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)

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.