Velva Jean Learns to Drive

A Novel

By: Jennifer Niven

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia

Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in Appalachia in the years before World War II, Velva Jean Learns to Drive is a poignant story of a spirited young girl growing up in the gold-mining and moonshining South. Before she dies, Velva Jean's mother urges her to "live out there in the great wide world".

Velva Jean dreams of becoming a big-time singer in Nashville until she falls in love with Harley Bright, a handsome juvenile delinquent turned revival preacher. As their tumultuous love story unfolds, Velva Jean must choose between keeping her hard-won home and pursuing her dream of singing in the Grand Ole Opry.

©2009 Jenniver Niven (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

"It's a touching read, funny and wise, like a crazy blend of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, a less morose Flannery O'Connor and maybe a shot of Hank Williams." ( Publishers Weekly)

Entertaining and interesting

Velva Jean is an interesting listen and even a bit inspiring. It's set in the Depression era, but the author accurately reflects the 'life as usual' for families and communities who had already lived in poverty for generations. The blend of Christianity with mountain folk lore and superstition was amusing. Of course the narrator, Jenna Lamia, could read a telephone book aloud and manage to hold my attention. I found it both entertaining as well as interesting.

Nostalgic...In a Good Way!

If you enjoy nostalgia and reminiscing, this is a book for you. Great ups and downs as she grows up into a woman and finds herself. I loved the book and Jenna Lamia has the perfect accent and pace in her reading for Velva Jean. I had read Becoming Clementine before I saw this one and I went back for background and I'm glad I did.

While listening to Velva Jean you see things in a child's eyes from the beginning, as she loses her mother and is then raised by her sister. Through it all she is trying to come to terms with the fact that her father left during the time she lost her mother, so to her he was at fault and didn't love them. Then experiencing life through her eyes as you are there all over again back in a more comfortable time in life as well, with family close helping everyone grow-up.

Best narration by Jenna Lamia EVER in my book!

I enjoyed this audible book so much, I couldn't wait to hear the sequels. Unfortunately, Jenna Lamia was not available for them, I suppose because someone else did them. So, I bought the sequels on Kindle and I'm fine with that. Jenna had the nicest cadence in her "reading", although it seemed more like she was talking and her character voices were exceptional. This is one of her best performances and the story line kept me very much interested as well. I'm very much a fan.

Awesome narration! Extraordinary story!

What other book might you compare Velva Jean Learns to Drive to and why?

Coal Miner's Daughter, Forrest Gump, the Hunger Games, Doll House, The Book of Bright Ideas

Which character – as performed by Jenna Lamia – was your favorite?

Jenna Lamia was a pitch perfect Velva Jean. I wish she had narrated the entire series.

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

All of the above!

Any additional comments?

I wish Jenna Lamia had narrated the rest of this series.

Thoroughly enjoyable

The reader made this book especially wonderful to listen to she had the perfect voice

Enjoyable listen.

What did you love best about Velva Jean Learns to Drive?

I have known people just like the ones in this story. So funny.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Besides Velva Jean, probably Sweet Fern. Jenna Lamia portrays Sweet Fern so vividly, you can experience her emotions.

What does Jenna Lamia bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jenna Lamia is an incredible narrator. So expressive! Her reading is amazing.

Who was the most memorable character of Velva Jean Learns to Drive and why?

Velva Jean. She is the main character of the story.

Any additional comments?

Great story. Would have been better for me without the curse words, but I understand they fit the characters being portrayed.

Loved it.

Story was very good and kept me engaged. Enjoyed some of the historical references. The narrator Was WONDERFUL and brings the story to life.

Singin', Preachin', and Livin' in the South

This is the best of the best of southern fiction, set before WWII, at a time in our history when women weren't supposed to have dreams of their own. The narration MAKES this audio book . . . the story is there, poignant and sweet . . . Velva Jean is still a kid when she loses her mama . . . and her daddy can't stop his wandering for nothing . . . Some people may think that the book makes light of Christianity, but not me . . . it pretty much tells it like it is here in the south . . . God is real, but not all His followers ARE FOR REAL. Guess it's pretty much like that all over. All the things that happen in the mountains during the depression, how a moonshiner's son, turned preacher steals Velva Jean's heart, and then her dreams . . . well, it makes for such a rich and varied tale of greed, pride, selfishness, wisdom and love . . . you sure don't wanna miss it.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

This is a great story and the narration was superb. I truly could not stop listening. As soon the book finished I immediately downloaded the next one.

Engaging, endearing, captivating

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

I dread the end of this audio book. I've enjoyed every minute of it. Even my drive to work has been something I've looked forward to. I absolutely love Jenna Lamia, who totally captures the unique personalities, both male and female, of each character. She's amazing.

Jennifer's Niven's writing is so well done, transporting the listener to another place, another time. THe only way I can face the end of this book is the knowledge that another follows. Thank you for the distinct pleasure of listening to this tale!

What other book might you compare Velva Jean Learns to Drive to and why?

The Secret LIfe of Bees

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to choose one.

Who was the most memorable character of Velva Jean Learns to Drive and why?

Definitely Velva Jean, but her grandparents and Johnny Clay were also admirable.