Velva Jean Learns to Drive: A Novel Audiobook

" Loved it! Especially if you like reading about life in the Appalachian mountains "back in the day." "

" would've been 3-1/2 but the ending redeemed it. "

" Velva Jean is such a fascinating character, but the story seemed to be too drawn out. If it would have moved along at a faster pace, I would have enjoyed it a bit more. I don't know if I'll read the second book, but the third one sounds fascinating. Maybe I'll skim the second one. "

" Velva Jean is a wonderful character, and so are the other people in her life. It was fun watching her come into herself - a feisty, determined and confident young woman. "

" Beautifully written book that made me reflect a lot on my own life and choices. "

" Deeelightful!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the story, and the energy of this book. You get completely swept up in Velva Jean and her life as it unfolds. Colorful, interesting characters at every turn, and a story that keeps the pages turning until the end. Will definitely recommend and looking forward to the next chapter in Velva Jean's life. "

" Loved this book. It was of the same ilk as The Secret Life of Bees. It's always fun to read a good story set in Appalachia. Enjoyed Velva Jean's relationship with Johnny Clay, her brave interest in the wood carver and her wonderful dream to go to Nashville. "

" Good hearty book. No major climatic events but a good ole book none the less. "

" A book that spoke to me on many different levels! "

" One of those books that makes you want to do more with your life. Liked it. "

" So, SO loved this book, what a wonderful read. "

" An uplifting tale that offers some lessons. The one that rang true for me is to never focus energy on running away from something but to focus on running TO something. In other words, don't let your fears take over and keep you from your goals. "

" I liked this book for what it was, at least to me. It was a coming of age story about getting to know yourself, your dreams, and just what your capable of doing if your just willing to keep trying. "

" I read this for a book club. It grew on me as I read along. Would probably really give it 3.5 stars. "

" This was a fun coming-of-age story. "

" One of those strong women books that makes you want to cheer!! I would love to be more like Velva Jean but so happy I never had to do so much with so little help from anyone. "

" I loved the mood and tone the author created--rural Appalachia during the depression years. "

" I really loved this book although I found it had a lot of religious references. I liked this book though because it reminded me of the warmth of "mountain people" "

" This was great. Fast passed, historical apalachian, emotional. I "listened" as an audiobook, and it was great! "

" You will fall in love with Velma Jean! "

" The story is about Velva growing up in the mountains. She has some challenges that shape her as a young lady. There were a couple of time the language bothered me and I worried about what I might read. It all worked out. Velva Jean is very likable and I hope we all can learn to drive. . . "

" Wow! I loved this book. Velva Jean is amazing. All the characters just come to life. Beautiful. "

" Wonderful coming of age story. Not a lot of excitement but loved it anyway. "

" Another airport bookshop purchase--enjoyable and engaging. Good plane fluff. "

" I don't know why but it took me awhile to get through this book. Just wasn't a big page turner but I liked it "

" An uplifting tale that offers some lessons. The one that rang true for me is to never focus energy on running away from something but to focus on running TO something. In other words, don't let your fears take over and keep you from your goals. "

" A book that spoke to me on many different levels! "

" Excellent story. A little slow at times and I'm not yet sure how I feel about the ending but it was a really good read. It had clean language and was very appropriate in regards to morality (both important to me when reading a book). I would definitely recommend this book to others. "

" Captures the Appalachian voice, sense of place and time, and beautifully written. I think this is her first novel, and there were a few first-novelish gaps and lacks in the story, but I loved every single word of this book. "

" Best book I've read in a very long time. It's a coming of age, quest, awakening novel. Velva grows up and deals with death, love, religion, family in 1930s, 1940s NC mountains. "

" I fell in love with the characters. So well written. One of my favorites. "

" This was pretty good. I stuck with it to the end! "

" This was great. Fast passed, historical apalachian, emotional. I "listened" as an audiobook, and it was great! "

" would've been 3-1/2 but the ending redeemed it. "

" This book was just okay. I didn't like how churchy at times it could be and at the end of the day, I just didn't sh*t about the characters. "

" A kind of strange book, a first novel, but I felt compeeled to keep reading and complete it. "

" I really enjoyed this book and adored the main character. the author did such a good job of describing the music, I could almost hear it. anyone who loves music or who has been moved by a song will relate to Velva Jean and her story. "

" I am truly shocked that so many people like this book. It starts slow and never really picks up. It was fairly unrewarding and generally not special. It is not poorly written, but also not my cup of tea. "