Summary

Chapter 1 opens with 15-year-old Miriam Horton in the car with her family. Her father Reverend Samuel Horton is driving. Her mother Joanne Horton is providing directions by using a paper map. Miriam's brother Caleb is less than a year younger than Miriam. Her sister Hannah, who has cerebral palsy, is eight. They are traveling from their home in East Mansfield, Texas, to Americus, Georgia, where Samuel will preach the first services of their revival season. They have made this trip every summer for the past 12 years. As always, Miriam is excited for the first service. They always stop at the same diner, one of the few times the children are allowed to have sodas. Samuel, as always, is hopeful about the number of souls that will accept Christ this year. When Hannah become fussy, Samuel “hisses” at Miriam to quiet her. They arrive...