Rating: 
Summary: Like a Gooey Hallmark Card
Review: I cannot believe Oprah selected this book. It's not a bad book. The reader definitely flips the pages to see what happens to the likable characters. However, it is a goo-fest of sentimentality. It's like reading a 350-page, cliche-ridden Hallmark card. This novel is second-rate Barbara Kingsolver.
Rating: 
Summary: Real life story
Review: This book read like a diary with real life like encounters. I liked the progression through Novalee's life and all the stories of the people she met. Definitely a great book to curl up to.
Rating: 
Summary: An uplifting story about providence
Review: I read this novel shortly after my sister had finished it. It is amazing how one story can mean different things to different people. She felt it was about a single mother's struggles and eventual accomplishments, while I thought it was about community and God's providence. Either way, at the end of the novel, you feel as if you've witnessed this young woman grow. A positive message for young women.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: As a college student, I spend my time reading and writing papers for four English classes. I was relieved when Winter Break came around and I had enough time to read a book of my choice. I chose Where the Heart Is because one day as I was channel surfing, I saw a recommendation for it on Oprah. I was persuaded to read it because I was so impressed with She's Come Undone, that I hoped that it would be its equal. Imagine my disappointment as I read this book and waited for something exciting to happen, it never did. I can't believe that I wasted my time and money on this flop. Maybe during Spring Break, I'll rent some movies instead.
Rating:
Summary: A One-Day Read!
Review: I received this book for Christmas, and sat down with it after all the presents were opened. I must have missed the rest of the day's events, because I did not get up until I had read the last sentence. It was wonderful. Let me say this: As an English teacher, I give my budding young authors a long list of do nots for their characters and story lines, and this novel breaks every single rule. Even though the main character has unbelievable experiences, even though the supporting cast is at once eclectic and cliche, and even though it has a sappy and somewhat predictable ending, I LOVED IT! Where The Heart Is is being passed around our faculty room now, and there's a wait list to read it. No bad reviews from anyone yet!
Rating:
Summary: charming
Review: For a novel based on a seemingly normal plot, Billie Letts captures the heart. This is a definate read...a not able to put down book, perfect for a rainy day.
Rating:
Summary: Small town Oklahoma
Review: I picked up this book because I grew up in the same small town in Oklahoma in which the author resided. (I went to high school with her boys!) I guess I wanted to see if I recognized any of the characters, settings or local stories. I ended up being a little homesick for the warmth, innocence and good neighbor feeling you can only get in a small town... although my general memory was of the bigotry, cliquishness, and general growing up too fast. I did come away with warmer feelings about the place I called home for ten years, because I had forgotten about the good things.The book itself was a nice read. I wanted to dislike Novalee for her ignorance and gullibility, but instead I identified with her eagerness to better herself despite the circumstances in which she found herself. The friendships she made there were real, and based on trust and nonjudgmental love. The plot had some twists, some more believable than others. I enjoyed this book very much, and hated to leave it. It was like going home again, ignoring the bad things, and relishing the good. (I always knew Shawn and his saxophone would make it big in the world outside of Durant!)
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, but unreal
Review: I enjoyed this book, despite its lack of realism. If I were 17, 7 months pregnant and dumped by my loser boyfriend at a Walmart in a strange town, the last thing on my mind would be getting philisophical with strangers and snapping polaroids. If I were handed a "good luck charm" and were told to make a wish, I wouldn't be wishing for a tree under those circumstances, either. I am sure this book was not meant to be realistic, but that kind of threw me off enjoying the book at first. If you keep in mind that it is just a fiction, you will find yourself enjoying this novel. Not bad for a first publication.
Rating:
Summary: excellent book to read -- I couldn't put it down
Review: It usually takes me awhile to read a book because I have four kids and can't find the time but this one I read in just one weak. It was hard to put it down. Great book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Billie Letts has written a wonderful story of human perserverance in the face of adversity and painted a picture of what we as human beings could and should be doing to help each other through this life. I think this is a wonderful, thought provoking book about the human condition and the circumstances that fate gives us that make us grow and make us who we are. I recommend this book very highly to all my friends and I have already begun to circulate my copy, with glowing reviews from all who have read it.
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