A review by tibbarasden
Velva Jean Learns to Drive by Jennifer Niven

emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

It's a bit slower paced, but that really works for this story. I loved how we got to know Velva Jean from the time she is 10 until she is 18. I love the relationship she has with her family. I really enjoyed how we see those relationships, and her dreams evolve as she comes of age. While there is a lot of depth to Velva Jean and her emotions, I do think events and situations weren't fully developed. Especially towards the end. There was one consistency/editing issue I caught (Beachard's age isn't correct at one point. The author had him the same age as Johnny Clay). Overall, though, I really enjoyed the coming of age aspect along with small town girl with big dreams trope. I also really enjoyed how we got to see both sides of the religion. How it can be both a good and bad thing.