Angela Himsel’s fascinating new memoir, A RIVER COULD BE A TREE (Fig Tree Books Hardcover; Nov 2018) traces her seemingly impossible road from childhood cult to a committed Jewish life with warmth, humor, and a multitude of religious and philosophical insights.
How does a girl who grew up in rural Indiana as a fundamentalist Christian end up a practicing Jew in New York? Strict adherence to the church’s tenets was Angela Himsel’s only way to escape a certain, gruesome death, receive the Holy Spirit, and live forever in the Kingdom of God. With self-preservation in mind, she decided, at nineteen, to study at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. But instead of strengthening her faith, Angela was introduced to a whole new world with different people and perspectives. This experience slowly opened her eyes to the church’s shortcomings. Ultimately, the connection to God she relentlessly pursued was found in the most unexpected place: a mikvah on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This devout Christian girl found her own form of salvation—as a practicing Jewish woman.
The media has enjoyed reviewing the book, interviewing the author, and sharing some of her original essays:
Tulsa Book Review: Review, 12/20/18
Give and Take Podcast: Interview, 12/12/18
Jewish Woman’s Archive: Angela’s essay posted posted on 12/11
Jerusalem Post: Review, 12/6/18
PopSugar: Angela’s essay posted on 12/5
Arroe Collins: Unplugged and Uncut Podcast: Interview, 12/3/18
Lilith Magazine’s Blog: Q&A with Yona McDonough, 11/30/18
Jewish Book Council’s Visiting Scribe Series: Angela’s essay posted on 11/26:
Jewish Community Voice (Cherry Hill): Interview, 11/21/18
Forward: Excerpt published, 11/15/18
The Herald (Jasper, IN): Interview, 11/13/18 arranged by Moshe Schulman
Book Q&A with Deborah Kalb: Interview, 11/13/18
Too Jewish Radio: Interview, 11/12/18
The Virtual Memories Show Podcast: Interview, 11/12/18h
Times of Israel: Interview, 11/10/18
The Jewish Week: Interview, 11/6/18
The Jewish Standard: Interview 11/2/18
The Herald Times (Bloomington, IN): Interview, 10/21/18
The Jewish Week: Included in Fall Arts Preview 9/13/18
ForeWord Reviews: Review, September/October Issue
Lilith: Review, Summer Issue
Kirkus Reviews: Review, 6/18/18
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