What a fresh and creative opening-up of the Esther story! In our time - somewhat like Esther's time - God is more hidden in the culture. Altrock highlights twelve spiritual disciplines Esther practiced to engage the ancient Persian culture, which he recommends for us in our time. Engaging and beautifully done!

--Leonard Allen, author of Poured Out: The Spirit of God Empowering the Mission of God and Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University

Despite the position evil has on the center stage of history, the righteous God of Esther writes and directs the human tragedy. Though unseen in the depressing play of godless injustice, Esther's invisible God still determines when the curtain falls upon the grand finale of agony. Chris Altrock's book Behind Esther provides realistic hope and longed for inspiration that enlivens endurance in the masked faces of the off script characters of pride, prejudice, and politics.

--Jerry Andrew Taylor, associate professor of Bible and Ministry at Abilene Christian University

All of us long to be more than ordinary. Altrock's fresh and insightful investigation in to the life of an ordinary and ill-equipped woman shows us how powerful ordinary can be. The same God who transformed the Jewish orphan Esther into a world-changing queen is willing and able to transform us.

--Lynne Gentry, author of The Carthage Chronicles