Rating: 
Summary: An Interesting Look into Small Town Life
Review: This is a very readable story about a woman in a tiny coal-mining town in Virginia who has never really felt as if she belonged there. Yes, everyone in town has known her all her life and respects her as one of the town's best known citizens (she is both the town pharmacist and on the Rescue Squad). However, for reasons unknown to her, she has never felt as though she is truly a part of this community. Her life has revolved around her work and the weekly visit by her beloved bookmobile. But upon the death of her mother, Ave Maria starts to piece together some of the mystery surrounding her life and that of her family and she soons begins to believe that she needs to leave all that is familiar to her and to move on to somewhere else and start all over again. Amidst this, Ave Maria is regarded as the town spinster - it is unthinkable to most of the townsfolk (most of whom have married as young as 15) that a woman could be unmarried at the grand old age of 35.This book is well worth the time to find out just what it is that Ave Maria discovers about herself and her family and to accompany her on the path that she believes she must take. It has some very amusing moments, especially those that surround the visit by Elizabeth Taylor and John Warner. I look forward to reading the sequel, "Big Cherry Holler" some time soon.
Rating: 
Summary: Just Loved It
Review: Reading this book I could just imagine the little town of Big Stone Gap. Trigiani really gave a great deal of flavor to the characters.
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Summary: Small Town Charm
Review: After hearing so many great things about Big Stone Gap, I am glad to say it lived up to it's reputation. This is a quiet, charming story of small town life with a nice blend of universal truths about life. The author does an excellent job of presenting a lot of real personality types that we've all had to deal with. Trigiani is quite insightful in human traits and attitudes that can help us all get through life a little more easily. It was enjoyable to watch as Ave Maria learned so much about herself through the discoveries she made and how she learned to find herself and a place she was comfortable with in Big Stone Gap. I look forward to reading the sequel, Big Cherry Holler.
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Summary: Never before have I read a book that brought me to tears...
Review: What an outstanding novel. I was in the middle of Big Stone Gap when I ran out to buy Big Cherry Holler, because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing there was a sequel out there. Adriana has written such a wonderful story, there is something in this book for everyone. At least one of her characters or events will bring back memories of your own. Big Stone Gap is such a lovely story, I purchased copies for my friends, because I want them to experience the book and feel good about their lives. Big Stone Gap is definitely a MUST read.
Rating:
Summary: A pleasant surprise...
Review: I was given this book by a friend who knew of a family connection I have to the Gap. I wasn't expecting much, but needed a break of the boatload of mindbinding nonfiction I was working through. Last weekend (during the summer), I picked it up and was pleasantly surprised by the experience. After a few pages, I didn't want to put it down and, though I pretty much knew what was coming, I really enjoyed the read. I'm looking forward to Trigiani's sequel and now plan to explore Amazon for similar works of fiction.
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Summary: Ravenous Reader's 10th selection
Review: We have just finished reading this book for our Book Club. I am happy I have discovered yet another new author who knows how to add just the right ingredients into making a novel! This covered many subjects within its small number of pages and it does go to show that goodness does come back in various forms to those who do good for others. Ave Maria was a wonderfully rich and warm character, who typifies so many of us real women, minus the glamour and perfect figures. She evolves to reveal that family is the purest form of reward in our lives. I learned there is a sequel out, and I ran out to buy it because I did not want to wait for it to come out in paperback. I look forward to reading it and hope it is as good as this one was.
Rating:
Summary: Been there and loved it!
Review: My mom-in-law is from Big Stone Gap which was why I bot the book. I've visited the Gap and could picture some of the country side as I read the book. You don't have to be familiar with area to enjoy this book though. Big Stone Gap is an easy enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down.
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Summary: Lost myself in Big Stone Gap
Review: Lovely reading experience. I found myself up until 2:00 am finishing this book. And then reread my favorite parts so I could prolong the experience. Has all the best qualities of a legendary book. The secondary characters were so real you found yourself wondering how it all ended for them. If they all got what they deserved and longed for. I laughed out loud, I cheered the outcome..This is real life the way it should be. I am always a sucker for happy endings. Greatly recommended. READ THIS BOOK. You'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: please write more adriana!!
Review: I fell absolutely in love with Ave Maria. After reading this novel I had no choice but to read the sequel Big Cherry Holler. It has been three weeks since reading this novel and I still find myself thinking about her and all of the characters in this book. Ave Maria expressed opinions and feelings that I thought only I experienced. There are moments in the book that seem a little contrived but the overall emotion of this book overcomes this flaw.
Rating: 
Summary: Peculiar
Review: And sadly, not in the good way. There are times when reading this novel was like eating rice pudding mixed with ground glass - tasty at times and terrifying at others because you don't know what you're about to swallow.
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