Circle of Hope: A radical mission; a riveting crisis; the future of faith

"Lyrical, probing, and deeply reported, this is an extraordinary account of the fraught interplay of faith, community, and values. Eliza Griswold has produced a multigenerational group portrait that is compassionate yet unblinking and will resonate with anyone who aspires to chart a righteous path through this messy, mixed-up world." -- Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Empire of Pain
"Eliza Griswold is a dazzling reporter: ever observant, wise, sympathetic, and honest. And in this spellbinding book, she not only immerses herself in a radical religious community but also reveals its fracturing in real time, raising questions about the nature of faith and justice and what binds us as Americans." * David Grann, author of The Wager *
"With patience, intelligence, and compassion, Eliza Griswold traces the history of a Christian community and its leadership as they struggle to remain faithful to a radical vision through times of immense stress. A sharply contemporary book, painfully honest, stubbornly hopeful." * Archbishop Rowan Williams, author of Passions of the Soul *
"That rarest of books: an examination of the sacred and spiritual realm captured with humor, humanity, and style." -- Susan Orlean, author of On Animals
"Set against the backdrop of race, sexuality, and belief, Circle of Hope is a deeply captivating and sometimes troubling dive into a world of faith and frustrations often hidden by the political, antagonistic, and triumphalist projections of American Evangelicalism." * Anthea Butler, author of White Evangelical Racism *
"Circle of Hope is a rare and astonishing trek into the fractured soul of America, as told through the deeply reported and beautifully rendered story of one church's crucible." * Andrea Elliott, author of Invisible Child *
"Circle of Hope is an act of courage, vulnerability, and creativity―all things that make Eliza Griswold's seasoned voice once again strike with strength." * Danté Stewart, author of Shoutin’ in the Fire *
"This is a lucid, tough, sad, heartening, and ultimately very wise book. It will be a beacon and warning to anyone caught up in this country's social turbulence." * Christian Wiman, author of Zero at the Bone *
"A story of both truth and grace, Circle of Hope traces in devastating detail how justice and kindness give way to the pursuit of power. The result is a searing reflection on the state of American religion, and on the challenges of holding together against the forces pulling us apart." * Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of Jesus and John Wayne *
"I devoured this book. It made me examine the cost of centering my own self-regard, the need to see oneself as a 'good person.' Eliza Griswold is a master of immersive journalism. I cannot recommend Circle of Hope enough." * Nadia Bolz-Weber, author of Accidental Saints *
"With the deftness and empathy that only Eliza Griswold can provide, Circle of Hope offers a portrait of real people trying to live out an authentic faith in a rapidly secularizing world. It should inspire us to continue to live up to our highest ideals, regardless of all the setbacks that come as a result." * Ryan P. Burge, coauthor of The Great Dechurching *
"Eliza Griswold's intimate portrait of one congregation introduces characters who are real enough to unveil something of the mystery of how a group of broken people who don't live up to their ideals can, despite themselves, become good news." * Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author of Revolution of Values *
"Riveting . . . A fascinating inquest into the death of a church that doubles as a compassionate case study on the insufficiency of good intentions." * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *