MixedThe AtlanticFascinating, frustrating ... Hoffman’s recounting of the hearing is meticulous, but the deeper the book delved into the proceedings, the more I noticed something surprising about her approach—a notable reluctance to offer an opinion of McPherson’s conduct or character. Despite the plethora of detail, the book has a curious and, to me, unnerving lack of perspective .... But because Hoffman refuses to condemn McPherson, her book sometimes implies, whether intentionally or not, that she is too fragile to withstand scrutiny. There is indeed a halfway ground in a situation like this, and I wish Hoffman had pushed harder to find it .
Eliza Griswold
PositiveThe AtlanticIn addition to highlighting the challenges and frustrations of trying to live a religious life, Circle of Hope demonstrates what church can provide.
