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.