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Nearly Orthodox: On being a modern woman in an ancient tradition
From Catholic schoolgirl to punk rocker to emergent church planter, Angela Doll Carlson traveled a spiritual path that in many ways mirrors that of a whole generation. She takes us with her on a deep and revealing exploration of the forces that drove her toward Orthodoxy and the challenges that long kept her from fully entering in.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Angela Doll Carlson
15 books94 followersAngela Doll Carlson is an author whose work has appeared in, or is forthcoming from Thin Air Magazine, Eastern Iowa Review, Apeiron Review, Image Journal’s Good Letters, St Katherine Review, Rock & Sling Journal, Ruminate Magazine, Elephant Journal and Art House America. You can also find her writing online at Mrsmetaphor.com, NearlyOrthodox.com and DoxaSoma.com. Her podcast, "The Wilderness Journal" is available on Ancient Faith Radio and iTunes.
Her memoir "Nearly Orthodox: On being a modern woman in an ancient tradition" was published in 2014. Her latest book is "Garden in the East: The Spiritual Life of the Body."
Angela and her husband, David currently raise their four children in the wilds of Chicago with some measurable success.
Her memoir "Nearly Orthodox: On being a modern woman in an ancient tradition" was published in 2014. Her latest book is "Garden in the East: The Spiritual Life of the Body."
Angela and her husband, David currently raise their four children in the wilds of Chicago with some measurable success.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 18, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. I feel like it’s kind of written in “blogger” style, with each chapter reading somewhat stand-alone and like its own blog. I think Carlson does a beautiful job of writing and I love her use of imagery and symbolism.
This didn’t read like most Ancient Faith Publishing writing, but I really enjoyed the uniqueness. She’s a modern woman in an ancient faith and she doesn’t try to make herself seem one way or another. She has her problems, her “deal breakers”, her family, and her baggage, but she decides to just continue on the journey because life IS a journey! Always growing, always cleansing, always changing. This book felt honest, which I found so refreshing.
This didn’t read like most Ancient Faith Publishing writing, but I really enjoyed the uniqueness. She’s a modern woman in an ancient faith and she doesn’t try to make herself seem one way or another. She has her problems, her “deal breakers”, her family, and her baggage, but she decides to just continue on the journey because life IS a journey! Always growing, always cleansing, always changing. This book felt honest, which I found so refreshing.
July 23, 2015
I won this on a Goodreads giveaway.
I loved this book from start to finish. Carson has a way of being honest that makes you like her from the start. being born into Orthodoxy I know the struggles one faces in this religion. it was refreshing to hear this story.
when you read this you will feel like you are sitting down having a cup of coffee with the author. amazing book
I loved this book from start to finish. Carson has a way of being honest that makes you like her from the start. being born into Orthodoxy I know the struggles one faces in this religion. it was refreshing to hear this story.
when you read this you will feel like you are sitting down having a cup of coffee with the author. amazing book
August 4, 2014
Honest and open. Composed of snapshots and stories and struggles; the road, roadblocks, and roadwork. Nearly Orthodox is a window into the life of Angela Doll Carlson and her personal journey of faith. This book will expose things in your own soul and engage you to seek healing. Carlson writes about punk rock, cigarettes, and first kisses. Feminism, Mary, confession, and fasting. Pain, tears, and healing. Motherhood and career and spirituality and balance. This book is a book about life. Carlson's pain is her offering to a hurting world--outstretched to bridge the gap of formality. This is a book about struggle. This is a book that is real. Full review to come
January 6, 2015
Told with an open heart--revealing a journey of faith, hurt, upset, and healing. This book offers another narrative of seeking Christ; we get a picture of a woman on her own unique road, fighting her own unique battle, with words that are fresh, and sometimes raw.
If you like memoirs, and are at all interested in a journey of a culture-current woman headed into the realm of ancient Orthodoxy, then this book will not disappoint.
If you like memoirs, and are at all interested in a journey of a culture-current woman headed into the realm of ancient Orthodoxy, then this book will not disappoint.
May 25, 2020
Upon reading the Introduction, my first thought was that Angela Doll Carlson is a very good and thoughtful writer. She has a keen eye for detail, for metaphor, and for anecdotes. This book is many things. It's a memoir of sorts, it's an account of a convert's journey, it's a description of Orthodox practice, and it's a series of meditations upon a variety of topics. Along the way you become familiar with the characters who brought her up, those who influenced her, and those (like her husband Dave) who accompanied her journey into adulthood and beyond, along with those who brought her into Orthodoxy.
