Helpful Score: 18
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. It was a very sweet love story about a pregnant young girl who is abandoned by her boyfriend at a Wal-Mart, where she meets many people who change her life, touching, heartwarming. It was interesting reading this book after having already seen the movie because I had all of the actors' faces in my head and didn't have to imagine what the characters looked like. Some of the actors in the movie didn't quite fit their character's descriptions in the book, and the movie's ending was changed slightly, but that is to be expected with any movie adaptation and it didn't bother me at all. I am glad I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice feel good book!
Helpful Score: 16
If you've only watched the movie, you've got to read the book - too good to miss!
A funny thing happens to Novalee Nation on her way to Bakersfield, California. Her ne'er-do-well boyfriend, Willie Jack Pickens, abandons her in an Oklahoma Wal-Mart and takes off on his own, leaving her with just 10 dollars and the clothes on her back. Not that hard luck is anything new to Novalee, who is "seventeen, seven months pregnant, thirty-seven pounds overweight--and superstitious about sevens.... For most people, sevens were lucky. But not for her," Billie Letts writes. "She'd had a bad history with them, starting with her seventh birthday, the day Momma Nell ran away with a baseball umpire named Fred..."
Still, finding herself alone and penniless in Sequoyah, Oklahoma is enough to make even someone as inured to ill fortune as Novalee want to give up and die. Fortunately, the Wal-Mart parking lot is the Sequoyah equivalent of a town square, and within hours Novalee has met three people who will change her life: Sister Thelma Husband, a kindly eccentric; Benny Goodluck, a young Native American boy; and Moses Whitecotton, an elderly African American photographer. For the next two months, Novalee surreptitiously makes her home in the Wal-Mart, sleeping there at night, exploring the town by day. When she goes into labor and delivers her baby there, however, Novalee learns that sometimes it's not so bad to depend on the kindness of strangers--especially if one of them happens to be Sam Walton, the superchain's founder.
Where the Heart Is oddly mixes heart-warming vignettes and surprising, brutal violence. Novalee's story is juxtaposed with occasional chapters chronicling Willy Jack's downward spiral into prison, disappointment, and degradation. And even in Sequoyah, sudden storms, domestic violence, kidnapping, and deadly fires punctuate Novalee's progress from homeless, unwed teen mom to successful, happy member of the community. This is not a subtle book; there's never any doubt that our heroine will make a home for herself and her baby or that Willy Jack will get what he deserves for abandoning them. Still, Billie Letts has created several memorable characters, and there's always room for another novel that celebrates the life-affirming qualities of reading, the importance of education, and the power of love to change lives.
A funny thing happens to Novalee Nation on her way to Bakersfield, California. Her ne'er-do-well boyfriend, Willie Jack Pickens, abandons her in an Oklahoma Wal-Mart and takes off on his own, leaving her with just 10 dollars and the clothes on her back. Not that hard luck is anything new to Novalee, who is "seventeen, seven months pregnant, thirty-seven pounds overweight--and superstitious about sevens.... For most people, sevens were lucky. But not for her," Billie Letts writes. "She'd had a bad history with them, starting with her seventh birthday, the day Momma Nell ran away with a baseball umpire named Fred..."
Still, finding herself alone and penniless in Sequoyah, Oklahoma is enough to make even someone as inured to ill fortune as Novalee want to give up and die. Fortunately, the Wal-Mart parking lot is the Sequoyah equivalent of a town square, and within hours Novalee has met three people who will change her life: Sister Thelma Husband, a kindly eccentric; Benny Goodluck, a young Native American boy; and Moses Whitecotton, an elderly African American photographer. For the next two months, Novalee surreptitiously makes her home in the Wal-Mart, sleeping there at night, exploring the town by day. When she goes into labor and delivers her baby there, however, Novalee learns that sometimes it's not so bad to depend on the kindness of strangers--especially if one of them happens to be Sam Walton, the superchain's founder.
Where the Heart Is oddly mixes heart-warming vignettes and surprising, brutal violence. Novalee's story is juxtaposed with occasional chapters chronicling Willy Jack's downward spiral into prison, disappointment, and degradation. And even in Sequoyah, sudden storms, domestic violence, kidnapping, and deadly fires punctuate Novalee's progress from homeless, unwed teen mom to successful, happy member of the community. This is not a subtle book; there's never any doubt that our heroine will make a home for herself and her baby or that Willy Jack will get what he deserves for abandoning them. Still, Billie Letts has created several memorable characters, and there's always room for another novel that celebrates the life-affirming qualities of reading, the importance of education, and the power of love to change lives.
Helpful Score: 14
One of the few Oprah Book Club books that I have actually enjoyed.
heartwarming, clever and captivating. The lives of a small town in nowhereland Oklahoma jump alive in this wonderful book. Characters you wont forget, heartbreaking stories and stories of triumph. Despite hard times Novalee Nation is a standout and never lets the crap in life get her down.
heartwarming, clever and captivating. The lives of a small town in nowhereland Oklahoma jump alive in this wonderful book. Characters you wont forget, heartbreaking stories and stories of triumph. Despite hard times Novalee Nation is a standout and never lets the crap in life get her down.
Helpful Score: 11
Having seen the movie some time ago, I never thought I would pick up this book. I am so glad I changed my mind. Ms. Letts' character development is fantastic. So many more details than the movie! I found this to be an endearing novel about human strengths, flaws, and passion. An excellent read.
Helpful Score: 11
Wonderful! This is a stunning book about a young girl making her way in the world, from dismal beginnings, to true riches: friends, family, and a purpose in life. The writing is fresh and lovely, the characters quirky and utterly unforgettable. You'll be glad you read this one.
