The Evangelist Who Vanished and Returned

Book Gang

Journalist Claire Hoffman unpacks Sister, Sinner, the gripping true crime story of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson’s disappearance and miraculous return.

If you've never heard the name, Aimee Semple McPherson, you're not alone—but Claire Hoffman's Sister Sinner will ensure you never forget her name again as America's first mega-preacher.

Today, we discuss this riveting biography, which opens with the astonishing true story of Aimee, who shaped modern evangelicalism, vanished into the ocean for 35 days, and returned with a kidnapping tale so wild it led to two sensational trials.The author was the first researcher granted access to the complete court records of Aimee's grand jury trial—records that, for more than a century, the Foursquare Church has refused to share with the outside world.

Uncover her journalistic approach, which is both deeply researched and refreshingly secular. Embracing Aimee's contradictions—faith healer and showman, sinner and saint, feminist and fundamentalist creates a page-turning experience. Whether religious or not, you'll love this conversation on how charisma, celebrity, and faith collide.

In this intimate and insightful conversation, Claire and I discuss:

• Her background and five-year research process to bring Aimee's story to life
• Why Aimee's disappearance is the opening chapter, and what type of reader did she hope the true crime angle might pull in
• How Claire's background as a journalist for Rolling Stone has given her a unique lens into the world of what it means to be a celebrity
• The effort and reverence required when accessing court documents like this for a project

📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: I've curated a list of 28 incredible books about faith and churches featuring buzzworthy new releases and must-read backlist gems. Browse while you listen!

🗓 BOOK CLUB INVITE: Patrons, check your inbox for a printable version of this list and an invite to our April 25th chat with Lynda Cohen Loigman on The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. We'll discuss her cozy, feel-good novel about finding love in your eighties.

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Meet Claire Hoffman

Claire Hoffman is the author of the memoir Greetings from Utopia Park and a journalist reporting for national magazines on culture, religion, celebrity, business, and more. She was formerly a staff reporter for the Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stone. She is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, and has an MA in religion from the University of Chicago and an MA in journalism from Columbia University. She serves on the boards of the Columbia School of Journalism, ProPublica, and the Brooklyn Public Library. Her new book is SISTER, SINNER: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson.

Mentioned in this episode:

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BONUS BOOK LIST: 28 Books About Churches & Faith (fiction & nonfiction)

Join the April Book Club Chat (The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern)

Sister, Sinner by Claire Hoffman

Greetings From Utopia Park by Claire Hoffman

Charles Duhigg

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