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
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.
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: 6
I went into this book expecting a cute, quick read. I was right on the quick part, but it was far more than just cute. This is a book that grabs your heart and tugs every which way while the characters live their lives the best they can and learn how to love and trust again.
Helpful Score: 5
good book. enjoyable read. better than the movie
Helpful Score: 4
I loved this book! I love the characters, I wish they were my friends!! Just a beautiful story about life. And I can't help but love a book that shows the importance of books in one's life.
Helpful Score: 4
I found this book to be very good. It shows how your life can change from a bad situation to end up wonderful. And that there are good people out there that do not mind helping out strangers. It also shows how people can be considered Family even closer than real blood relatives. The only thing that bothered me about this book was the brief event of a young boy who was raped. It did not go into details but I saw no reason for the subject to even be presented in the book.
Helpful Score: 4
I loved this book. The impossibility of the situations yet the likely hood that it could happen. the characters are wonderful and you feel along with them.
Helpful Score: 3
This book is so much better then the movie. And the movie is one of the great ones on my list!! Novalee Nation finds her way through life just like we all do. However, her story seems a little harder then most. Such a well written story that will make you laugh, cry and feel like you want to go to Sequoyah Oklahoma just to see if it could be home for you too.
Helpful Score: 3
Of course the book is better than the movie, but if you are in the mood for a "feel good" ending, this is for you! A young woman, pregnant, and deserted in an unfamiliar town finds friendship and support and eventually love, by her own acts of kindness and goodness. I think it should be mandatory for teen age girls to read. You will love it!
Helpful Score: 2
A pregnant 17 year old girl is dumped by her boyfriend in a small town. She lives in Walmart for a while and then is taken in by people in the town. Warm and quirky.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a GOOD story with a universal appeal, since Walmart is so much a part of so many people's lives. But Walmart is only the hook that gets you into the story. There is
much more after that. Definitely worth reading.
much more after that. Definitely worth reading.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the best books I have read. The characters just draw you into the story. The story is not perdictable so every chapter is exciting. I really wish I could have meet the characters. This book is uplifting and you will not be able to put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book! Heartwrenching - heartwarming - quirky - funny - you care about these people.
Helpful Score: 2
Loved this book!!! Have read it more than once and it is better than the movie!
Helpful Score: 2
I remember reading this a while ago and loving it. I really liked the main character and it was a very sweet book.
Helpful Score: 2
A good story. Much better than the movie.
Helpful Score: 2
Really kicks ya one in the heart! A wonderful read -- better than the movie.
I'm a very slow reader, but I found myself limiting how many pages I'd allow myself to read at a time, because I wanted the joy to last. That's how much I enjoyed this book. In several scenes throughout the book, the author's choice of wording struck me as so POETIC that I would literally pause, stop to absorb the words, then go back and re-read the passage. I don't do that very often when I read. Usually when I really enjoy a book, I tear through it as fast as I can. The story itself is charming, but the characters are so tangible and accessible that I really felt connected to them. The cadence or rhythm of the writing is very easy-to-read, it rolls along just as though you were watching a movie or tv. It is effortlessly descriptive. I'm excited to read other books by Billie Letts, because with this one, she clearly has an understanding of how to manipulate simple words to evoke deep emotions.
Helpful Score: 2
I got this book from my mother-in-law and really didn't think I would like it. It just looked to sappy. As I read it, I really got into the quirky life of Novalee Nation. The storyline was original, funny and also (and here's the part I usually hate) uplifting.
It almost made me want to live in a Wal-Mart--and trust me, that's saying something!
It almost made me want to live in a Wal-Mart--and trust me, that's saying something!
Helpful Score: 1
A funny, moving and forgettable tale of a seven months pregnant 17-year-old stranded at a WalMart with just $7.77 to her name. This was a very enjoyable book.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Better than the movie. Billie Letts develops characters that you can really feel for.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good story, hard to put down.
Helpful Score: 1
Touching story
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book. Couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed reading it and would like to read some of Billie Letts' other books.
Helpful Score: 1
Easy Read... Was surprised to find out from a friend a movie has also been made of this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent story. Excellent writing. I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Great character studies.
Helpful Score: 1
LOVE THIS BOOK!
Helpful Score: 1
Better than the movie - I read the book before the movie came out. If you liked the movie, you'll love the book.
Helpful Score: 1
Reads like a Fannie Flagg novel. The story of Novalee Nation is truly captivating. I finished it in two days. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book...If you love happy endings this ones for you. Reading this you feel like your part of Novalee the lead character in this book she hits rock bottom and in the end its fairy tale everything she deserves after riding out the various storms in her young life.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, but uses adult language in the begining.
The story of Novalee Nation's struggle from 16 yr. old abused pregnant girl to a strong secure woman is captivating.
Great read!
The story of Novalee Nation's struggle from 16 yr. old abused pregnant girl to a strong secure woman is captivating.
Great read!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. I saw the movie version first, but the book goes into more detail. Great read!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book about a homeless girl having her baby in WalMart. The characters are great and heartwarming. Loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
I reallly liked this book, a great read...movie by the same name. Warning: There is a child rape scence which is very upsetting** If you can get past that part, this is a great story. (or skip it, you'll know when it's coming)
Helpful Score: 1
This book made me laugh, cry and hug myself. A perfect read!
