1995 nonfiction book by Dennis Covington
Salvation on Sand Mountain is a 1995 nonfiction book by Dennis Covington.[1] 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.
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.[page needed] That then forms into caring for Summerford, himself.[2]
Reception
Salvation on Sand Mountain was a non-fiction finalist for the National Book Award.[3] Publishers Weekly described the text as "a captivating glimpse of an exotic religious sect."[4] Booklist described it as a "fascinating work [that] catches the essence of a place, southern Appalachia, its people, and the author's personal journey into his past."[5]
