Where The Heart Is (unabridged)

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Summary: Wonderful and emotional . A must for summer reading!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It took me to a place where realistic events took place. In the end, all got what they deserved. Awesome!

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Summary: A twist of good luck is just what our PESAMISTIC world needs
Review: I was very hesitant going into this book which appeared to me would be a very lengthy, boring read. My district UIL meet for Oral Interp was coming up and I had to find a South West author and a piece to cut and be ready to perform. In case you haven't noticed there are very few South West authors (of origin)whose work would translate well into a verbal performance. But, at any rate, once I began reading I could not put it down. Each morning I could not wait for a new day with Novalee. The lessons in this book are endless and applicabale to everyday life of people of ALL walks of life. Before I began writing this review I read what others had to say about this new favorite of mine. I was astonished to read of many who feel this book is not realistic enough. And while I could very well reply to each of the disturbing comments I will not--However, I will say that within dealing with many serious issues Letts addressed them very well and dealt with them in an appropriate manner. Why shouldn't Lexie Coop eventually find REAL love after searching in all the wrong places, after many heartaches and after being the person we should each try harder to be: full of unconditional love, trust and loyalty. Why shouldn't Novalee find a second chance after her many struggles and after growing emencely as a person. It is so frightening to me as a book-lover and as your average person in this world to find that our society has grown so dark, hopeless and lonely. Instead of realizing that every situation does not have to end the world(even the most dismal) but rather that situations, even through the pain work out for the best and every now and again...Heaven, Forbid...things just might turn out good in the end. Life is not as horrible as some make it out to be and Billie Letts captures this. She shows that bad things, horrific things happen but that life goes on and there is a purpose for everything and things may just turn out in the end to be even better than you could imagine. So, "Bravo Billie Letts" for an amazing story and lessons I will treasure and continue to learn from for an eternity!!!

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Summary: Words Cannot Express...
Review: Words cannot express my love of this book. It was fabulous! The characters are so vibrant. Every person that Novalee Nation meets shapes her into the strong woman that she eventually becomes. This book gives hop to anyone who has ever felt that they were in a hopeless situation. There is always a way to overcome your bad times. Novalee Nation proves that. Billie Letts has given a silver lining to this reader's dark cloud.

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Summary: An entertaining oxymoron
Review: Where the Heart is was a very entertaining story, so much that it was difficult to put down. It reminds us that sometimes good things still happen to good people, regardless of poor choices.

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Summary: Heart warming--easy read--The ending was too neat
Review: I brought this book after I saw Billie Letts on Oprah. The guest that appeared on the show raved about the character Novelle Nation. Although I enjoyed the novel and was very entertain by the story, I thought everything ended with too many neatly tied ends. The issues she address were serious....teenage pregancy - homelessness - abandonment....I did not feel that Ms. Lettts described an accruate picture of how those real-life events often times don't play out so tidy in the real world. One message was clear Novelle had an guardian angel that forever protected her. I wish someone protected me like that.

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Summary: Touching and Enjoyable, Must read !!
Review: This book was great. Easy Reading, kept me interested and now im going to get her other book as well. You find yourself cheering for Novalee and Americus. I would love it if there were a sequel to this book.

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Summary: Where is the heart? That is what you figure out by reading..
Review: Characters are very realistic. I was able to relate especially to Novalee. I recommend this book to anyone, especially young women. It definitely is an eye opener. But I worn you, once you pick it up, you won't ever let it down.

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Summary: This book was incredible by far
Review: Novalee Nation pulls your heart into the story and suddenly you become part of her life. The pain, love, adventure, set you afire for the ride of a lifetime.

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Summary: Oprah FINALLY picked a good one!
Review: I read this book at the library before Oprah even recommended it. Considering all the negative, depressing books she has recommended, I was shocked that she picked this one! I loved it! Novalee Nation had a heart of gold. How could you not love her? I thought all of the characters were interesting. I was cheering for her from day one! Oprah, ya done good this time girl!

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Summary: Beautiful, but highly improbable tale.
Review: Billie Letts certainly is a good writer and her characterisation is wonderful. However, one feels that one girl's magical escape from poverty and deprivation ignores the real problems of those in the same boat. There cannot be a magical solution for everyone. The book fails to really address effectively society's responsibility for its evils. Nevertheless, a charming read.