Helpful Score: 1
What an unusual life this woman had. Difficult to imagine that people could endure such hardship and isolation.
Helpful Score: 1
I just requested this book and finished it in one sitting. A wonderful book on the pain and sorrow of being young and poor and sometimes not to o smart. Also had some great lighthearted moments. You can really live in Walmart.
Helpful Score: 1
Pregnant 17 yr old with under 8dollars in her pocket is abandoned in a small town Walmart and finds a home she does not expect with a town for family...
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books of all time. Grabs you from the first paragraph. The character developement is incredible...they grow so much throughout the story. You'll laugh and cry while reading this book. What more can you want? Truly a masterpiece.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. I had seen the movie first but then wanted to read the book. Such a feel good book.
Helpful Score: 1
Quiet Zaniness....Warm,quirky conversations....
Mischievous humor.......Lett's writing shines.
Mischievous humor.......Lett's writing shines.
Helpful Score: 1
I wanted to change my name to Novalee---that's how much I loved this book.
Helpful Score: 1
A great read about a heroine we wish we could be. Not always a fan of Oprah picks, but this book is a keeper
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! It was so much better than I thought it would be - I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Great "chick lit"! The fun story of a young woman who through a series of flukey circumstances, winds up creating a new life and new family for herself and her baby daughter. Quirky characters and surprising plot. This edition includes the Oprah Book Club Reading Group Guide.
Helpful Score: 1
An Oprah's Book Club read! If you liked the movie, you will love the book. A page turner that will make you laugh and cry.
Helpful Score: 1
Normally, Oprah's book club stuff is really drab and depressing but this book is not at all. A movie was made based on the book, but it seems to be quite bad, don't let it influence your decision to read the book.
The story follows Novalee Nation. The books opens with her a pregnant teenager with a limited education traveling across country with her jerk boyfriend to go to California. He gets tired of her dragging him down and drives off and leaves her at a Walmart in Oklahoma. She accidentally begins living in WalMart. She can't avoid detection when she has the baby but people really rally around her and she gets offered a job at WalMart by Sam Walton himself. She creates a family from the caring people she meets in this small town and raises her baby. As the back of the book says, it is "a moving journey". It may remind a little bit of The Secret Life of Bees.
The story follows Novalee Nation. The books opens with her a pregnant teenager with a limited education traveling across country with her jerk boyfriend to go to California. He gets tired of her dragging him down and drives off and leaves her at a Walmart in Oklahoma. She accidentally begins living in WalMart. She can't avoid detection when she has the baby but people really rally around her and she gets offered a job at WalMart by Sam Walton himself. She creates a family from the caring people she meets in this small town and raises her baby. As the back of the book says, it is "a moving journey". It may remind a little bit of The Secret Life of Bees.
Helpful Score: 1
Sweet...heartwarming...loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
Moving account of a woman's journey to find herself. Letts creates a wonderful sense of community in this book that is truly a joy to read.
Helpful Score: 1
A good reading, touching and funny.
Helpful Score: 1
A favorite book of mine. Touching, loving, inspiring. Helps you believe in brother/sisterhood and the goodness of your fellow man. I'll read this again some day.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book. I actually love it because I saw the movie first. I didn't realize it was based on a book.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. Have read it countless times. It is about 17 year old Novalee. She was abandoned at Wal-mart by her boyfriend when she was almost 9 months pregnant. She ends up living at Wal-Mart for a period of time, then finds true friends and family in the small town in Oklahoma.
Helpful Score: 1
If you like Fannie Flagg, you will love this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This was the sweetest, most thought provoking book I've read for a long time. I didn't expect to like it and I was pleasantly surprised.... I loved it. I'll never walk into a WalMart without thinking about this book and it's characters!
Helpful Score: 1
I didn't love this as much as everyone else who has reviewed seemed to. It was a good book but it didn't leave me with the warm fuzzies, it left me feeling a bit depressed. Though their are plenty of characters that conquer horrible circumstances, the fact the people are capable of putting each other in said horrible circumstances is still tragic.
Helpful Score: 1
This book has such colorful characters. It holds your interest all the way through.
Helpful Score: 1
Another one that Oprah recommends. The very beginning of the book was confusing to me BUT I kept going and it was amazing how this woman touches people's lives. I LOVED IT!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book so very much it is one of the few that I have kept for myself much much better then the book
Helpful Score: 1
Novalee Nation is 17 and pregnant when her no-good boyfriend abandons her at a Walmart. Although some really sad things happen to Novalee, this is generally a feel-good book about love and friendship and looking out for oneself.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a pregnant girl who was left by her boyfriend at the Walmart store. It has funny parts sad parts and courage of this young girl. It is an Oprah's book club book. I enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
Didn't really care for this- beyond the believable for me, and too Lifetime Movie-marries-Oprah-Dr. Phil-but-loves-a-happy-ending for me.
Helpful Score: 1
Great, wonderful book! Completely adorable and warming.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my absolute favorite books! I recommend this to everybody, even people who dont like to read! Its a heartfelt story and you cant help but connect with all of the characters. I wouldnt mind jumping right into their little world and being part of their not so traditional family. I watched the movie after I read the book and to my surprise it stayed true to the book. So if you liked the movie then you'll LOVE the book!
