"Spiral of Fire" takes author LeAnne Howe (Choctaw) to the North Carolina homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to discover how their fusion of tourism, community, and cultural preservation is the key to the tribe's health in the 21st century. Along the way Howe seeks to reconcile her own identity as the daughter of a Cherokee father she never knew. Howe's journey of discovery leads her to one of the most beautiful places in America where Cherokees manage their own schools, hospitals, cable company, tourist attractions and multi-million dollar casino. Yet, despite these successes, diabetes is rampant, racism erodes self-confidence, and greed threatens to divide the community. "Spiral of Fire" reveals the forces at work to restore health to the tribe. Forces such as that of Joyce Dugan, former school superintendent and principal chief, who has been instrumental in cultural preservation efforts by leading the tribe to purchase Kituwah, the original "mother" town of the Cherokee. And Corey Blankenship,a student who led a campaign to convince legislators to pass a bill to allow a land exchange with the National Park Service that will provide a site for badly needed new schools. As well as James "Bo" Taylor, a young father who leads the movement to revitalize the Cherokee language, and traditional songs, dances and spirituality. Howe learns that a strong sense of community binds the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Their strong sense of identity comes from knowing their history, strengths and weaknesses, and coming to terms with them. This realization encourages Howe's desire to accept her Cherokee identity and to forgive an absent father.