Filled with big-time eccentrics and small-town shenanigans, Big Stone Gap is a jewel box of original characters, including sexpot Bookmobile librarian Iva Lou Wade; Fleeta Mullins, the chain-smoking pharmacy cashier with a penchant for professional wrestling; the dashing visionary Theodore Tipton; Elmo Gaspar, the snake-handling preacher; Jack MacChenseny, a coal-mining bachelor looking for true love; and Pearl Grimes, a shy mountain girl on the verge of a miraculous transformation.
Comic and compassionate, Big Stone Gap is the story of a woman who thinks life has passed her by, only to learn that the best is yet come.
Don't miss the rest of the Big Stone Gap series.
©2000 by the Glory of Everything Company; (P)2000 Random House, Inc. Random House AudioBooks A Division of Random House, Inc.
"Big Stone Gap is a Southern novel that has the ring of truth, by which I mean its characters are bizarre, its story is hilarious, and it hooked me on page one." - (John Berendt)
"Warm, Familiar, and Funny"
I have read, and loved, other Adriana Trigani books..but having grown up in SW Virginia, I had put off reading this book, fearing that the "hillbilly" aspect of the area would be emphasized. I was delightfully surprised to find the book to be as comfortable and familiar as an old coat that's been packed in the back of the closet. I found myself looking for excuses to be in the car - and to hear more of Ave Maria's story. I can't wait to listen to the next one!
"Big Stone Gap"
Interesting characters, good "country folk". The narrator was wonderful and gave each an unforgettable personality. I never lost interest.
"non plausible and boring"
Main character: Ave Maria. Does that sound stupid to anyone other than me? She is a pharmacist that does not seam to have the brains to be one. There is a side story in which she is going to direct the town’s holiday theatre production. A male friend from her HS days who has made it big in Hollywood comes home and works on the play. Sure!!!
I have not read the previous books in the series but this book goes back and brings the reader up to date. I am glad that I did not waste my time on the previous books. This book was non plausible and boring. The plot is slow and weak at best. If you want a book to put you to sleep at night, this is the one.
I listened to the book which was narrated but the author. Her voice was as monotonous as the book was non-realistic and boring.
"Just not my type of book, I guess"
I have started this book two times. Once about 8 years ago, and again recently. A little into the book I recognized the story and I again stopped listening at about the same spot. I remembered why I never finished it and have made a note so I don't do this again.
The reader, who is also the author, did a good job (reading) but it just couldn't keep my interest. Again, as I said, it just isn't my type of story.
"Big Stone Gap Gets Thumbs Up !!"
First of all I loved that this was read by Adriana trigiani. I really enjoyed listening to her voice.
I had read the book before and I just loved it and I thought I would get it to listen to for those times when you cant read a book. I listened to it over two days and the book was really brought to life for me through this Audible. I will definately be getting the rest of the books in this series .
"Great Story But Abridged"
This, as all of Trigiani'a books, is a great story. But what is lacking is the Unabridged version. Trigiani writes a wonderful story of a young woman discovering hidden secrets. Her characters are likeable and real. But I always feel I am missing something when it is abridged. I am amazed authors allow their works to be chopped up. Her narration is superb. But if you get the chance to buy the unabridged version, do so.
"Awesome start to the trilogy"
Big stone gap is the excellent start to a trilogy. I started with the hard cover and bought it again on audible so I could read it on my way to work. You'll fall in love with the characters, they'll anger you and make you cry. Adriana really knows how to work on your emotions with her writing. A must read if you've ever lived in the Big Stone Gap area as I have, or if you've never even been to Virginia.
"enjoyable"
Great light read. Enjoyable story and I like her voice (I had to get used to it). I have read a few of her books and have liked them all so far.
mother, wife, artist
"Wonderful series!"
I have heard them all, and even passed them on to my mother and she loved them as well, it was a great bonding experience! We would call each other after we finished them to discuss the books! I can not say enough good things about these books, buy them all! and sit back with coffee or tea ( great for a long drive or rainy days!) and enjoy!