Helpful Score: 1
This one is very close to my heart and has inspired me to write as well. The author took an idea and ran with it, and I just loved the rich storyline & characters. Another book that turned out to be a great movie as well!
Helpful Score: 1
In one word.... hilarious! i laughed till i cried! there was some really heart warming parts too but the main character meets some really unique people! I will never look at wal-mart the same again!
Helpful Score: 1
Billie Letts has a very laid back writing style, and a good imagination -- these two things compounded into great book. I love characters with flaws, and Where the Heart Is has them in spades! It was a joy to delve into the relationships that the main character was making, and you felt as if you were 'growing up' right along with her. Much better than the movie, and that's saying quite a bit.
Helpful Score: 1
I will never forget this book. It is only the second of Oprah's book club list I have enjoyed,the first being the book Night. I can't even describe what this story did for me. I guess I just came across it at the right time in my life and I will always remember it.
A great story of hope, love, loss, and peace.
A great story of hope, love, loss, and peace.
Helpful Score: 1
Heartwarming yet emotional story about a teen who ends up in the heartland at the mercy of strangers who teach her what life and love and comapassion ia all about. Very good book.
Helpful Score: 1
This is my all-time favorite book. Others have come and gone, topping this one for a week or a month after reading this, but this always makes it back to the top. Novalle, the main character, is so well developed and such a beautiful character, that she is forever a favorite of mine.
Helpful Score: 1
The novel that inspired the movie about a baby born in WalMart. A very entertaining book...Novalee Nations and Americus will steal your heart.
I read the book, saw the movie, then bought another copy of the book so I could read it again.
I read the book, saw the movie, then bought another copy of the book so I could read it again.
Helpful Score: 1
A pleasant surprise! Heartwarming and funny at the same time, it tells the story of Novalee's life as she turns it around in a very realistic way. There are no knights in shining armor or handsome princes, just loving folks in a small town who know pain and trouble themselves. They reach out to her, she reaches back, and Novalee finds in those relationships the foundation she needs to make her own history a good one.
Helpful Score: 1
A beautiful story full of love, humor and one you won't soon forget.
Helpful Score: 1
Billie Letts is awesome. This is a great story full of both drama and humor!
Helpful Score: 1
Didn't want to read because our book club was doing another Oprah Book. Found myself liking the characters and relating to them. Great story of perseverance, dedication, character and love. Never give up is the lesson you learn from Novalee as she struggles to raise her baby, make friends and create a life for herself in a small southern town. Well worth it if you can trudge through the beginning.
Helpful Score: 1
An Oprah book club pick. Made this book into a movie for television. Book is better than the movie. Good read!
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing book, keeps you reading and is very moving. Read the book, then watch the movie, very cute too!
Helpful Score: 1
Great story about a pregnant girl who gets abandoned by her boyfriend in a strange town and the people who help her as she learns about life and love.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the best books I ever read. Novalee has been stranded at a Walmart in the middle of nowhere, in a town where she doesn't know anyone. Sister Husband decides to take her in after Novalee's baby is born. All the characters in the book seem to exhibit kindness to all throughout the entire book. I think that is what I like the most about the book.
Helpful Score: 1
This book builds on the character\\\'s inner thoughts and relationships with strangers who become important in her life. The author shows us the struggles of single mothers and lower income parents and how they overcome their hardships. You\\\'ll find yourself sad one minute, yet laughing hysterically the next. It\\\'s an incredible journey of a young girl that finds herself becoming a strong and confident woman. This is an \\\"Ophra\\\'s Book Club\\\" selection.
Helpful Score: 1
a very heartwarming story of how a young girl becomes a woman. The characters are ones we can identify with and the situations are ones that stay with us.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the ways I measure a book is the amount of time I spend thinking about it afterwards. Each time I see or hear the name WalMart, I think of Novalee Nation and how she must have felt hiding, waiting in a nameless town, for the store to close so she could sleep. I think of her carefully making a list of things she needs each night, so she can remember to pay for them in future. I think of what I might have done at the tender age of 17, and know I would not have been as brave.
Sister Husband, who was probably my favourite character, came into Novalee's life at the right time. Sister is ditsy and good and honest and everything delightful. Her prayers over the buttermilk and cornbread lunches provide wonderful insight into her sense of humour! She provided laughter when the book tended towards heavy, and good when the world tended towards bad.
Novalee Nation, Moses Whitecotton (who took pictures of baby Americus), Sister Husband and her Welcome Wagon Baskets, and Forney, among others, add up to the goodness and can-do attitude of America. Ms. Letts does a wonderful job of weaving together a tapestry of the way things CAN be. Great read!
Sister Husband, who was probably my favourite character, came into Novalee's life at the right time. Sister is ditsy and good and honest and everything delightful. Her prayers over the buttermilk and cornbread lunches provide wonderful insight into her sense of humour! She provided laughter when the book tended towards heavy, and good when the world tended towards bad.
