Helpful Score: 3
The third book in the Big Stone Gap series. While I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, Big Stone Gap and Big Cherry Holler, I found this one to be just okay, a little better than average.
The main character of this book is Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney. In the first two books I really loved her character and her choices in life. This time I wanted to shake her more than once. Instead of the strong character from the first two books she seemed whiney and even shrewish at times, especially within her relationship to her teenaged daughter. I also felt he book seemed rushed, going through years with the turn of a page.
That said I still enjoy the eccentric characters, and the beautiful descriptions, especially of Italy. And I love Jack Mac, Ave's true blue husband; even though I think his appearances here were mostly to calm down Ave after one of her outbursts.
Not as good as the first two, but still gets extra points for bringing me on another trip to Big Stone Gap, which probably won't happen again, as it appears as if there is another book in the series it will be centered elsewhere.
The main character of this book is Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney. In the first two books I really loved her character and her choices in life. This time I wanted to shake her more than once. Instead of the strong character from the first two books she seemed whiney and even shrewish at times, especially within her relationship to her teenaged daughter. I also felt he book seemed rushed, going through years with the turn of a page.
That said I still enjoy the eccentric characters, and the beautiful descriptions, especially of Italy. And I love Jack Mac, Ave's true blue husband; even though I think his appearances here were mostly to calm down Ave after one of her outbursts.
Not as good as the first two, but still gets extra points for bringing me on another trip to Big Stone Gap, which probably won't happen again, as it appears as if there is another book in the series it will be centered elsewhere.
Helpful Score: 3
The continuing story of Stone Gap Creek and the lives of the members of the town. Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney was never a devotee of tarot cards and crystal balls. But when the fortune-teller at the county fair suggests she "redream" her life, Ave Maria figures maybe a little redirection is in order.
Beautifully written contemporary story of a family and the choices they make.
Beautifully written contemporary story of a family and the choices they make.
Helpful Score: 2
If you loved Big Stone Gap, you will enjoy Milk Glass Moon by Adriana Trigiani. A quick enjoyable read with the usual colorful charaters you expect from a Trigiani novel. Set in the Appalachian mountains the story weaves back and forth between Cracker's Neck Holler, New York City, and Italy.
Trigiani takes this opportunity to delve into the relationships of mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and best friends, even best friends with benefits.
If you are looking for a quick enjoyable read that will draw you in with it's country down home charm and make you want to put your feet up and read some more, go ahead and pick it up and take a load off.
Trigiani takes this opportunity to delve into the relationships of mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and best friends, even best friends with benefits.
If you are looking for a quick enjoyable read that will draw you in with it's country down home charm and make you want to put your feet up and read some more, go ahead and pick it up and take a load off.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the third book in the Big Stone Gap series. I grew up in Big Stone Gap, so I loved this series.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my least favorite book in the series but still a must read if you are a fan of Jack Mac and Ave Maria. I felt like the author tried to cover too much time in too few pages so I had the impression of being rushed along.
Wonderfully written conclusion to the Big Stone Gap trilogy.
It is so nice to see Etta all grown up and starting her own life as well as watching Ave Maria prepare for the second half of her own life.
It is so nice to see Etta all grown up and starting her own life as well as watching Ave Maria prepare for the second half of her own life.
A delightful addition to the Big Stone Gap series.
From back cover:
Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney was never a devotee of tarot cards and crystal balls. But when the fortune-teller at the county fair suggests she 'redream' her life, Ave Maria figures maybe a little redirection is in order. After all, her daughter has hit every parent's nightmare: puberty.
Ave Maria used to think that motherhood was life's one permanent job, but not anymore. It's the only on in which your skills become totally obsolete overnight. o in the face of coed parties, starter bras, and frank sex talks--and with her husband, Jack, playing the cool, mellow dad--Ave Maria tries to prepare herself for the day when Etta will rebel big time.
Everyone in Big Stone Gap knows it's coming: Crusty cashier Fleety has warned her, delightfully naughty Iva Lou has consoled her, even new mother Pearl understands--but that doesn't make it any easier. From the Bottom of the Cumberland Gap to the top of Cracker's Neck Holler, and across the ocean to the Italian Alps of her family's homeland, Ave Maria's world will never be quite the same again . . . especially now that there's a teenager smack dab in the middle of it.
From back cover:
Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney was never a devotee of tarot cards and crystal balls. But when the fortune-teller at the county fair suggests she 'redream' her life, Ave Maria figures maybe a little redirection is in order. After all, her daughter has hit every parent's nightmare: puberty.
Ave Maria used to think that motherhood was life's one permanent job, but not anymore. It's the only on in which your skills become totally obsolete overnight. o in the face of coed parties, starter bras, and frank sex talks--and with her husband, Jack, playing the cool, mellow dad--Ave Maria tries to prepare herself for the day when Etta will rebel big time.
Everyone in Big Stone Gap knows it's coming: Crusty cashier Fleety has warned her, delightfully naughty Iva Lou has consoled her, even new mother Pearl understands--but that doesn't make it any easier. From the Bottom of the Cumberland Gap to the top of Cracker's Neck Holler, and across the ocean to the Italian Alps of her family's homeland, Ave Maria's world will never be quite the same again . . . especially now that there's a teenager smack dab in the middle of it.
