Backroads 2: The Road to Chicken Holler

by Lynn Coffey

In Backroads 2: The Road to Chicken Holler, Lynn Coffey is back with another remarkable journey into the lives of the elder people of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. In her first book, Plain Folk and Simple Livin', she revealed the charm of the "old ways" as she told the stories of the native residents living in and around the little hamlet of Love, Virginia, where the author makes her home. In her second volume, we are once again taken back to this beautiful country setting, beginning with an interview with Doris Giannini Hamner, the real "Olivia" of the popular TV series, The Waltons. From there, it's on to river baptizing, pickling beets, midwives and home births, bear hunting, mountain music and those wonderful recipes. Each story is enhanced with a multitude of photos of early ancestors, craftwork and breathtaking scenery that only the Blue Ridge Mountains can afford. No one tells the story of the Appalachian culture with such heart, warmth, and respect as Lynn Coffey because this is her life and these are her people. Or as Brad Herzog, the best-selling author of the American travel memoir, States of Mind, says, "Like its predecessor, this book is a celebration-of the people and pastimes of a bygone era and a magical place. It is a snapshot of a flickering candle before it burns out, and Lynn Coffey is the keeper of the flame."

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sharon Rainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the author had included some maps of the locations she talked about. I knew some but not all. And then I wondered why she chose to highlight only certain places. For instance there is a grist mill in Paint Bank that was not included.

[Timothy Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes me back to a time I could only dream about living in. Makes me want to do what my ancestors (that are featured in Lynn’s books) did back then from hunting ginseng, making butter, hunting, and eating natures delicious veggies from the mountains. Very educational.

[Susan Serra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great follow-up to Backroads 1. I loved more of the stories that Lynn shared from her Backroads Newspaper. For those of us that live in this region, the stories are really touching.