Novalee Nation, Moses Whitecotton (who took pictures of baby Americus), Sister Husband and her Welcome Wagon Baskets, and Forney, among others, add up to the goodness and can-do attitude of America. Ms. Letts does a wonderful job of weaving together a tapestry of the way things CAN be. Great read!
So much better than the movie!
Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie - Natalie Portman was wonderful, and I love Stockard Channing in ANYTHING. But why in the world did they change the "unlucky sevens" to unlucky fives in the movie????? I can't figure out why they would do that, and it just irritated me through the whole film. But as everyone here knows, the book is always better. It's not just a "feel good" kind of book though, so be prepared for violence, kidnapping, and child abuse. But the true theme of the book, beginning to end is love. Love for friends, family, strangers, God's love of everyone, and even a little romantic love. I've already read the book two or three times, and it is one I will read again.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie - Natalie Portman was wonderful, and I love Stockard Channing in ANYTHING. But why in the world did they change the "unlucky sevens" to unlucky fives in the movie????? I can't figure out why they would do that, and it just irritated me through the whole film. But as everyone here knows, the book is always better. It's not just a "feel good" kind of book though, so be prepared for violence, kidnapping, and child abuse. But the true theme of the book, beginning to end is love. Love for friends, family, strangers, God's love of everyone, and even a little romantic love. I've already read the book two or three times, and it is one I will read again.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. A quick, easy read, it was very enjoyable as well. It's different from the movie, but both are good. I happen to like the movie a tiny bit better, but I do love the book as well! Letts writing style is flowing, and easy to follow, but she throws some tough, real-life stuff at you as well.
Well written captivating story--small town Oklahoma with all the eccentric and colorful characters found in any small community.
A very good heart warming story.
A wonderful, moving and unforgettable story. The kind of book you can share with your mother and your daughter!
EXCELLENT book ! I really enjoyed it !
Very touching, and MUCH better than the movie!
If you enjoyed the movie, then you'll enjoy the book!
It was interesting after getting started. Not typically what I ususally read, but oveall a cute book.
I have not read a book in a long time and let me tell you this is the book to get you back in the swing of things. Totally awesome. I would recommend this book to everyone.
very plesant read.
Whether you saw the movie or not...the book is a great read!
Novalee's boyfriend abandoned her at a Wal-Mart while heading west to California. She was seventeen, seven months pregnant and had $7.77 to her name. No wonder she believes sevens are unlucky! Despite her homelessness, Novalee manages to make a few friends in the small town. She hides her homelessness by secretly living in Wal-Mart, a secret that is exposed when her daughter is born.
The tale is funny, sad, heartwarming and quirky.
The tale is funny, sad, heartwarming and quirky.
WONDERFUL WARM STORY
This author is excellent! She writes in an easy to read fashion and this story line is heartwarming and entertaining. A great read!
Heartwarming!
Touching and heart wrenching. Definately a book that's easy to dive into.
One of the few books I've read that translated very well into a movie version as well.
Fast, fun read, with a few tear-jerker moments. Much better than the movie adaptation.
Engaging story of an unwed mother in unusual circumstances.
Hard to put this book down!
Enormously fresh and captivating.
This is a great "feel good" book, I enjoyed it a lot.
Really enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, I think of it, whenever I hear the word "walmart". I don't recommend walmart, but read the book.
Such an interesting tale! I loved the way this book portrayed community, and how family was defined. Lovely book.
I've never seen the movie so I can't draw any comparisons to that; however, after reading this book, I do think I'd like to see the movie. This is a relatively light and quick read. If you are looking for a "feel-good" story, then this is it. It tells the story of Novalee Nation who is superstitious about 7s because bad things seem to happen to her in connection to that number. It all started when she was stranded at 17 by her boyfriend at a Wal-Mart while they were on their way to live in California, seven months pregnant with $7.77 in her pocket. She starts to secretly live in the Wal-Mart at night and begins to make friends with the locals. With the help of her new friends, Novalee discovers who she is, what her true potential could be, and learns to navigate all of life's "sevens" with her baby. At its core, this book is about how the people we come in contact with everyday have a special way of touching our lives, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but ultimately these connections help to make us stronger.
Great read from cover to cover, books are always better then the movies.
I loved the movie & wasn't disappointed in the book. It is a love story, with happy and sad times and true-to-life lessons - hard to put down once I started to read it.
Wow...I loved this book! I have been disappointed in the past with some of Oprah's Book Club pics, but this one did NOT disappoint! What a wonderful story about determination, love, and friendship. The character development was superb...and there were so many different characters...and you grow to love them all. I definitely recommend this book. I didn't want it to end!
I could not put this book down. A page turner!
I found this book to be a warm, fuzzy book about a young girl needing help and finding it in a small town. Loved it.
Even better than the movie, which is pretty amazing in the first place.
I really enjoyed reading this, it made me laugh and warmed my heart.
Good book about a defiant young women.
This story is wonderful. Even better than the film they based upon from the book.
Wonderful, and a quick read. Touches on some rough subject matter, but really shows Novalee's growth, and makes the reader care what happens to her. I was skeptical, as I've seen the movie, and so often the book and movie are worlds apart, but the movie seems to have kept relatively well to the book.
Characters and situations keep your attention. Good read
It captured my interest from the first page. Had to keep reading to find out what happened next.
