[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, 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.

[2] 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.