That Day, Great and Terrible

by Brian P. Scott

Angela Sabogal is on a never-ending road trip through the back alleys of America. Her father is hell-bent on saving the world one soul at a time, but she just wants to go home.

Kat is lost and unemployed. Her marriage is shaky and there is something wrong with her son. As the world grows more terrifying, she looks to a stranger for comfort.

Milton is able to speak, but has nothing to say. So when an encounter in the basement of his father's church awakens a strange new ability, he is amazed when crowds gather around him to listen.

Gabe is a college student searching for glory. He longs to stare down the devil and fight for Jesus. But when he is confronted with true evil, he questions everything he believes.

These four lives come together as the world around them falls apart. Now they must face their darkest sins as they await the coming of that great and terrible day.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2015

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very dark book about the end times. It was well-written but I gave it a 3 because I didn't like any of the characters (nor was I supposed to), and the ending was a bit unresolved. Those are the two strikes against it. I was also able to experience some very uncomfortable emotions. That is good writing. The characters a blend of complex and interesting and somewhat flat and secondary. Surprisingly, one of the least fleshed out characters was that of the Lutheran pastor. His wife and son were interesting though. There were interesting choices as to which characters got their own chapters (and how many) and which ones didn't; almost as interesting and who was "chosen" later in the book.

I would not say that this was a particularly enjoyable read, but it did provide a lot of food for thought. And may require subsequent re-readings.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your Christianity tied up in a pretty package, with all the questions answered, this probably isn't the book for you. But if you struggle with how to live with your faith, how to know God is present in the world and how love beats judgement--this novel's characters, through their messiness and sinfulness and searching might help you along your way.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty and creative slant on eternal life.

[Mike Kolsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

First, the characters captured my attention. I really loved a couple of them, totally hated a few, pitied a couple, and felt a deep sadness and connection with one. There weren't any characters I felt indifferent towards. They had real fears, real weirdnesses, real faults. Some showed occasional real moments of brilliance, and they all spoke real-person, believable language.

Besides the engaging characters, the story challenged and engaged me too.

Years ago, an acquaintance confidently, matter-of-factly, told me, "There are two kinds of Christians in this world: Those who are saved and those who aren't. Those of us who are saved get to decide what kind everybody else is." If you view the world with this kind of static, unloving certainty, you probably won't like this book.

Still, I think the main message is one of certainty. It's not a certainty that we know God's exact plan. It's not a certainty that we know who is right or who is chosen. It's a certainty that what is important is to love God and love one another (and it's certain that parts of the modern church have forgotten that). It's a certainty that no matter how crazy or scary or unbelievable life can get, God is bigger than all of that and hope wins. Also, I felt a certainty that the important lessons didn't come in the big awesome moments. Truth and learning came in the silence.

The book engaged me. It made me think. It made me question. It humbled me. It reminded me of what is important: hope, trust, and love.