FOXFIRE 9 is a novel which provides a little information about a variety of different topics in an effort to preserve the historical value of such information. Presented as a series of interviewers between high school students and older folks in the community, and combined with photographs, this novel is a wonderful piece of literature.

"Foxfire 9" is the ninth book in the Foxfire series. Foxfire began as a student newspaper and has grown into a business firm in their belief that history should be preserved. Still seeking to teach the community about older traditions and olden ways of making household items, the Foxfire series is known for presenting a vast range of topics for readers to learn about. In this particular installment, the first section relates to foxfire as an actual event. This section explains that foxfire is the glow on rotting timber that results from a mushroom that attaches to decaying objects and glows in the dark under certain circumstances. Next, a chapter on herbal remedies and healers discusses remedies used in the past to cure a variety of ailments, from aches to yellow jaundice. Also discussed are herbal doctors who use faith healing and herbal remedies to cure their patients. In the next section, the general store is discussed, with several interviews of those who own and operate stores which provide mountain people with goods and supplies. Quilting is covered in the next chapter as different types of quilts are shown. In the following chapter, Nola Campbell, a Catawba Indian is interviewed, who talks about her life on the reservation as well as her art of pottery. Jud Nelson is interviewed and discusses his art of wagon making, as well as his own memories of childhood in the mountains. In "Two Men of God" two stories of religious faith are told. D.B. Dalton is interviewed in the following piece and discusses why he believes he has lived a full and rich life. In "Haint Tales and Other Scary Stories," several individuals tell frightening stories of panther attacks, mad dogs, and ghosts. In the following section, several log cabins are examined in a variety of stages to discuss their construction. Finally, Carolyn Stradley is interviewed, and discusses her difficult life and her courageous struggle to survive and succeed under dire circumstances.

FOXFIRE 9 is another wonderful novel, filled not only with delightful tales of a simpler time in a remote setting, but also with technical information about a variety of different arts and crafts. While dry at times, this novel is generally a pleasure to read and can teach not only about the benefits of hard work, but also about courage, strength, and a drive to succeed. In all, the characters presented in the novel show us that even a harsh life can be filled with happiness, joy, and pleasure.