This book has a family resemblance to the books of Frederica Matthews-Green. It's not a straight forward narrative. Each chapter has its own theme, and the timeline jumps backward and forward as she explores the theme. However, each chapter also moves the overall story of a convert's journey forward. By the end she has told the story of the journey from inquirer, through the catechumenate, to her charismatic, but she has also told her life's story. She has exposed her inner life, her doubts, her anxieties, her failures, and her triumphs. One of the most interesting things is that the story is open ended. We don't know if her children converted with her, or if her husband ever became comfortable with Orthodoxy. She is very careful to tell her story, but maintain a curtain of privacy over her family. I respect that.
This book has a family resemblance to the books of Frederica Matthews-Green. It's not a straight forward narrative. Each chapter has its own theme, and the timeline jumps backward and forward as she explores the theme. However, each chapter also moves the overall story of a convert's journey forward. By the end she has told the story of the journey from inquirer, through the catechumenate, to her charismatic, but she has also told her life's story. She has exposed her inner life, her doubts, her anxieties, her failures, and her triumphs. One of the most interesting things is that the story is open ended. We don't know if her children converted with her, or if her husband ever became comfortable with Orthodoxy. She is very careful to tell her story, but maintain a curtain of privacy over her family. I respect that.
February 26, 2016
"Nearly Orthodox" is a cover-to-cover pleasure to read. Angela Doll Carlson tells a story of faith and doubt with humour and exquisite vulnerability. There is no preaching in this book, no Orthodox how-to's or admonitions, no judging of one faith expression over another. Readers are offered an up-close-and-personal glimpse of what happens when a woman chooses to take a closer look at what drives her own spiritual hunger. The author turns a compassionate eye toward her Catholic upbringing, her punk rock angst and feminist convictions, her commitment to family, her high hopes and the many ways such hopes are dashed, transformed, resurrected. It's the sort of book that inspires personal reflection not as a religious requirement but as a way through our everyday doubts and fears, a way toward beauty. In Chapter 3, she describes the act of writing in the dark quiet of the night, when the writing is a kind of prayer, and she knows it's prayer "because it makes room for something holy to happen." That pretty much describes "Nearly Orthodox"… the kind of writing that makes room for something holy to happen, for writer and reader alike.
December 28, 2014
Angela is an intensely good writer and reading her book was a great pleasure. I learned a lot about a subject of which I knew nothing at all--Eastern Orthodox faith and practice. But in this beautiful literary memoir, I also learned about Angela as a wife, mother, feminist, writer, artist, and searcher, all places of connection for me. She's a gifted storyteller and has woven together a book about many things, with Orthodoxy as the thread pulling it all together.
October 13, 2017
This is a thoughtful, fluent story of a contemporary American woman's journey into the Eastern Orthodox faith tradition. I loved how Carlson takes such a finely-crafted approach to the memoir, eschewing a chronological approach for a braiding of her life at different times into a thematic narrative. This construction creates powerful thematic connections and makes such compelling emotional sense. I have no personal history with the Eastern Orthodox tradition, but I identified so strongly with the author's position, and personal struggles, as a feminist, mother, and spiritual seeker, and I loved following her conversion experience and learning where it took her. The insightful, courageous ways she takes on potentially opposing aspects of her own perspective and values--the way the story weaves punk rock, feminism, and ancient/traditional Christian practices and prayer--are both moving and enlightening. The writing is distinguished by a strong prose style that captures a sense of exploration beautifully. Carlson writes with a lyrical flair that allows for layering of her imagery and music, presenting her insights in a way that makes them develop organically, and that does justice to their complexity.
March 31, 2017
I picked this up on a whim while looking for another book, and while I don't regret it, I also didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. Maybe I've just read too many conversion stories over the years, and the genre's lost it's charm. Who can say?
As a memoir, I don't care for the style. Ms. Carlson moves freely along her timeline, past and present, and only occassionally gives the reader the courtesy of line breaks. This leads to a sort of free-floating, 'fuzzy' narrative that I might enjoy in fiction (if done well) but mostly just find frustrating in a biographical context.
It's not all bad, though. Despite her Catholic roots (to my Protestant ones) and an age gap of about 20 years, there are things about her journey to Orthodoxy that resonate strongly with my own. And if I don't care for her style, I at least identify with her moods and struggles. Solid 3/5.