This is a wonderful story of how a teenage girl in dire straits meets up with people who help her to turn her life around. It's wonderful to see how she makes a life for herself and that life is affected by the people who become her "family".
Novalee is seven months pregnant and is traveling from Tennessee to California with her boyfriend Willy Jack. Novalee has to stop for a bathroom and to buy some shoes. While shopping Willy Jack leaves her behind at Walmart. Novalee is befriended by a few people who take her in after she has lived and given birth in Walmart.
I could not put this book down. Strong interesting characters with a great story line.
I could not put this book down. Strong interesting characters with a great story line.
Took me a while to get through this one but worth the time
My favorite book of all time. The characters seem so real, it's almost like you really know them. Everything seems so realistic. It's a very touching, quick read. The movie is also excellent.
This was a very refreshing book. I did not know there was a movie out, but am very glad I read the book!
Take out a few days and give it a chance.
Take out a few days and give it a chance.
This book is Awesome! From the beginning I was drawn in to the story and pulling for Novalee. Maybe I aligned myself with her since I had a baby girl at a young age. I really don't know, but whatever the reason this remains one of my top 10 books and the story is still with me over 10 years after reading it!
Wonderfully touching book, but most people remember the movie with Natalie Portman and "the Walmart baby"... the book varies slightly from the movie, but it's just as touching.
An Oprah book club book.
Great story... you'll fall in love with the characters!
The story is about Novalee Nation a 17 year old, pregnant and abandoned at a Wal Mart. How she is assimilated by the small town, learns the true meaning of love and how it supports and sustains you through all circumstances.
I LOVED this book! My favorite by Billie Letts.
Oprah's book club, warm, honest, quirky
Life experiences of a 17 year old pregnant girl stranded at a Walmart. Warm, quirky characters.. great read..
I had the day off and sat down to read this a while....and by dinner time, was more than involved in it. The characters are deep yet make you laugh... each one reflected my memory to someone I have known in the past. A+++
This is a great novel. It was hard to put down once you begin. You get very involved in Novalee's story. The movie is good but the book is ten times better.
This is a great book, as is most of the books i've read from oprahs book club list.
This book was a great read. I think there was a TV movie on a few years back based on this book. I know Natalie Portman was in it.
A wonderfully sweet book about people you grow to care very much about. The people of Sequoyah, Oklahoma take Novalee Nation to their hearts; love her, protect her and most of all teach her to love and respect herself.
Novalee finds herself abandoned in a small town, 7 months pregnant with $7.77 to her name. Wal-Mart looks like a good place to hide out for awhile, there's plenty of food, a bathroom and even a home accessories department with a bed. But she not going to steal anything, she keeps careful track of what food she eats and anything else, fully intending to pay Wal-Mart back for it all as soon as she can get a job. She finds a special friend at the local library and others who befriend this young seventeen-year-old girl without asking a lot of questions.
A book you don't want to end, the people have become special friends and make you realize there's a lot of good people in the world.
Novalee finds herself abandoned in a small town, 7 months pregnant with $7.77 to her name. Wal-Mart looks like a good place to hide out for awhile, there's plenty of food, a bathroom and even a home accessories department with a bed. But she not going to steal anything, she keeps careful track of what food she eats and anything else, fully intending to pay Wal-Mart back for it all as soon as she can get a job. She finds a special friend at the local library and others who befriend this young seventeen-year-old girl without asking a lot of questions.
A book you don't want to end, the people have become special friends and make you realize there's a lot of good people in the world.
Billie Letts' Where the Heart Is, an Oprah's book club book, is a heartwarming read. Pregnant Novalee Nation is abandoned by her boyfriend. She takes shelter in a Wal-Mart, of all places, and begins life anew. She makes friends with many people who frequent the store. Her journey and how everyone in her life impacts that journey make this book a great read. The people are slightly caricatures, slightly stereotypes, and yet become very real and personable to the reader.
This is a story about a 17 yr old girl, pregnant and on the road with her boyfriend. She finds herself broke, alone and about to give birth in a Wal_mart store. This is the story of how a woman finds herself and the love of a town in Oklahoma. An Oprah book club selection and a great movie!!
I really loved this story!
i loved this book made me stay up late twice in a row so i could finish it.
Fun and heartwarming story
Great book and great movie. Good for people of all interests.
I loved this book! After reading all of Billie Letts's books, I feel this one is the best. You will really enjoy this one, as I did.
This was really a good read. Excellent.
Beautifully written. Funny and bittersweet. Warm, witty, quirky. A fun book!
This is a wonderful story about human beings and how they form families.
I enjoyed this book. Would suggest this book to anyone who loves to read.
A pregnant teen stranded at wal-mart with very little money discovers treasures in a small town and down to earth, caring people to help.
A pregnant teen stranded at wal-mart with very little money discovers treasures in a small town and down to earth, caring people to help.
The characters come to life in this Oprah's Book Club special.
I enjoyed the book more than the movie. A very light and easy summer read.
I absolutely loved this book!!!
I don't always enjoy "Oprah books," but I certainly did this one. It reads easily and the conversations sound natural. The fact that I forgot most of the plot rather quickly tells me that it is not 'memorable literature,' but it is a very, very good read--uplifting, as another reviewer called it--and leaves you feeling good.
