who is greater than all the monsters in our lives."

—Jim Holston, Minister, Impact Houston Church and Adjunct Professor, South Houston Bible Institute

"...offers a powerful spiritual journey through loss, and searches for understanding in the face of tragedy…. highly recommended for discussion groups about grief, Job, or Biblical studies in general. These audiences will find plenty of specific links and revelations that are perfect for encouraging further inspection, discussion, and enlightenment."

—Midwest Book Review

"Over the years, I'm sure I've read the book of Job at least 30 to 40 times and, while certainly not an expert, considered myself to be well acquainted with the Biblical narrative. However, Daryl Potter showed me how much more there was to discover! Even the Monsters is a tremendous reserve of fresh insight and perspective, bringing Job's story alive in ways I had never before experienced. What Daryl Potter has done is masterful."

—Guy Hammond, Author and Lecturer