As a memoir, I don't care for the style. Ms. Carlson moves freely along her timeline, past and present, and only occassionally gives the reader the courtesy of line breaks. This leads to a sort of free-floating, 'fuzzy' narrative that I might enjoy in fiction (if done well) but mostly just find frustrating in a biographical context.
It's not all bad, though. Despite her Catholic roots (to my Protestant ones) and an age gap of about 20 years, there are things about her journey to Orthodoxy that resonate strongly with my own. And if I don't care for her style, I at least identify with her moods and struggles. Solid 3/5.
March 30, 2017
A sincere, refreshing and nicely written book. The author provides glimpses of her life woven around her spiritual journey to Orthodox Christianity. I really liked the poetics of the book. Recommended!
April 9, 2015
Nearly Orthodox: On being a modern woman in an ancient tradition
by Angela Doll Carlson
I loved the writing in this book! Especially the last couple paragraphs of each chapter. The poetic flow and the slight repetition of certain phrases really tickled my literary senses. (which is rare for me since I usually read more for the story then the writing and don't really pay too close attention to the writing style).
I loved the humorous buts too. One particular line that made me chuckle was when Angela is describing the rambunctiousness of her sons and how they can't help it because the testosterone makes them do it. Yes I have 3 boys and could totally relate!
I didn't know too much about being Orthodox and still don't know a lot about it. The book is not a teaching tool into becoming Orthodox (I don't think) it is the story of one womans journey within herself in becoming as she puts it "nearly orthodox" since she says she never really gets there it is always a becoming and a road being travelled.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
by Angela Doll Carlson
I loved the writing in this book! Especially the last couple paragraphs of each chapter. The poetic flow and the slight repetition of certain phrases really tickled my literary senses. (which is rare for me since I usually read more for the story then the writing and don't really pay too close attention to the writing style).
I loved the humorous buts too. One particular line that made me chuckle was when Angela is describing the rambunctiousness of her sons and how they can't help it because the testosterone makes them do it. Yes I have 3 boys and could totally relate!
I didn't know too much about being Orthodox and still don't know a lot about it. The book is not a teaching tool into becoming Orthodox (I don't think) it is the story of one womans journey within herself in becoming as she puts it "nearly orthodox" since she says she never really gets there it is always a becoming and a road being travelled.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
September 10, 2014
Traveling through Angela's journey via the medium of this book has been a journey of emotions, not many people can express the true nature of the residue life has left with them and on their doorstep with such understanding and grace. This is something you will pick up to read and not want to put down until it's finished.
March 26, 2015
I like this book but it didn't hit me with any grand thoughts. I would recommend it to teenagers or young ones, new to the Church. Angela tells her story in a very interesting narrative. Although she is actually in her 40s (my age), she is able to recall the feelings of her younger self and share it with the audience.
February 25, 2017
I really enjoyed reading about her journey into Orthodoxy from Catholicism. I have read reviews that stated they do not like that she doesn't tell you why she went on the journey until the end of the book, but I think t fits much better there as you follow her on her journey. I love the way she writes.
February 26, 2016
I loved accompanying Angela Doll Carlson along on her journey of faith searching and wandering and wrestling, especially all of the ways that life intersects the holy and how that shapes our pursuit of what matters to us.
March 23, 2015
This book deserves a bigger audience than it's probably getting. If you like good writing and/or honest faith narratives this is a must read.
February 20, 2015
I loved every moment I spent with this book. Approachable, honest, and beautiful for anyone on the human journey.
November 9, 2015
An interesting self reflection on the the process of spiritual growth, questioning faith, and finding a new community.
December 9, 2019
This book was a punch in the gut. Angela Carlson nailed a lot of my thoughts and experiences SO on the head in this book. I identified with her descriptions of her youth and high school years (in general, not in the details, of course). All the messy insecurities, self-recriminations, social anxieties that happen when you are a woman in the United States who decides to do something, ANYTHING, against the grain.
The story-telling jumped around, like it does when you are letting your thoughts out to a friend. Very conversational. A chance statement that reminds you of a thing that happened yesterday, or last week or last decade which serves to illustrate the thought you are trying to get across. That can be a little disconcerting because, especially in audio, the jump can seem kind of abrupt. After a couple of chapters, I got used to that style and was not so confused when she went from 2019 to 1982 to 2000 to 2019 (for example) in three paragraphs. I can see why folks would be confused.
