''Salvation on Sand Mountain'' is a 1995
nonfiction book by
Dennis Covington. The storyline follows the author as he goes from covering the trial of
Glenn Summerford to experiencing a
snake handling church in
Appalachia. The book was a finalist for the
National Book Award
The National Book Awards are a set of annual U.S. literary awards. At the final National Book Awards Ceremony every November, the National Book Foundation presents the National Book Awards and two lifetime achievement awards to authors.
The Nat ...
.
Writing style
The book, which is written in the
first person, begins in a neutral, journalistic style and becomes more emotional as the author is drawn to the people and practices of the church. It can be described as a memoir of the author's experiences with the snake-handling Church of Jesus with Signs Following and his temporary participation in their church.
Covington submerged himself into this congregation, and began to care tremendously for their beliefs. That then forms into caring for Summerford, himself.
Reception
''Salvation on Sand Mountain'' was a non-fiction finalist for the National Book Award. ''
Publishers Weekly
''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of ...
'' described the text as "a captivating glimpse of an exotic religious sect." ''
Booklist
''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is av ...
'' described it as a "fascinating work
hat
A hat is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against weather conditions, ceremonial reasons such as university graduation, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. Hats which incorporate mecha ...
catches the essence of a place, southern Appalachia, its people, and the author's personal journey into his past."
[Booklist Review. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0140254587]
References
External links
''Salvation on Sand Mountain'' on Google Books
1995 non-fiction books
American non-fiction books
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