Velva Jean Learns to Drive

A Novel

De: Jennifer Niven

Narrado por: Jenna Lamia

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

Praise for Jennifer Niven and Her Novels

“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...Niven makes some memorable moon-spun magic in her rich fiction debut.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“In this story Jennifer Niven creates a world long gone, a mountain past where people suffer failure, loss, and betrayal, as well as the strength and joy of connection and deep love. Velva Jean Learns to Drive takes us far into this soaring, emotional country, the place where our best music comes from.”—Robert Morgan, bestselling author of The Road from Gap Creek and Gap Creek

“A fluid storyteller.”—Wall Street Journal

“Velva Jean learns to...not only drive, but to soar. This beautifully written coming-of-age story captivated me, and I recommend it to anyone who has ever longed to ‘live out there.’”—Ann B. Ross, author of the bestselling Miss Julia novels

“Spirited.”—Parade

“If [Niven] continues to create female characters as strong, as fallible and as appealing as Velva Jean, she has a grand career ahead of her.”—Wilmington Star News

“Velva Jean makes a charming, bright-eyed narrator (bringing to mind that other delightful young rural protagonist: Scout of To Kill a Mockingbird).”—The Christian Science Monitor

“The novel takes hold of your imagination and refuses to let go—even long after you've read the last page.”—Costco (Pennie’s Book Pick of the Month)

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?

Lovely book

This book is a wonderful read. It is a simple story of a girl and her dreams. Highly recommended.

Narrator Makes This Book Come Alive

Velva Jean becomes a real person thanks to Jenna Lamia....she’ll make the reader laugh/cry/smile with all her antics. Living in NC... I could definitely relate to the small mountain towns and the folks that lived there.

loved this book!

I loved this book sooooo much! The struggle to become the woman she needs to be is so real and tangible, I joined her in learning to drive!

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.

Superb narration, good story

Set in rural North Carolina in the 1930s, this is a coming of age and self-discovery story of young Velva Jean. While the story is enjoyable and simple, it raises great questions about life, love, families and marriage...what do you do when someone misunderstands your appropriate and helpful actions? What do you do when someone's actions of love are actually oppressing you? When is it appropriate to be selfless and when is it appropriate to be selfish? Is there room for both?

The audio book is excellent, with a narrator highly skilled at providing appropriate accents and voices. She clearly enhanced the book experience.

Historical Fiction + Jenna Lemia = Enjoyment

Any additional comments?

I'm a sucker for historical fiction - especially stories that deal with actual people and events, not just stories who happen to be set in the past. In fact, it's my favorite way to learn about history. Even though some people are fictional, someone very like them probably did exist and lived similar lives. This story paints a vivid and fresh picture of life in the hills of North Carolina at the time that Skyline Drive was being cut through the tops of the mountains. It reminded me often of the story of Christy by Catherine Marshall, although this was bit more earthy. I truly enjoyed the reading as well (Jenna Lamia is winner!). Ms. Niven did a wonderful job creating believable period characters, yet mixed with a little of the outlandish to spice things up a bit. You'll simultaneously cheer for and shake your head at Velva Jean!

Would listen again!

Always like to listen to Jenia Lemia, awesome narrator. Velva Jean learns to drive is a down home book. Makes you feel like you are living back in the early 1900s. Life was harder, yet people found a way to entertain themselves and care for their families. They went through many of the same trials and tribulations that we do today. I love to listen to these old stories and how people dealt with their lives, friends, and families. Loved it!!

I took a trip to Appalachia.

Loved the sweet voice & accent of the reader . Story felt real for me.

Wonderful!

Really enjoyed this! Very well done. Story was great, reader did a fabulous job of bringing the tale to life.