Big Stone Gap

A Novel

By: Adriana Trigiani

Narrated by: Adriana Trigiani

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The first novel in the beloved Big Stone Gap series, now a major motion picture written and directed by Adriana Trigiani, starring Ashley Judd, Patrick Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, John Benjamin Hickey, Jane Krakowski, Anthony LaPaglia, and Jenna Elfman

“Delightfully quirky . . . chock-full of engaging, oddball characters and unexpected plot twists.”—People (Book of the Week)

It's 1978, and Ave Maria Mulligan is the thirty-five-year-old self-proclaimed spinster of Big Stone Gap, a sleepy hamlet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She’s also the local pharmacist, the co-captain of the Rescue Squad, and the director of The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, the town’s long-running Outdoor Drama. Ave Maria is content with her life—until, one fateful day, her past opens wide with the revelation of a long-buried secret that will alter the course of her life. Before she knows it, Ave Maria is fielding marriage proposals, trying to claim her rightful inheritance, and planning the trip of a lifetime to Italy—one that will change her view of the world and her own place in it forever.

Millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with the small town of Big Stone Gap, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and its self-proclaimed spinster. Full of wit and wonder, hilarity and heart, Big Stone Gap is a gem of a book, and one that you will share with friends and family for years to come.

WINNER OF THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA ANNUAL LITERARY AWARD

Don’t miss any of Adriana Trigiani’s beloved Big Stone Gap series
BIG STONE GAP • BIG CHERRY HOLLER • MILK GLASS MOON • HOME TO BIG STONE GAP

©2003 Adriana Trigiani (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Delightfully quirky... Chock full of engaging, oddball characters and unexpected plot twists.” (People)

"As comforting as a mug of chamomile tea on a rainy Sunday." (The New York Times Book Review)

“Charming... Readers would do well to fall into the nearest easy chair and savor the story." (USA Today)

Hard to get into but worth the try

Where does Big Stone Gap rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really loved Big Stone Gap. And yet, during the first hour or so, I found myself wondering if this was the same author as The Shoemaker's Wife and other favourites of mine. However, I stuck with it and it paid off. I found myself connected to Ave Maria in a way I never thought I would.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the way the characters in the little town were developed and the view we got of the life of people in a small town in the southern U.S. I loved Ave Maria. This story reminded me somewhat of the help though there were no maids involved.

Have you listened to any of Adriana Trigiani’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listed to one of her performances. At first, I found her voice intensely annoying. But as the story progressed, I found I relaxed into it and actually found it added to my enjoyment of the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was not that sort of book really. One scene sort of eased into the next. Even crises were handled calmly and in such a way as to ease the reader into them with the same calm as the reader.

Any additional comments?

I am anxious to read the second book in the trilogy as I've become attached to these people. I love Adriana Trigiani's writing style. I'm hooked on her books.

Much better than the movie

I watched the movie based on this book randomly several years ago because I like Ashley Judd a lot. I had no idea it was based on a book. When I read on screen that there was a novel, of course I had to chase after it. I liked it so much I decided to get the audiobook from the library so I can listen to it while showering. I had no idea the author was going to read it but I immediately fell in like with her voice. I don’t know how to describe it. It is so warm, inviting, hilarious and emotional all at the same time. Because it’s her story, she reads it like no one else will. I cannot recommend it enough. If you liked the movie, you are going to love this audiobook.

Sweet sweet book

Loved it. I enjoyed the story, the narration, the descriptions of the characters… Perfect in every way.

Laughs, Tears & a Place I'd Like to call Home

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. I would for my friends who love peaceful journeys, who enjoy meadering down the path to see what each day brings. This book was a pleasure.

What other book might you compare Big Stone Gap to and why?

Jan Karon's Mitford Series. They are similar in they are about small town life, the characters who live, love, laugh, and pass into and out of your life. These are the type of books that refuel me.

Which scene was your favorite?

One that made me laugh outloud was the scene at the football games Halftime activies in front of the visiting dignitaries Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Senate hopeful, John Warner.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, and I leave that to the reader/listener to decide for themselves. I don't want to give anything away.

Any additional comments?

Yes, I was very concerned with the author being the narrator. In most cases I have found that doesn't work, but I wanted this book quite a lot so I gave in. Adriana Trigiani has won me over. She is perfect for the part. She IS the book. In fact, I was so please with this book & narrator I imediately purchased the next two in the series. I would have purchased the 4th but I ran out of credits.Thank you Adriana Trigiani for an absolutely delightful stroll through Big Stone Gap, a place I'd love to live.

Fallen for Big Stone Gap

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. The authors performance was incredible! Her voice and the theatrics really painted vivid imagery that made me feel like I was in Big Stone Gap in the late 70s. I was there and I fell in love with Ava Maria. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. *spoiler alert* at the end of this book Adriana Trigiani does a 10 min interview and there's a little bit given away about the rest of the books in the trilogy. I'm hoping it wasn't too big of a spoil but I couldn't stop listening to her talk so I had to hear it. Great listen!

I Love This Book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Big Stone Gap to be better than the print version?

Yes. Being read by the author gives it an authenticity that would be difficult to get from print.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Theodore - He's just so nice, but really hard to figure out

Which scene was your favorite?

When Ave and Jack Mack finally understand eachother

If you could rename Big Stone Gap, what would you call it?

The Ancient Art of Chinese Face Reading

Any additional comments?

I listened to the abridged version years ago, but I just LOVE this version because it gives a lot more detail and back story about the characters.

Good ole' feel good, easy reading evening!

I enjoyed the story and the characters. There were some nuggets of truth and knowledge about life in it, too. It is a just sit back and enjoy some southern life sprinkled with an Italian adventure Ava Marie figures herself out.

LOVE IT!

I just love my friends Ave Maria & Jack Mack from Big Stone Gap! Thank you!

Loved it!

Any additional comments?

This book is a breath of fresh air in a world of poorly, uninteresting books. The plot may be unambitious but it is still a great story and a suite of moments in the lives of a community, somewhat in the vein of 'Steel Magnolias'. Sweet, funny, charming. I really enjoyed it. Excellent performance by the author.

Thorough enjoyment

We listened to this wonderful book On the way to western North Carolina. In our car were four women ranging from about 50 - 97 years of age. It would be impossible to choose who enjoyed it more. Thanks Adriana for a great gift of shared pleasures.