The older I become, the more I favor books that do not (1) leave you up in the air or peter out at the end, or (2) act as if, just because terrible things can happen in life, you need your nose rubbed in them, and (3) under the guise of being realistic, have a bitter--or in some other way very unpleasant--ending. Some classics, like Madame Bovary or Anna Karenina HAVE to end sadly or they would miss their point, but I deplore the way nowadays even some children's books pretend to be upbeat while actually ending quite unpleasantly (A Day No Pigs Would Die being my special hate in that respect). Where the Heart Is escapes all those pitfalls and has a lot to offer.
If you liked The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven (but not necesssarily The Poisonwood Bible), by Barbara Kingsolver, you should like this one, too.
The older I become, the more I favor books that do not (1) leave you up in the air or peter out at the end, or (2) act as if, just because terrible things can happen in life, you need your nose rubbed in them, and (3) under the guise of being realistic, have a bitter--or in some other way very unpleasant--ending. Some classics, like Madame Bovary or Anna Karenina HAVE to end sadly or they would miss their point, but I deplore the way nowadays even some children's books pretend to be upbeat while actually ending quite unpleasantly (A Day No Pigs Would Die being my special hate in that respect). Where the Heart Is escapes all those pitfalls and has a lot to offer.
If you liked The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven (but not necesssarily The Poisonwood Bible), by Barbara Kingsolver, you should like this one, too.
Wonderful book! Great story! I have the movie as well & love them both :)
Enjoyed this one - read it before I saw the movie and greatly preferred the book.
This was a really good book (way better than the movie!). This is one of those books that you could read more than once!
Great story, interesting characters!!!
Great story, now a movie.
Oprah sure can pick 'em - an entertaining read!
This book is so much better than the movie!! This is a must read!
I read this book and loved it-way before Oprah! After Oprah, read it again and loved it just as much! It's a keeper.
This is a good book, an easy reading book, with discussion questions at the end. It follows them movie in most ways, or the movie follows it!
Seen the movie, Now I've read the book.
Both were really, really good!!!!
Both were really, really good!!!!
A great story!
A fun read, even better than the movie!
Loved the movie... loved the book!
This is a great heartwarming book, a fast read.
Seventeen year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation is abandoned at an Oklahoma Wal-Mart by her boyfriend. In the first few hours of her abandonment, she meets three extraordinary characters that in the end will change her life. These small town eccentric characters will show Novalee that home is not impossible and family has very little to do with DNA. First let me just say that this book was entertaining and well written. The characters had excellent depth and believability. At some points I felt the plot was a little bit thin, mostly as the book jumps back and forth between Novalee and Willy Jack, the transition between some of the scenes was a bit forced. I also had an issue about three quarters of the way through the book, where the characters names are different then they had been in the beginning of the book and I had to go back a few pages to make sure I hadnt missed something crucial. As it turned out, the reason for the name changes was important, and I understand why Letts did it that way, but it was confusing all the same. Overall, this is a good solid story, that will leave you feeling bruised without tearing you apart.
AMAZING story! a must read before you see the movie!
I haven't seen the movie and after reading the book i'm glad. I truly enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure this would be a book I could get into but boy was I wrong. Hooray to the author and main character for a book that truly reminded me where the heart is.
This was a great book. From start to end. At times I just couldn't put it down.
Love, Love, Love this book! Billie Letts style of writing makes you feel that you are right there in the book. I just wanted to really be there to hug, cry and laugh with them all!!!
I quit this book before it really began, I fear. The leading lady was such a downer, and let her man treat her like crap. I do not appreciate this paradigm, nor the creepy direction he was heading in when he was checking out the 8 year old little girl with missing teeth. YUCK.
This book is no great literary shakes. HOWEVER, it is really a darn good read. I loved every minute of it. It was nice too, because I had seen the movie and put those faces to the characters. And they all played their roles so very well.
I loved this book. It is a warm story showing the many sides of love.
Read this book twice. I loved it! The movie was just as good, IMO. Funny, quirky characters with lots of heart.
I LOVE this story. Made me laugh, cry and had a wonderful message.
Before Natalie Portman, before Oprah, I picked up this book in an airport bookstore, and was not disappointed for one second. Though the movie was awesome, it doesn't hold a candle to this book!!!
A very enjoyable read.
I enjoyed it when I was reading it (back when Oprah chose it as a selection) and it's certainly got a memorable plot (pregnant teen surreptiotiously living in a wal mart LOL). But don't ever plan to reread it.
A young girl stranded at a Wal-Mart in Oklahoma with little money and seven months pregnant discovers treasures in this small town. Very good book.
I loved this book & movie that followed. 5 stars.
Most definitely better than the movie. I have read it many times, and each time I read it I cry at all the same parts as I did the last time.
Amazing book.
Amazing book.
a very sweet and heartwarming story.
I loved this book!!!
I have to admit, I bought this book because it was partially about Wal-Mart and i love wal-mart. In the end it was a very good story even if it hadn't had the Wal-mart stuff. This is one of the only "Oprah" books that i have actually liked and would recommend.
The movie "Where the Heart Is" which is based off of this book has been a favorite of mine for years, so I was eager to get this and read it.
The book is truly a gem in its own league. Quirky characters set in normal country towns will remind you of the "funny guy down the street" and your "crazy Aunt" you see at family reunions. The familiarity of everyday life is what makes this book endearing. The movie sticks incredibly close to the story line of the book, but the famous one liners are even more frequent in the paperback version.
A must read ... 5 stars.
The book is truly a gem in its own league. Quirky characters set in normal country towns will remind you of the "funny guy down the street" and your "crazy Aunt" you see at family reunions. The familiarity of everyday life is what makes this book endearing. The movie sticks incredibly close to the story line of the book, but the famous one liners are even more frequent in the paperback version.
A must read ... 5 stars.
Many difficult times for the main character, starting with being pregnant and abandoned at Wal-mart, but also many wonderful characters to reinforce your faith in human goodness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Very Endearing.
A light, enjoyable read that will make you look at Wal-Mart (or another "box" store) in a completely new way!
This was a really good book, I trully enjoyed it. Everyone has told me I need to see the movie now. So I'm off to the video store. I hope it half as good as the book, but you know how that goes.
excellent book could not put it down
A story that has become a classic. Makes you feel real good.
Very good book I read it in 2 days. I could not put it down.
Funny, raw human emotions, love, imposible events make this a very good book.
I loved this book, it is different than the movie but both are wonderful. It is heartbreaking and it makes you smile too.
I loved this book! It kept me interested until the end.
A wonderful heart-warming book!
I really enjoyed this book. A very heartwarming story.
Really sweet book! The story is quite far-fetched, but it's a good read.
Another of Oprah's picks. A very quirky story. Nice read.
Interesting - - pretty interesting bunch of people, the ordinary, everyday sort you might meet at Wal-Mart.
THIS WAS A SUPRISINGLY VERY GOOD BOOK!!
I loved this book!
A wonderful book, couldn't put it down.
A moving, funny, unforgettable journey about a group of very caring people, willing to help a pregnant, jobless girl secretly living in WalMart.
Good book . . . much better than the movie!
Overall a good enjoyable read. Not too deep, but not mindless.
Wow! I was so blown away by this book that I finished it in just a few hours.
Very quirky read
With a warm and utterly honest voice right out of Steinbeck's Oklahoma and Fannie Flagg's green tomato South, Billie Letts has spun an irresistible story that won the Walker Percy Award and goes on to win every reader's heart.
This was a book I couldnt put down.
Loved this book.
I think the book is better than the movie. Its funny and you can not put it down.
This book is one of the Best books I have ever read! I read it in 2 days cuz I couldnt put it down!
I think this book is sweet.
Excellent funny fast pace book and highly recommended
Great book. The book is definitely better than the movie!
This book is soooooooo much better and different than the movie. Which most books are. This book gives you alot more background/detail.
A wonderful book. If you liked the movie, you'll love the book because it has even more touching details and stories.
Fantastic read! I love the book more than the movie. It has more detail and more of a story line.
This book was passed on to me by another trade website. It is a bit tattered but still in good condition. I few bent edges but no ripped pages or water damage! :)
This book was passed on to me by another trade website. It is a bit tattered but still in good condition. I few bent edges but no ripped pages or water damage! :)
Great Story about a girl who gives birth in a local wal-mart store. Love story of sorts. Great movie too.
Novalee was 7 months pregnant and managed to hide out in the local Walmart, where she ended up having the baby there. All about her raising the Americus, the baby, Novalee growing up and finding her way in the world. Good book and so is the movie!
The movie was good, but the book was better. I read it as a young adult after seeing the movie and loved. The book makes more sense, and is very touching.
A wonderful set of characters, many of whom will resonate in my mind and heart for some time. Novalee is a heroine worthy of the name. Abandoned, pregnant, at a Walmart by her boyfriend during a cross-country trip, she builds a rich and wonderful life for herself and her daughter.
cute story about growing up; reads quickly, better than the movie. Noalee Nation (7 mos. preg)gets ditched in a walmart by her boyfriend about her trials and tribulations of putting down roots, and making herself a life.
A great read.
Did not care for the book that much, not my type of read. Loved the movie though.
Very sweet book. Not much of a brain teaser but entertaining.
I did not read this book.
A little too much for me but it's very well written.
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.
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.
This is part of the Oprahs book club and a movie was also made about it. I think it's a true story, but not 100% sure.
I am sort of split in my thinking about this book. I enjoyed the community that welcomed Novalee into their lives. I thought that was really sweet. There were alot of hard parts to the book though too. There was some language and some creepy sexual stuff. I did not like any of the Willy Jack storyline. I was also thinking that some of the things that happened to Lexie were because of her bad choices. I wanted her to learn before it got so bad that it hurt her little family.
the story of the girl who lived hidden in an Oklahoma Wal Mart, and the kindness of the people who befriended her.
This book was really good. One of those books I didn't want to put down and didn't want to end. Would recommend this book to anyone.
I thought that this book was OK. The writing wasn't bad, the character development wasn't bad, and the subject matter was OK. There was nothing terrific about it. My biggest gripe about the book though would have to be that the author made it read like a soap opera. I love a good emotional book once in a while, but this just seemed to go too far.
From back cover: Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, 17 year-old, 7 months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in OK with just $7.77. Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small southwest town- a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people willing to help a homeless, jobless girl living secretly in a Wal-Mart.
This is a wonderful book.I really enjoyed it.They also made a film about this book.
Loved this book. Unusual and captivating characters that draw you in. Very unusual story that keeps your interest the whole book. It makes you shake your head and laugh out loud. Worth the read. I will keep my book to read again.
Excellent. Well written. One of those books that flows, good characters and story of young woman that makes a sucessful life for herself and daughter.
A good book for what it is... but I'll be honest: the movie brought the story to life better than the words did.
I truly enjoyed this book...........was one I couldn't put down!
A nice Easy read.
Oprah sure knows how to pick them! It's a wonderful multilayered story!
Better than the movie. The book always is. If you have not seen the movie the book is worth the read.
"Reads like a Fannie Flagg noval freshed up by Molly Ivins."-New York Times Book Review
Horrible, horrible book. Cheesey dialogue. Unrealistic situations. Poorly written. The platitudes coming out of the characters mouths was just too much to bare.
from the back cover: "Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwestern town--a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people who will come to love her more than she does herself, and start her on a moving, heartwarming and unforgettable journey."
(Different cover, but same book!) I loved this book! I read it twice and passed it along to my mom to enjoy. Nice, heart-warming story. The movie was great, but the book is even better!
Great novel!
Oprah's Book Club
Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen year old seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwest town - a group of down to earth deeply caring people willing to help a homeless, jobless girl living secretly in a Wal-Mart. From Bible-thumping blue haired Sister Thelma Husband to eccentric librarian Forney Hull who loves Novalee more than she loves herself, hey are about to take her and you, on a moving, funny and unforgettable journey to....Where The Heart Is
Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen year old seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwest town - a group of down to earth deeply caring people willing to help a homeless, jobless girl living secretly in a Wal-Mart. From Bible-thumping blue haired Sister Thelma Husband to eccentric librarian Forney Hull who loves Novalee more than she loves herself, hey are about to take her and you, on a moving, funny and unforgettable journey to....Where The Heart Is
Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwestern town - a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people who will come to love her more than she loves herself, and start her on a moving, warmhearted and nforgettable jourey to.....
a bit unrealistic, but fun to read and fantasize about the stories of people in the US
An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven month pregnant Novalee Nation was headed for California with her boyfriend. Now se finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah OK. with just $7.77 in change.
A fun read. A Oprah's Book Club book.
A fun read. A Oprah's Book Club book.
The book is better than to movie (aren't they always?). The characters are much more developed. An easy read.
I ordered this book only to discover I had read it. Anything by Billie Letts of the Hoot n Holler Cafe fame is down home, Fannie Flagg and John Steinbeck material. The story line follows 17yo Novalee Nation who finds herself stranded by her boyfriend, pregnant, almost penniless,in a Wal Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma.How she overcomes this dillema, who helps her and why becomes the fabric of an unforgettable tale. This was an Oprah choice. It is similar to the kind of stories she champions. You're bound to like it.
Meet Movalee Nation and her unlucky sevens. Seventeen, seven months pregnant just dumped at Walmart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma by her boyfriend with $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hedden treasures in this small Southwest town-a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people willing to help a homeless, jobless girl living secretly in Walmart.
Great book.
This wonderful book was on Oprah's Book Club!
Excellent read. The movie (with Natalie Portman as lead character) follows the book very closely.
An Oprah Book Club Selection
Novalee Nation is pregnant and finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart. This is a very cute book and now a movie. Great condition.
This book is an Oprah's Book Club selection. It is about a girl that is 17 and pregant. Her boyfriend dumps her (shame-shame). She starts living in Walmart but slowly meets caring people and climbs into a good life. Nice reading!
Another great read from Oprah's book club.
Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Seyuoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasure in this small Southwestern town
Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen year old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in theis small Southwest town--a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people willing to help a homeless jobless girl living secretly in Wal-Mart. From Bible-thumping blue-haired sister Thelma Husband to eccentric librarian Forney Hull who loves Novalee more than she loves herself, they are about to take her--and you, too--on a moving, funny and unforgettable journey to Where the Heart Is. Book from Oprah's book club....also had a movie made out of it. Great book!!!
Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwest town - a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people willing to help a homeless, jobless girl living secretly in a Wal-Mart. From Bible-thumping blue-haired Sister Thelma Husband to eccentric librarian Forney Hull who love Novalee more than she loves herself, they are about to take her - and you, too - on a moving, funny and unforgettable journey to... Where the Heart Is
alternate selection of the Literary Guild and of Doubleday Book Club
story about a seventeen year old who is 7 mo. pregnant, and gets dumped in a town .and the town people take her in and the story goes on.
very good, much better than the movie.
One of my favorites!
Excellent read. Take it to the easy chair tonight.
The Wal-Mart baby story. Novel like Fannie Flagg's green tomatoes..feel good story about Novalee Nation..made for a great movie too.
This book was gave to me and I have not read it, and figured someone else would love to have it.
this book was loaned to me by...i have no idea...LOL. i did not read it but the blurb on the back of the book states that it is one of Oprah's books.
