I really enjoyed this book. It is a curious collection of stories about the people of Lizard Flats, each one introduced in a separate chapter until the preacher steps off the train. Suddenly, the lowest of the low in the little town begin to win out. Each solution for the different characters' problems brings the whole town closer and closer to a final resolution. Sala pulls it all together during a rip roaring prayer meeting. By the end of the book, the bad have met their well deserved fate, and the good have won the battle. Sorry about the vague descriptions, but this is one book that needs to be read without knowing the details beforehand.