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)

If Jenna Lamia reads it, I'll listen to it!

And once again, she doesn't disappoint. Of course, I have to give Jennifer Niven some credit since she wrote this wonderful story. The characters and the plot are so real. It could happen in your own back yard. Although I felt like it was a little slow at first, I quickly became hooked to the characters, especially Velva Jean herself. Highly recommend it!

"Old-timey" story with a Southern Accent - Great!

First off, I must agree with the other reviewers who rave about Jenna Lamia's narration - I could listen to her forever - she is downright melodic in her delivery. The author did a fabulous job of marrying the scenic, rugged background of the hill folk with the life story of the main character. This book is about a young girl growing up in the Appalachia in the 1930's-40's. She experiences hardship and joy - love and loss - despair and hope - all the things that make for a rich and meaningful story. I really enjoyed this selection and will recommend it to anyone longing for a journey back in time with the added bonus of it being "G-rated" for the most part and appropriate for younger listeners. My grandmother lived a similar life and this book made me feel closer to her, even though she has passed on. Folks were just tougher back in those old days - life was hard but the rewards were so much sweeter for it - makes you realize how much we take for granted in this day and age.

GREAT!

Honestly, one of the best books I've listened to!
Ranks up there with The Help, The Kitchen House, etc.
Good storyline, good characters, well written - what more could you ask for?
Well performed as well, by Jenna Lamia.
Just a really, really good read - I promise - you won't be disappointed!

This should win an Audie Award

I loved this book. Like the prior reviewer, it kept my attention from beginning to end. Jenna Lamia is one of my favorite narrators, and southern literature suits her voice. This book ranks right up there with Secret Life of Bees (also narrated by Lamia) and The Help (Lamia is a narrator here, too.). This is the first fiction book by this author, which can't be her last. She ties all the "little stories" in the book together with a very easy to listen to style. And no, it's not about driving. Highly recommend this one.

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.

Excellent listen

This book was a great listen. The only reason I downloaded it was because it was narrated by Jenna Lamia and every book she has narrated I have really enjoyed. She is a great story teller. So this book was a surprise, I enjoyed it that much. Velva Jean tells her story and you fall in love with her naive, honesty. I will proably listen to this one again.

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.

Wonderful book!!!!

I loved this book! I was sad when it had to end. The narrator is the absolute best! I hope the auther writes more books soon, maybe a part II of Velva Jean?

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.

Home in my Heart

There are stories that stay with you all your life. There are books that you can never be parted from. This book IS just that. Jennifer Niven's story given to us with the beautiful storytelling talents of Jenna Lamia hold us captive from the very first word. This book is wonderfully written and beautifully told. It will stay with you long after the last chapter has been read. It will leave you longing to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore the North Carolina mountains yourself. I love being a North Carolinian and this book made me feel home in my heart.