There was audible background noise and some electronic hissing that came across, regardless of what device I used. If Ancient Faith Publishing is going to continue with audiobook offerings, they should invest in cleaning up the audio a bit more. This is not the first book I have received from them that has that issue. Professional narrators would be a good idea as well. I understand that the author of an autobiographical work might seem to be the best to tell their own tale, they often come across as monotone, which can make for a boring listen. Just a thought.
All in all I appreciated this book for what it was--a woman's tale of her journey to Orthodoxy. I related greatly to both her and her journey. There were many thought provoking moments and I had to stop listening a couple of times because her path, dirty, dusty, tiring as it was, was so like mine.
3.5 stars
Full Disclosure: I was given an Audible credit to purchase this book in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to do this, AFP!
The story-telling jumped around, like it does when you are letting your thoughts out to a friend. Very conversational. A chance statement that reminds you of a thing that happened yesterday, or last week or last decade which serves to illustrate the thought you are trying to get across. That can be a little disconcerting because, especially in audio, the jump can seem kind of abrupt. After a couple of chapters, I got used to that style and was not so confused when she went from 2019 to 1982 to 2000 to 2019 (for example) in three paragraphs. I can see why folks would be confused.
There was audible background noise and some electronic hissing that came across, regardless of what device I used. If Ancient Faith Publishing is going to continue with audiobook offerings, they should invest in cleaning up the audio a bit more. This is not the first book I have received from them that has that issue. Professional narrators would be a good idea as well. I understand that the author of an autobiographical work might seem to be the best to tell their own tale, they often come across as monotone, which can make for a boring listen. Just a thought.
All in all I appreciated this book for what it was--a woman's tale of her journey to Orthodoxy. I related greatly to both her and her journey. There were many thought provoking moments and I had to stop listening a couple of times because her path, dirty, dusty, tiring as it was, was so like mine.
3.5 stars
Full Disclosure: I was given an Audible credit to purchase this book in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to do this, AFP!
June 8, 2023
When I first started reading this book, I didn't understand it. A few chapters in, I had to grab a pencil and start again. The issue was my scientific linear mind that likes things to be in order, so the back and forth with memories, the structure of the book confounded me. I took notes in the margin and kept going back to the name of the chapter to find how it all fit together. After awhile, I understood Angela's way of writing and was able to dive into her story. I also found myself disappointed at first because I bought this book hoping for a guide to being Orthodox. I was baptized and chrismated into Orthodoxy 5 months ago after attending liturgy for 14 months. So being very new to the faith, I was looking for guidance. How do I do this new thing I've committed to? But Angela's story is about her own personal journey and truly she can not tell me what mine will look like or should be. It is my own path with God and my journey will not look like anyone else's journey. So as I began this book, my rating was a 2, but upon completion, that has changed. Angela gave me exactly what I needed and not what I wanted.
January 2, 2018
This was a very honest book. Much of it I really enjoyed as a story of conversion. Some of it though was trying too hard to be like Kathleen Norris and it felt disjointed. My favourite parts were her descriptions of wanting to be part of sacramental life.
April 21, 2020
So well written! I did not want it to end! Angela’s Story was inspiring, moving, and wild. I felt connected to her story and it taught me a few things as well as a few giggles. I highly recommend this read!
November 19, 2023
This was a really good read as a young female catechumen who is entering the church with a lot of questions and a not so Christian past! It was a fun and quick read, and made me feel not so alone in the world of modern orthodox women.
June 19, 2017
Such a great book, very happy I read it - a real treasure!
January 3, 2018
Poetic writer shares her journey through religion. I enjoyed this book.
November 22, 2017
The perfect read for anybody struggling with committing to the Orthodox faith.
February 28, 2019
A very nonlinear look at converting to orthodoxy.
March 3, 2022
I picked this to listen to because I wanted to read more “Orthodox” books. I loved listening to the audiobook and got way more out of it then I ever had hoped for!
September 23, 2022
Interesting book on a woman’s journey to Orthodoxy from being Catholic . The writing was all over the place. Her thought process jumps around even within each chapter. Hard to follow.
January 11, 2022
Such a relatable and honest book for young women!! Carlson knows how to use metaphors, symbols and connections to make conclusions. She also knows how to intertwine stories as she shares her journey. She is both casual blog type writer and poetical at the same time. It’s a breath of fresh air to read the perspective of a women understanding, endorsing, exploring and practising her East and West Christian faith, balancing her role and dreams, and making sense of life’s losses. I did however crave greater description of events, poured out emotions, lengthier time experience and reasonings of thinking/ decisions in the book. Yet overall a simple author I would feel delighted and at ease to have coffee with someday. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews