Where The Heart Is (unabridged)

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Summary: Fabulous, Fast-moving, and Heart Warming . . .
Review: The main character steals your heart with in the very first pages of this moving novel. Her strength and courage blooms throughout each chapter and you see her in your dreams helping you with your most challenging moments in life. This author tells a tale of real life in a way like no other. Billie Letts remids us all that people right around us really do care; that your very own neighbors can be your true friends. She opens your heart to allow reality in with warmth and compassion to fill it. She reminds you what home is all about, where your history lies, and "where the heart is . . . "

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Summary: Won't Put It Down-Even for $!
Review: Where the Heart Is... is a wonderful story that you will not be able to put down, a book that becomes a part of you. I felt the characters were developed extremely well and drove the story themselves yet the symbolism is plentiful and welcomed since they become just as much a part of the story as the characters themselves. It's especially worthwhile since many changes were made for the film of the same name. My interest was piqued after I saw the film and was enthralled with the characters. However, even though the book is overall better than the movie, I'd have to say I enjoyed the ending of the movie better than the book. The more literal thinkers will have trouble with this book since the dialogue at times seems to come out of nowhere and events likewise occur with no justification other than for the story itself. I did not think the dialogue was "cheesy," or even out of character for any of the characters. From a social perspective, Billie Letts does a wonderful job of letting us, the people that do the living and dying in this country, see ourselves for what we are. Not in some contrived advertising/consumer fantasy but as human beings who can effect good by simple acts, simple needs and by simply being human.

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Summary: This really touches your heart
Review: I have seen the movie and read the book and I have to tell you, this has to be the one of the best movies/books out there. It keeps you going from page one. I saw the movie before I read the book but I was still anxious to find out what was going to happen next as I was reading. Novalee is someone whose strength and courage I admire deeply. She's dropped off in the middle of nowhere by her mistreating boyfriend and then manages to rebuild her life and raise her daughter at the age of 17. She was so lucky to have such wonderful people like Forney and Sister Husband and Lexie help her out on her journey to growing up. The movie and the book are almost completely the same except for some events/details but you wouldn't tell the difference. I can't say that I've been through any of the same situations as Novalee but I can tell you this--i would never be able to handle myself and the responsibilities that come along with raising a child on my own and practically supporting my child and me. I wish there were more people in the world today that acknowledged what they had and were grateful for it like these characters.

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Summary: Where the Heart Is
Review: Where the heart is a wonderful book. I never read much, but this is a truly great book. From the books that I have read, this book is beyond compare. As soon as I began reading, I could not stop. I strongly urge everyone to read this book, whatever the age. Novalee Nation, 17 and pregnant, finds herself stranded outside a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with $7.77 in her pocket and no one to turn to for help. This is very unlikely, and to think you thought 7 was a lucky number. Well not for Novalee. As she sits outside the store thinking of her situation, Novalee meets several of the town's more unusual people: Blue haired Sister Husband, who presents her with a shop-worn welcome-wagon basket; black photographer Moses Whitecotton, who tells her the importance of a name for her unborn child; and Indian Benny Goodluck, who gives her a buckeye tree for good luck. These and other Sequoyah citizens (Lexie, and Forney) rally around Novalee when she has her baby on the floor of Wal-Mart. This setting totally changes her life; she is in a strange town and her baby's father left her behind. I am in ninth grade and I can't relate to this book but I bet young couples can. I also know they have sex and the girls often get pregnant. Then their boyfriends dump them because they can't deal with the responsibility of a child. The most difficult aspect of the book was the reality of it. Now would you drop out of school and get pregnant and drive cross-country with your boyfriend. NO! Another difficult part of the book was the plot it's self, it skipped around to much for me and I got lost at some times. Novalee has made some bad mistakes; these mistakes cause many conflicts with her-self and with other people as the book progresses. Novalee has never had a family or friends, and she can't believe the people of this small town want to love her and be her family and friends. It is hard for Novalee to let in love that she has never received before. The importance of family and friends shine through strongly in this novel. It is a warm-cozy read, which will keep you reading until the end. It will also make you realize that your friends and family are your home, like they say in the book, "Home is the place that will catch you hen you fall. And we all fall."

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Summary: "Growing Up at Wal-Mart"
Review: "Where the Heart Is," is an extremely well written heart-warming story. With an out-of-the-ordinary plot, as well as strong themes of hope, caring, and overcoming obstacles, this book was very enjoyable. Dealing with modern day issues and themes, many could relate to the character's experiences. Many may have seen the movie, but the book is even better. With a more in depth character description and a slightly changed story line, it is just as entertaining. Basically, it's a wonderful American story that people of many ages would enjoy. Following the journeys of young Novalee Nation; there is almost constant excitement on the way. Starting on a trip with her boyfriend, pregnant and seventeen years old, she is tragically abandoned at a Wal-Mart. With no place to go and no money, Novalee is forced to live in the Wal-Mart, until her baby arrives. Living off of the store's shelves and hiding frequently, she was able to support her self. Pressured with many problems at once, Novalee is forced to control many oncoming problems and emotions. Luckily she meets many good friends along the way and builds strong relationships. Forced to become an adult sooner than she wished, Novalee still works hard supporting her child, building her relationships, and developing her career as a photographer. Starting to get her life back on track, she is bombarded with more problems from men to work to keeping her child safe and everything in between. Showing a mother's unconditional love for her child, it is a very heart-warming story for all times. Encountering many appealing characters, such as Lexie; the outspoken friend, Sister Husband; the mother-like, helpful character, Moses Whitecotton; the encouraging teacher, or even Forney; the sweet, next-door neighbor-type man adds interest to the story. Overcoming many obstacles, Novalee comes to her biggest one, making the biggest mistake of her life. A lie- a lie that she fears cannot be changed, but wishes with all her heart that it could. What she does to change the lie and finally get what she deserves is the most incredible moment. This story is a truly remarkable one, even one that someone who doesn't like to read would enjoy. Containing much to do with everyday people to people relationships it's one that you just can't put down. For anyone who has a heart- "This is where the heart is."

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Summary: Where the Heart Is: A Good Read, But No Classic
Review: What makes a book a classic? Is it revolutionary visions, groundbreaking style, timeless appeal? Classics change the way people look at the world,classics are enjoyed for generations. "Where the Heart Is", the second novel by Billie Letts, may not be a classic, but it is certainly a good read. Written with a small-town style, "Where the Heart Is" has the bubbly appeal of a Judy Blume and the true American texture of a Mark Twain. Most everything about the book is simplistic, from the complete evilness of the evil villain to the good hero whom we discover to have human flaws. From the completely expected happy ending to the sappy theme about human relationships, the essence of this book is simple, to say the least. However, what the novel lacks in the depth of setting and plot is compensated for with an unusually exciting cast of characters. For Billie Letts, it's all about the characters. The characterization displayed in this novel is superb. When we first meet the protagonist, Novalee Nation, she is a scared and timid seventeen-year old who seems to not know what she wants in life. By the last chapter, Novalee has been shaped and transformed into a strong young woman. Similarly, the evil antagonist, Willy Jack Pickens, is first introduced as a cold-hearted alcoholic boyfriend. It's no surprise that Willy Jack changes too, into a kinder and gentler human being. However, in this book, it is not the main characters that are the most dynamic, but the supporting cast. Their names, such as Americus, Forney, Lexie, Sister Husband, Whitecotton, and Goodluck, are as quirky as their personalities. Each character is meticulously molded into a fine and unique piece of art. Letts must have been surprised herself when Forney Hull, Novalee's love interest and mentor throughout the tale, began to take shape in the last half of the book. One must wonder if this development was intentional, but it was certainly a pleasant surprise for the reader. It is safe to conclude that the characters featured in "Where the Heart Is" are some of the most realistic and unusual in modern American literature. Letts' greatest flaw is that while her characters are shaped to perfection, the rest of her book is neglected. The characters may be sensational, but the remainder of the novel is not worthy of such praise, especially the setting. Letts was naïve in believing that every reader has experienced small-town life in America and so for anyone who has spent his or her life in a city or suburb, the setting of this book never truly takes shape. In "Where the Heart Is" the creation of the setting is, for the most part, left to the reader's imagination. Some readers greatly enjoy painting their own unique world with the help of details from the author, but it takes a masterful writer to pull off such an effect. The writing displayed in this novel is not at such a level. Consequently, the urban reader struggles throughout the entire story to visualize the setting with little help from the author. In short, Letts' attempts to create a rural American town fail miserably. Simplicity is the key to "Where the Heart Is". The plot, when stripped to the bones, is a Cinderella love story tied together with an "American dream" theme. Every aspect of the plot is cliché, at times to the point of nausea. Any reader can predict that a poor, abandoned girl dumped in a strange place will, in the end, succeed tremendously in her adopted home. It is almost as obvious that the strange man stalking her at the library will inevitably turn out to be the love of her life. Sappy quotes such as, "Home is the place that'll catch you when you fall, and we all fall," and predictable outcomes make this realistic fiction not quite so realistic. Children would enjoy the plot's fairy tale feel, but they would not understand many of the very adult issues, such as rape, discussed in the novel. Such mature topics and similarly offensive language don't fit very well into this happy-go-lucky book. "Where the Heart Is" struggles to be both a children's fairy tale and a very adult piece of literature at the same time. "Where the Heart Is" gives a new twist to the theme of family relationships. Letts teaches that friends can become family, and that it is never too late to build a home. By decorating these age-old ideas with modern issues, Letts creates a very unusual, yet realistic, combination. Just as in real life, this joyful theme is sobered numerous times by unfortunate twists of fate, but to no one's surprise, the characters recover every time. The majority of the novel is focused on these principles and they are presented in a rather unique way-through catchy character quotes. Key characters such as Novalee, Sister Husband, and Moses Whitecotton contribute catchy sound bites that are revisited numerous times in the novel. These catchy quotes all cleverly tie into the plot or theme of the story at some point. The refreshingly optimistic attitude of "Where the Heart Is", is enough to put a smile on any reader's face. "Where the Heart Is" would be most appreciated by teenage girls, who would benefit from the empowering theme and would enjoy the classic love story. A seasoned reader would find too many flaws in the novel's framework to thoroughly enjoy it, but for the casual reader this one is a sure bet. It is relatively entertaining, without long drawn out descriptions, and very easy to read. "Where the Heart Is" has memorable characters and a strong theme, although the development setting and plot are pitiful. Although this book will most likely not endure the ongoing criticism required of a classic, it is a decent look into life in twentieth century rural America. Perhaps "Where the Heart Is" doesn't have revolutionary visions, groundbreaking style, or timeless appeal, but this sappy, happy-go-lucky, small-town anthem is certainly a good read.

