If, like millions of readers, you’re a fan of author Adriana Trigiani, you’re probably eagerly awaiting the release of Big Stone Gap in select theaters tomorrow.
Based on her beloved novel, the movie stars Ashley Judd as Ave Maria (yes, like the song!), a 40-year-old self-proclaimed “old maid” who runs the local pharmacy in Big Stone Gap, a small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She leads a simple life, directing the annual play, borrowing books from the mobile library and dreaming of romance.
Ave’s life is turned upside down by a surprising series of events, and, thanks to a warm and engaging performance by Judd, it’s impossible not to wish for a happy ending for her.
The movie, which was also written and directed by Trigiani, has an old-fashioned Southern charm that sucks you into the lives of these everyday characters. It’s almost like entering a Norman Rockwell painting.
I tend to always like the books better than the movies adapted from them, and this one was no exception. Although it’s got a great cast, including Patrick Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, John Benjamin Hickey, Jane Krakowski, Anthony LaPaglia, Jenna Elfman, Jasmine Guy and Judith Ivey, the movie is so intimate, I felt it would have been better suited to a small-screen production that you can watch on your couch, wrapped in a cozy blanket. I did enjoy it, though, and it made me nostalgic for a time when personal interaction was more prevalent than technology.
Because the book opens with the line, “This will be a good weekend for reading,” it seemed appropriate to give away copies of Adriana Trigiani’s bestsellers to celebrate the release of the movie.
So get ready to cuddle up with a glass of sweet tea and an afghan because I’m giving away a four-pack of books, including Big Stone Gap, Big Cherry Holler, Milk Glass Moon, and Home to Big Stone Gap, to one lucky Midlife at the Oasis subscriber. (If you’re not a subscriber, first sign up for my weekly newsletter in the right sidebar of this page.)
For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below. For a second chance, tweet this:
[Tweet “Oh Adriana Trigiani fans! Win a 4-pack of #books to celebrate #BigStoneGapMovie! #giveaway”]
Contest ends on October 18 at midnight Pacific time. Winner will be notified by return email. Prize can only be sent to a U.S. mailing address.
Thanks for the heads up. I did not even know about this movie. Love Ashley Judd.
I’ve never heard of the book or the movie, but the new movie sounds good.
I have never heard of the book or the movie. Definitely sounds like something I need to add to my list!
I’d love to check out the book and the movie. It sounds like a really sweet story.
The movie looks lovely but like you I always prefer the book. I must go check this one out for sure.
I want to see and read this! I need a break after watching The Martian last weekend!
I had not heard of this movie or book but it does look like something I would really enjoy. I do enjoy Ashley Judd as an actress and have never been disappointed with her acting.
I lived in Big Stone Gap as a small girl, and Ashley Judd is a Kentucky native like me! I would love to win these books.
This looks like it’s going to be a great movie. I love some of the actors playing in it.
It definitely has some good actors. I’m really starting to like Patrick Wilson.
How have I not heard of this? Sounds like a great movie!
This sounds like a great movie, I should check out the book too!
I’ve never heard of this movie or even the book. I like feel good stories like this. I look forward to watching this.
I hadn’t heard of this until now. Id o like Ashley Judd so we’ll be seeing it. 🙂
I would love this book and the others! Funny how at this stage of my life I like those warm hearted stories better than missing kids or some othernightmare.
I have to admit I haven’t read the book, but what a lovely sounding story. x
I have never heard of this movie but I keep seeing the ads when I visit websites. Thanks for the information about it.
It does sounds like a good movie for the couch! I’ll definitely be sure to check it out once it hits Redbox.
I just saw the trailer for this movie and I told my son I can’t wait to watch it. It has some amazing actors in it.
I had never heard of this before! Sounds like it will be a really great one, I am a huge Ashley Judd fan!
I saw the commercial for this on TV the other day and was totally intrigued. I think Ashley Judd is an awesome actress.
Thanks for the heads-up. Am looking forward to seeing the movie.
This looks like it is going to be a great movie. My friend and I are looking forward to seeing it. I will have to pick up a copy of the book.
This was a fantastic book. I always seem to like the book versions better. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
I have not red the book, but am looking forward to seeing the movie. I love Ashley Judd.
Love this author and would love to win!!!!!
can’t wait to see this movie!!!
The movie looks really good; I would love to read the books.
I’m intrigued, book and movie sound interesting!
As a Virginia girl, I’d love to win and read these!
I have to admit that this is the first time I’m hearing of this. Seems like I’m so out of touch with life these days.
I am such a big fan of this writer and love all the characters she creates. I have not read these books though and can’t wait to see the movie.
I’ve been a fan of Adriana’s for some years. She’s fun to meet in person!