A mother grows up and changes as her daughter grows up. This book reminds me what it means to be a mother, loving her child and letting her find her own path in the world. It reminds me that one of the hardest lessons in parenting is how to let go and accept that your child is no longer a child.
A great sequel and series of books!
Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney has never been a devotee of the Tarot Cards or crystal balls. But when the fortune-teller at the country fair suggests she redream her life, Ave Maria finds that a little redirecton is in order. Beginning with her daughter Etta. Etta has hit puberty, and Ave Maria's world will never be the same again.
I love this series so much sooo well written :)
Renee' B. (Daydreamsbeliever) reviewed Milk Glass Moon (Big Stone Gap, Bk 3) on + 194 more book reviews
If you only have one book credit left, this is the one to pick. I loved this book.
Well written, good read.
The third of the big Stone Gap books. By now we all know Ave Maria MacChesney well.As well as Jack, her patient and most of the time loyal husband, daughter Etta, who grows up through these books, and a score of Big Stone Gap friends. If you are a fan of Italy, food, and geography, you will enjoy this book even more. This is for the most part, a happy love filled book, with just enough humor and life to make it real.
Great funny Southern humor....easy read...entire series is hilarious!
Good Read
Wonderful characters - clear, beautifully written narrative - a protagonist I really would like to be friends with. All three of the books in this all-too-short series have blessed my soul. I really wonder how Ave Maria and Jack Mac will make it in Tuscany! This book gets 10 stars for me!
Great end to the triology!
third in the Stone Gap series great book
LOVED this book, in fact, loved the whole trilogy, of which this one is #3. (#1 is "Big Stone Gap", #2 is "Big Cherry Holler")
I live in the area where this book is set-- the Appalachian Mountains, and I found this book to be absolutely true to life! I adore this whole series, and encourage anyone to read it who hasn't yet had the wonderful experience! It will be a movie soon, as Adriana has already written the screenplay.
Trigiani has a wonderful way of telling a story. One of the "Big Stone Gap" novels.
i hope this is not the last of the big stone gap series. true to form. a must read for all of us in these appy mts.
She is such a talented author
Not as good as the first 2 in the series,but still a good read
One of my most favorite Authors. I love her writing.
Adriana Trigiani at her best! (of course one could say that about any of her novels...every one is a jewel!)
Great southern literature with a dose of Italy thrown in--great read.
Third book in the "Big Stone Gap" series. Excellent!
Adriana Trigiani's books really touch your heart as you read them
Love Ave Maria--great mountain characters and story.
Pat W. (3ladybug) - This book was read not having read the oather two books in the series first. It was good by itself. Trigiani's writing of Big Stone Gap "talk" was fun to read.
The author's wit with the character's is amusing as well
as the character's names.
Ave Maria's challenges as a mother are well-written.
Her daughter's first love; the Tuscan country-side and a mother's heartbreak.....
The author's wit with the character's is amusing as well
as the character's names.
Ave Maria's challenges as a mother are well-written.
Her daughter's first love; the Tuscan country-side and a mother's heartbreak.....
A wonderful end to Adriana Trigiani's trilogy about the people of Big Stone Gap, especially Ave Maria, Jack, Pearl, Fleeta, Iva Lou and Etta, as well as Ava's Italian family. This book made me laugh and made me cry. It is a testament to the power of love and how love conquers all. Highly recommend the entire trilogy.
From the back of the book: "Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney was never a devotee of tarot cards and crystal balls. But when the fortune-teller at the county fair suggests she redream her life, Ave Maria figures maybe a little redirection is in order. After all, her daughter has hit every parents nightmare: puberty. Ave Maria used to think that motherhood was lifes one permanent job, but not anymore. Its the only one in which your skills become totally obsolete overnight. So in the face of coed partied, starter bras, and frank sex talks and with her husband, Jack, playing the cool, mellow dad Ave Maria tries to prepare herself for the day when Etta will rebel big time. Everyone in Big Stone Gap knows its coming: Crusty cashier Fleeta has warned her, delightfully naught Iva Lou has consoled her, even new mother Pearl understands but that doesnt make it any easier. From the bottom of the Cumberland Gap to the top of Crackers Neck Holler, and across the ocean to the Italian Alps of her familys homeland, Ave Marias world will never be quite the same againespecially now that theres a teenager smack dab in the middle of it. Book is in excellent condition, does not look "read".
Love this series.
I love this author. Milk Glass Moon is a very good ending to her trilogy.
A Big Stone Gap Novel. Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney was never a devotee of tarot cards and crystal balls; but when the fortune-teller at the county fair suggests she "{redream" her life, Ave Maria figures maybe a little redirection is in order. After all, her daughter has hit every parent's nightmare: puberty. Delightfully eccentric....chock-full of the homespun sharacters nd the earthy wisdom readers have come to expect from this utterly charming series.
I enjoyed this series so much I passed it on to my grown daughter as I finished each one...and she still talks about them to me from time to time!
I love all of this author's books. They are well written and provide a glimpse of life that is different from mine. This is a book well worth reading. Leah G.
