Velva Jean Learns to Fly

By: Jennifer Niven

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Velva Jean Hart, the fiercely independent heroine of Jennifer Niven's spectacular debut novel, Velva Jean Learns to Drive, returns in a captivating adventure that literally sends her soaring. Bristling at the limitations faced by a woman in rural Appalachia and fueled by the memory of her late Mama telling her to "live out there," Velva Jean hits the road to pursue her dream of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. But after a string of auditions, she begins to lose hope - until her brother pays her a surprise visit and treats Velva Jean to a flying lesson that ignites a brand-new dream: to become a female pilot. Funny, poignant, and utterly unforgettable, Velva Jean Learns to Fly will have fans cheering all over again.

©2011 Jennifer Niven (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Besides creating a gutsy heroine, who, despite the repressive times, never becomes bitter, Niven's writing shines overall. Cheers to Niven, Velva Jean." ( Booklist)

A must-read after Velva Jean Learns to Drive

Having just finished Velva Jeans Learns to Drive, read by my favorite narrator Jenna Lamia, I was very skeptic about switching to a different narrator. After the initial shock of a different voice, I have to say that Emily Durante did a very good job. So if you're apprehensive about the switch in narration - don't be. This book is still an excellent listen.

Nice story

Would you listen to Velva Jean Learns to Fly again? Why?

No

What did you like best about this story?

Story gives great incite into WW2 and female pilots.

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

Nice to hear the voices of the characters.

If you could rename Velva Jean Learns to Fly, what would you call it?

Good title.

I LOVED this book!!!

I really liked Velva Jean Learns to Drive, but I LOVED this sequel. I found the first book to be very entertaining and it was enjoyable to learn about a girl growing up living a very sheltered life, but, in this book, that little girl has finally spread her wings and she is learning that she can do anything. I did not know there was a 3rd and 4th novel in this series, so when it ended, I was crushed...but imagine my surprise when I learned the next book, Becoming Clementine was available to download! I am so glad I started this series - I can honestly say this book inspired me.

Velva Jean is still a likeable character.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator.

If you???ve listened to books by Jennifer Niven before, how does this one compare?

I loved Velva Jean learns to drive. I think it is a better story - AND - the narrator is much better. Jennifer Nivens is a natural at narrating. Unfortunately Emily Durante cannot hold a candle to her.

women's role in military

No one narrates like Jenna Lamina. was disappointed at beginning. by the end the story was so good that the narrator was ok.

Another great story by Jennifer Niven!

Forget all the negative reviews about the narrator change. After the first couple of chapters I got use to Emily Durante and she did a good job (of course there is no one like Jenna Lamia). This book is rich in history about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) a civilian women pilots' organization, whose members were United States federal civil service employees. Members of WASP became trained pilots who tested aircraft, ferried aircraft, and trained other pilots. Their purpose was to free male pilots for combat roles during World War II. This was a great story and I learned so much I didn't know.

Moving and Heartfelt

If you could sum up Velva Jean Learns to Fly in three words, what would they be?

Moving, Heartfelt, Emotional

What was one of the most memorable moments of Velva Jean Learns to Fly?

The moment she knew what "Beyond the Keep" really meant.

What about Emily Durante’s performance did you like?

She has a pleasant Southern Drawl and kept the story lively.

If you could take any character from Velva Jean Learns to Fly out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Velva Jean, I want to hear more stores about the WASP's

Any additional comments?

At the end of the book there was a narritive on the WASP program telling of it's many victories and faults. This made the book come to life and left me thinking about the times during WWII and the women who joined in our fight to freedom.

Missed Jenna's Pixy Dust!

I loved the story and can't wait to listen to the next book, but it took me awhile to get over the change from the narrator of the first book to this one. Jenna Lamia is one of my favorite narrators and her phrasing and expertise are bar none. It was still a beautiful 'read' and I still highly recommend this book. Just be prepared to go through a bit of heartache & loss as you make the shift from Jenna's magic to this narration.

Why change the reader?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I liked the way Jenna Lemia read the first book in the series, and I felt like I was now a part of Velva Jean's family, rooting for her so much that I wanted to hear her next adventure, but this the new reader (Emily Durante) was so different, I was very disappointed. I felt as if my baby was switched at the hospital. The book is so well written, but the new reader obviously hadn't read the first book and didn't know the story line, so her interpretation was flat. Bummer.Regarding the story, I loved it, but I felt at one point, there was a forced event - when Gossy ended up on the same plane Velva Jean was piloting into history. The story didn't need it and I didn't buy it for a second that Gossy would put up with the military and vice versa. Also, the way it ended makes me feel that there's so many loose ends, there's gotta be another book soon.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Velva Jean Learns to Fly?

I love the way Jennifer Niven weaves a tale. I also like the way she's paints the landscape of discrimination, prejudice and how women were (are) treated. Good for Velva Jean!

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Emily Durante?

Jenna Lamia.

Great sequel, and a good woman's book.

Would you listen to Velva Jean Learns to Fly again? Why?

First you have to listen to Velva Jean Learns to Drive, then you will know why you have to listen to Velva Jean Learns to Fly. Both are narrated by Emily Durante, she does a great job.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Velva Jean of course. She was brave enough to follow her heart and did not let the men in her life keep her back.

Have you listened to any of Emily Durante???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

Sweat Fern, even thought she would not have taken the same path she admired Velva Jean for her stamina to keep going.