Reviews

Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington

juliaz_13's review against another edition

3.0

Shallow analysis, self centered but not self aware. Mostly a memoir.

Doesn't actually talk about the socioeconomic reasons of snake handling or Appalachian culture too much.

adorkablyrini's review

4.0

A really interesting look into snake handling and a very nuclear group of Christians. Covington isn't a trained anthropologist, but I feel there's something to be gained in this book that is a sort of accessible cousin to ethnographic writing. It is definitely a memoire. Covington is a big part of this book -- as much as the (other) snake handlers. The history of snake handling is sort of brushed over. He gives some information, but does not go into detail. Again, this is mostly about this specific group and Covington's experience within that group.

Lastly, it's got to be said. Not sure whether this is an aspect of poor editing or just a mistake on Covington's part... but if you're going to write a book on snake handling, you should know the difference between "poisonous" and "venomous". The snakes are venomous, not poisonous. Given the times he also references the venom, you'd think this maybe would click a little more.

merryboberry's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

An absolute must read for those interested in Appalachia!

debr's review against another edition

4.0

I honestly cannot remember why I requested this book from the library, but I am glad I did. It is well written, compelling, and a journey into a culture I knew absolutely nothing about. I found his exploration of the line drawn between writer and subject, objectivity and experience, fascinating. And his discovery of fundamental truths- that humans are, at their core, beholden to insecurities, power, and greed that threatens even the most “faithful”- was not as an obvious conclusion but as a well-reasoned and deeply felt awareness that grew from his experiences and did not set him aside as author from those faults. It’s an exceedingly rare writer who can achieve exploration of a subject in which he himself is immersed but not lost. Quite an accomplishment.

dreamofbookspines's review against another edition

Calling it. This felt far more focused on Jesus than snake handling, and I've no interest in the former.

2fort's review

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

4.5

so so excellent, maybe as perfectly imperfect a memoir can be, quiet and sweet and sad

tominaz's review against another edition

4.0

Skeptical journalist joins, then quits, Pentacostal serpent-handling sect.

blckrorygilmore's review

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.75

Only white people 😭

marma906's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

kellysmaust's review against another edition

5.0

A sensitive, haunting exploration of snake-handling churches and a preacher who went to jail for allegedly murdering his wife with one of the snakes. Covington is not here to gawk at weirdos, he is fascinated by this increasingly obscure practice and studies these people as human beings. His observations of attending these services and talking to practitioners will stick with you.