Big Stone Gap

A Novel

By: Adriana Trigiani

Narrated by: Adriana Trigiani

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)

Like being there!

Listening to the author was like being in the story. She makes the characters feel like your friends and neighbors. If you want to cry, then laugh out loud, you'll love this book. I can't wait to read another one of her books.

BEAUTIFUL WRITING

What made the experience of listening to Big Stone Gap the most enjoyable?

The narrator /author brings such authenitity to the story. Her accent and terminlogy is very authentic. At times, I have to remind myself that the narrator is the author not a personal friend who happens to be from SW VA where the story is set. I've been to Wise County, VA, where the story is set, & the author describes it very well. I have cried almost all the way thru the story not necessarily because its sad but because its so beautifully written. I have cried til my nose is chapped & my eyes swollen. I had to limit myself to listening for 12 tissues at a time and then move to a different story. While listening to BIG STONE GAP, I have cover up my crying while listening at the fitness center, while on fitness equipment, using my towel to dry my eyes pretending that I've worked up a sweat.

What did you like best about this story?

EVERYTHING

Who was the most memorable character of Big Stone Gap and why?

Ave Maria & Jack Mack.

From Small Town East TN - this was a MUST READ!

Would you listen to Big Stone Gap again? Why?

Yes, Yes and YES!!!! I adored this book. I loved that Adriana was narrating, being from a small town a few hours south of Big Stone Gap I could totally relate and hear some familiar "talk" and actions that made me laugh out loud!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Big Stone Gap?

So many moments, I simply loved the entire book, I can't pick just one moment.

What about Adriana Trigiani’s performance did you like?

I absolutely adored her way of mimicking the "mountain talk" ... people getting "murried" AKA Married , loved her way of distinguishing each character in the book.

If you could take any character from Big Stone Gap out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Oh it would have to be Iva Lou she is just the type of friend I would have. You could be caught up on all the town gossip in a few minutes around Iva Lou.

Any additional comments?

This will be a book that I will listen to many times! Listen now!

enjoyable

this author is a great narrator!
this was an easy listen with fun, memorable characters. I will probably listen to the next story.

Stick to the writing, Adriana!

Would you listen to Big Stone Gap again? Why?

No. I only re-listen to especially good books that are extremely well written. This book does not measure up to that level.

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

None that I can think of.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Adriana Trigiani?

Any actress with skills for reading audio books. Almost anyone other than the writer. Stick to the writing, Adriana. Leave the reading to those who do it well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Love, Love, Love the Big Stone Gap stories!

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

I love both the book and audio book of Big Stone Gap. I bought the version with Adriana Trigiani reading the book and feel she is incredible. After first reading this book, I couldn't wait for more. And, now, one day, I hope to visit Big Stone Gap. I am fascinated with both Appalachia and Italy. It is hard to review one book without wanting to reference the entire story. I can tell you this . . . the characters and story make you feel good. Clean, simple, and make you smile. This book makes you feel a part of these peoples' lives. Good and fun read & listen!

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

All of Adriana's performances for the Big Stone Gap series have been great!

Who was the most memorable character of Big Stone Gap and why?

I love them all, but I have to say - Iva Lou and Fleeta get me laughing!

This book and author is perfect for audible!

I love love loved the author reading this book to me!! I couldn’t get enough of her funny WV slang and accents. I understood and could relate to many moments the first two books. Can’t wait to listen to the third. I’m not a great writer but had to try to express the joy, laughter and tears this book evoked! Thank you for these characters!!!!!

outstanding

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

I recommend this book to all my friends, coming from an Italian family this book touches home

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ave Maria is my favorite character by far

One I listen to again and again...

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

I not only have recommended this book I have purchased it for friends to good reviews. Big Stone Gap is the kind of book you want to curl up with. This book has romance, mystery, travel and a cameo by Liz Taylor that is a lot in 10 hours.

What did you like best about this story?

The trip to Italy.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Scene where Ava Maria described the baby bird that her Mom returned to it's nest, one of the best descriptions of being in love I have read.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Sometimes, other times I want to savor for the next night. I listen to audio books at night when I am in bed so sometimes I want to know I have a proven winner cued for the coming night.

Wonderful story

I absolutely loved loved loved this book. You MUST get the audio book and listen to the author read the story. It’s the best audio book I’ve heard. I loved the story so much that I rented the movie - but it didn’t hold a candle to the book. I’m looking forward to reading - or listening to the next 2 books in the trilogy. Wonderful story.