Summary: In 1962 in South Carolina, 12 year old Esta Lea is called into the ministry of Jesus and anointed with the gift of healing, but when her relatives decide to take her on a religious crusade she wonders if it is the right thing to do.

An interesting tour of a world heretofore unknown to me. While it is about religion in that religion is an important part and often focus of the characters' world, it does not proselytize or preach. Interesting, human and appealing characters appear that I would never have met otherwise :-)
Too often christian fundamentalists are the butt of jokes and if one advocates tolerance and understanding for all lifestyles and cultures (which I do), this would be a good place to start. In one's own backyard so to speak.
And while I will still duck fundamentalists who wish to 'save' my soul, I would like to think I am a bit more understanding of their world-view due to this sweet book. ( )