Peppered with scores of evocative stories drawn from the media, fiction, and nonfiction, Close to Home delves into theories essential for understanding the myriad complexities of small-town America. This book unveils the strengths found in settings outside the large, anonymous metropolis and demonstrates how the human services professional can tap into these powerful forces. Focused on the sociocultural distinctions of these locales, the book explores their way of life, patterns of relationships, and the importance of shared history.