April Book Discussion

“Transcendent Kingdom” is the second novel by Ghanaian American Yaa Gyasi. It tells the story of an immigrant family from Africa trying to find their way in the American South. The narrator is the youngest daughter of the family, Gifty, who adores her older brother, has a fraught relationship with her mother, and struggles with complex feelings about her mostly absent father. As one reviewer observes, the themes of the book “may not make for the lightest read, [yet] there is hope in Gifty’s journey. Driven by a desire to uncover a cure for addiction, Gifty finds her calling in neuroscience, balancing her scientific approach with her Christian faith.” 

The portrayal of Gifty’s spiritual journey is especially interesting. She navigates the arenas of science and religion determined to hold on to the best of both even as both her research and church-related experiences give her a lot to sort through, question, and ponder. 

The discussion will take place on Monday, April 26, at 7:00 p.m. April Herron will facilitate the conversation. All readers welcome. Please send email to April@rhumc.org so that you can receive the Zoom link.