–BOOKLIST Starred Review

“Martin has written a not-to-be-missed masterwork..."

–DAVID JAUSS, author of On Writing Fiction

“Lee Martin has long been one of my favorite writers of fiction and memoir, and now he’s one of my favorite writers of advice about the writer’s craft. Everyone who writes, or wants to, should read this wise and inspiring book.”

What is one man’s character worth?

The fire that killed Ronnie Black’s wife and three of their children didn’t spread as fast as the gossip destined to destroy his reputation.

–NEWSWEEK

“[A] vividly nuanced portrayal of a small town in the heat of a troubled summer."