Where The Heart Is (unabridged)

Rating:
Summary: Great characters, wonderful plot and difficult to put down.
Review: I read this book in about three sittings because it was a wonderful story of a young girl's desire to be a mother, cultivate friendships, and explore her interests and talents. Novalee, as a child, did not have the support or love of a family. No one was more alone in the world than she, when Willy Jack left her at the Wal-mart, 7 months pregnant. In this town, she met caring people who became the family that she never had. The author has a writing style that is very appealing and dares the reader to put down this excellent book!

Rating:
Summary: Completely Enjoyable & Uplifting
Review: Well, my one-line summary says it all. There is not a person alive that could not see themselves in one of the characters. Especially those who believe they "don't deserve the pick of the litter." Bravo! This book has made me look around and see my Angels guiding and helping me along the way.

Rating:
Summary: Although I liked the main character, the pacing was choppy.
Review: This book started off great. I really liked the main character, and the way she took up residence in the Wall Mart. But I didn't like the way she integrated the story of the "bad" boyfriend and the "good" girl. It was so choppy. Then she threw in a rape scene - wow! I just didn't buy it - that's been so over-used to get the "Bad Man" idea across. Most of the men here are either jerks or wierd. I'm so sick of "Oprah" books!!!

Rating:
Summary: A charming and engaging book
Review: This is an enjoyable read for a rainy day, but it does not have the emotional impact of a somewhat similar book, The Bean Tree by Barbara Kingsolver. Still, those who like Barbara Kingsolver are likely to enjoy this book as well. My chief complaint is that the book requires too much of a suspension of disbelief -- it is hard for me to imagine that a person who endured what the lead character did as a child and teenager would not have been far more damaged by those events than this book shows her. Still, it was an engaging and pleasurable read.

Rating:
Summary: Very thin, simple book with no plot or character development
Review: I found this book to be very thin in character development and kept waiting for the plot to thicken--it never did. Kind of felt duped when I finished. Characters were rather depressing and had ridiculous names.

Rating:
Summary: Heartwarming and Real.
Review: I loved the book..Did not put it down until it was finished. It could have been a true story in any small town USA. The characters were so real, funny names and all. You need to have lived in places with all cultures to really appreciate it. It was entertaining, sad and touching, and warms the heart....

Rating:
Summary: What a disappointment!
Review: I have really enjoyed the other Oprah book club selections, but this was one a flop. The characters lacked depth, the storyline lacked substance and I lacked enthusiasm by page 200. Sorry to say I wasted my time and money on this book.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for reading on a cold winter's day.
Review: Thank you Oprah for finally reading and recommending a book that doesn't need a dictionary to explain it to you. I am an avid reader of books that keep your mind and heart going at a quick pace and this is a great one for that. The characters are down to earth and live in the real world. I have read six of Oprah's book from her book club and this is the first one that I could put down and pick back up without having to do a mental review of who is who and what I had already read in order to start reading it again. This book obviously isn't for everyone but it's a page turner and great fun to read.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, light story, you don't want to put down
Review: I haven't been able to get past the first chapter or so of some of Oprah's other picks, but this one I looked forward to each night.

Rating:
Summary: Best Book I Have Ever Read!!!!!!!
Review: This is a great book!!I absolutely loved it!!! It is very heart-warming and cheery. Any person who would even slightly dislike this book is CRAZY!!!!