Confusing? Good. It’s supposed to be. That’s the nature of flashbacks—they tend to barge into one’s brain at inopportune times. But be careful not to skip past this introduction too quickly, though, because it’s quite important.

For starters, the introduction sets up the structure of the entire story. The reader may notice that the book subsequently breaks into two sections, “Before” and “After.” This hints at where in the storyline the introductory piece belongs and to what event it will eventually refer. The line, “I wrote them down so I wouldn’t have to,” alludes to the format of the remainder of the book, which is a series of journal entries that step through the story in real- or almost-real-time. Our narrator, True Believer, spends the rest of the book answering that first, pivotal question, “How did I get here?”

Secondly, this fragmentary account is a visceral leap into the world of faith healing, sights, sounds, smells, and all. It is meant to create a sense of confusion and foreboding that contrasts starkly with the innocence and exuberance of True Believer’s first journal entry.

Finally, the introduction pulls True Believer’s critical turning point from the middle of the story and serves it up in italics on the very first page. Surprise! However, this is something that only the savviest reader may be able to identify from the start. All others must read on to understand what this turning-point means and why it’s critical.

In summary, dear reader, I urge you to keep this brief introduction in the back of your mind as you continue through the story. It will prove a key piece of the puzzle later on.