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Summary: My Analysis
Review: When I saw "Where The Heart Is" by Billie Letts on my English reading list, I knew I would chose it. I had seen the movie and I truly loved it. Now that I have read the book, I suggest you read it rather than watch it. It sounded so interesting. This book is great and probably one of the best books I have read. Billie Letts runs the feeling so deep and as I read it, I saw the imagery and the pictures in my mind and could clearly understand each circumstance. It was so exciting to read this book because it related to a lot of things that happen in life.It explains that not everything is impossible and even when times get unbelievably tough and you think you will collapse you can defeat it. "Where The Heart Is" is such a realistic story. It is adventurous and so addicting- you will not be able to put it down. Novalee Nation, a stranded and pregnant seventeen year old, starts a new life and pulls through many obstacles that try to block her from acheiving her goals. The obstacles, such as the number seven and her unreliable boyfriend,Willy Jack, can not stop her. She learns to survive in a little town called Sequoyah, with her child, new family, and friends that love her. This is the type of book that doesn't need to be read at least three times to understand it. But it is a challenge you will enjoy. The story is so heart warming and down to earth, joyful and tragic. I know anyone would love this book. Billie Letts does a wonderful job in his writing and diction. The words are so original and fit perfectly to how the characters speak. Novalee Nation certainly found "Where The Heart Is".

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Summary: Sentinmental (I know I can't spell) junk
Review: I loathed this book. I don't know what else to say. It was sappy, sacarin nothingness.

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Summary: Where the Heat is...
Review: Reading is not one of my favorite hobbies in the least, but when when i was forced to read this by one of my friends, I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! I loved "Where the heart is". I felt like I could really relate to Novalee, she always looked for the brighter side of things. Poor Novalee was given all sorts of obstacales to make her road through life more bumpy, but she defeated her unlucky sevens with the help of her friends and new-found family. I loved that everyone she met throughout the booked helped her to acheive a differnt aspect of life. When it happens in real life, we don't tend to notice what a huge change the smallest detail can effect our life. This book said that there truly is a silver lining to every stormy cloud.

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Summary: Where The Herat Is
Review: where the Heart Is, is a book about a young girl named Novalee Nations. Novalee was left in a wal-mart in oklahoma by her boyfriend Willy Jack. They are on there way to California to start a new life. Novalee was seventeen, seven mounths pregnant, thirty-seven pounds over weight, with a supperstion about sevens. Novalee was now on her own and without a place to go. So she decided to live in the Wal-Mart. The Book just gets better and better from this point on. It shows the compassion that Novalee has and how strong her faith is that everything will turn out OK. Where the Heart Is, is the best book i have read in a long time. Go out and Buy it TODAY!