I had read one of Ron Rash's other short story collections, and I started this one without reading anything about it, that's how much I enjoyed the other book I had read. After the first "chapter" they story didn't seem to flow, and I realized it was another collection of short stories. The first story was so good, I didn't want to start another story, but the trend continued. Each story is unique, set in a different time, and simply amazing. Great grasp of true southern culture. You know someone like each of these characters.