Backroads: Plain Folk and Simple Livin'

by Lynn Coffey

Signs, superstitions, remedies and cures. The first book in Lynn Coffey's five-book series about Virginia's Appalachian culture, Backroads; Plain Folk and Simple Livin' gives readers a look into a disappearing way of life that has served generations of mountain people well. The book contains thirty-one chapters ranging from digging ginseng, churning butter, old time recipes, beekeeping, early burial practices and handmade coffins as well as in-depth interviews with six elder native people of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With endorsements from Earl Hamner, Jr., creator of the Waltons, and Jan Karon, author of the popular Mitford series, Backroad is a testament to the tenacity and resilience of the hearty Scots/Irish immigrants born and raised in the isolated hollers deep in Virginia's hazy blue mountains. Reminiscent of the Foxfire books, Backroads; Plain Folk and Simple Livin' captures the essence and spirit of those who chose a hardscrabble way of life over the confines of city living. A must read for those longing for a simpler way of life and a modicum of self-sufficiency.

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Susan Serra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynn Coffey, the author, moved to Love, Virginia in 1980 and soon began to publish a newspaper called "Backroads." For twenty-five years, every month, she would write about news in the mountain area and newsy events, recipes, plain folks and a very simple life. When Lynn retired, she decided to write several books, highlighting the daily lives of her mountain friends.
This book is her first, and is filled with photos of people and events. Some of the chapters include: Butchering Hogs, Beekeeping, Early Mountain Schools, Mountain Recipes and Handmade Coffins. Although most folks do not know of Augusta, Nelson, and Rockbridge Counties, you will learn so much about the history of the Appalachian Mountain folks. A very unique feel-good book!

[Carole Duff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of articles and photographs originally published in the author’s monthly newspaper. Profiles of Blue Ridge mountain people, recipes, and how-to’s of self-sufficient farming and living from bygone years. I wished the author had used the source material as the basis for an integrated story about the people among whom she lived, perhaps a personal memoir.

[Timothy Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing to read and learn about people my family knew, and actually people in my family that are mentioned. It takes you back to the “Backroads” when life wasn’t tainted by our modern lives, and teaches us how these country/mountain folks worked and lived. The good ol days.

[Mark Mumbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Simple and relaxing. A nice read to take you back to the older days of hard working folk in Western Virginia.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about twentieth century life in the area I now live. Lynn Coffey has preserved the culture and culture of the early 1900s in Nelson County and other areas in the Blue Ridge area.

[SteFF · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the foxfire series, it's relatable. It felt as if I was sitting in the interview of the appalachian people. Good read.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

More people oriented than the Foxfire books. It’s how people worked, crafted, schooled, helped their neighbors, and had fun before the advent of big machinery. It’s also close to where I now live.

[Jessica Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich history.