HOME TO BIG STONE GAP

TITLE: HOME TO BIG STONE GAP
AUTHOR: ADRIANA TRIGIANI
Pages: 301
Date: 01/04/2009
Grade: 5
Details: no. 4 Big Stone Gap novel
Library

I think this is probably the last of the Big Stone Gap novels, but who knows? The series started off as a trilogy, and this is part four. And although the story lines in the book are neatly tided up, there is scope for a follow up. And considering how much I enjoyed these books, I wouldn't be sorry if Trigiani decided to revisit Big Stone Gap again.
With Etta married and living in Italy, something Ave Maria has a hard time coming to terms with, life in Big Stone Gap has changed dramatically. And when Jack Mac has a major health scare, it becomes very clear that nothing in life can be taken for granted.
When a very close friendship of Ave Maria's is threatened by the revelation of an old secret, Ave Maria has to reassess her values and her feelings. Only coming to terms with the past can bring the possibility of a happy future.
Trigiani is a champion when it comes to writing about feelings, emotions and the things that motivate people. She doesn't require a steady stream of dramatic events to keep her readers interest. Her characters and their lives are interesting enough to do that on their own account.