Review Of Where The Heart Is - Bapalapa2 (Galesburg, VA)

I picked up this book one quiet Friday evening and couldn't put it down until 350 pages later as I read the author's endnotes early Sunday morning, breaking only to eat and sleep. Never have I been so mesmerized by a book. It isn't easy to load a single novel with so much love, philosophy, sadness, wit and amazing character development, and then tie it all together into a solid story that grabs you and doesn't let go, but Where the Heart Is does just that.

Novalee Nation is 17 and seven months pregnant but she and her boyfriend, Willy Jack, are sure they'll find their fortune in California. On the way they stop at an Oklahoma Wal-Mart to use the restroom, where Willy Jack leaves her with no money, no place to live, no friends, and in this unfamiliar area. Novalee actually manages to live in the Wal-Mart unnoticed until the fateful day she gives birth to her baby in the store.

At first it doesn't look good for Novalee, but she quickly meets several friends in this small town who help her in any way they can. Together they unwittingly show Novalee that home is where the heart is.

Where the Heart Is is a truly magnificent book that everyone can read with complete satisfaction. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend this novel. Trust me, you'll love it.

http://teenink.com/reviews/book_reviews/article/1365/Where-the-Heart-Is/

ClubFaundez's Journal #4

                We reach the end of this exciting book. Filled with drama, heartbreak, anger and joy! We start from chapter 28 ending with chapter 38. Chapter 28 begins with an intense situation already. Novalee gets a call from Brumett with a sound of urgency. She knows something’s wrong therefore she hurry’s over to see what’s taking place at their house. She get’s there and almost all the member’s of Lexie’s family are hurt and beaten. Who caused this? Roger. The man I thought was caring, loving and definitely sweet. Lexie’s love that I thought was going to be with her forever. It shows that people aren’t always who they seem. Reading this got me disappointed and sad. It happened’s all over the world as well, each day, abusive relationships that are reported and it frustrates me that I can’t do anything about it.

               As we move on, things with Novalee and Forney get heated. The moment I have been WAITING FOR, since I started reading about them two finally came. Forney finally confessed to Novalee how he felt about her. Saying how much he was in love with her and how he wants to spend the rest of his life with her and Americus. Novalee felt the same way but didn’t want to express how she felt because she thought she wasn’t good enough. She thought she needed to let him be with someone who was equally yoked with him. Forney was obviously hurt by that, he left the country to get away from her. He wrote letters everyday to Americus but never Novalee. She was torn. This got me so frustrated, like I understand she wants the best for him and all but if she’s the one he wants, then just let that happen. It would have saved them both from feeling hurt. This girl doesn’t think sometimes. But in the end, she was finally honest, and it all worked out for them thankfully.

              
                    As for Willy Jack, things are never looking good for him. Serves him right. Things never did work out for him in the music industry. As we carry on with him he gets into an accident and has to go to the hospital. This hospital is near where Novalee lives, so she decides to face him, so see him and talk to him. When she went to see him she was actually pretty calm. I mean, if I was her I would obviously keep my patience but he deserved to be yelled at at least. But I applaud her on the control she had. The terms they left on were kin dove awkward but not awful.

                  Novalee’s life is a blessing. She has a stable home, a beautiful family, friends and Forney. Lexie has finally found the one and Willy Jack is…well…just no. Throughout the book Novalee changes but in a great way. She’s met some awesome people and matured into a great women. Overall this book was awesome. It showed me what can truly happen in the real world. How much bad situations can affect your life. Some parts made me laugh, some parts made me angry and some parts made me cry. I’m proud of Novalee and happy the way everything turned out.

ClubTucker's Journal #4

Journal Entry #4

As I expected, the novel ended with lots of action. Feelings were revealed, hearts were broken and put back together and Willy Jack returned. For the most part I really enjoyed the final part of Billie Lett's Where the Heart Is. I was pleased when Novalee stood up to Willy Jack, and I was also happy that she was still understanding after all he had done to her, because I think that goes along with the character the readers were following throughout the story, which is a bighearted, kind young woman. I was happy that Novalee and Forney finally confessed their love for one another. I think that Forney was the best man for Novalee because he genuinely cared about not only her, but also her daughter, Americus. He showed this throughout the novel by being there for the two of them when they needed him (like when Americus was kidnapped, for example) and by always making time for them (like when he came over everyday to read to Americus). I find the author used an interesting strategy by only revealing Forney's age near the end of the novel. I think she did this on purpose, because she wanted the readers to support and encourage Novalee and Forney's relationship, rather than judging it due to the almost ten year age difference. I was also happy that Lexie found somebody who she truly loved and who loved her and her children and treated them well. However, I felt like this new relationship seemed to develop pretty quickly, and I felt a little nervous for her while reading about her new relationship with Leon. I was afraid that after going through such a traumatic experience with Roger Briscoe, her and her children would not be able to handle any more rejection or disappointment. I was also afraid that he too would end up being a bad man, but luckily, I was wrong. In my opinion, the author did a good job resolving the story by mentioning how much Novalee had overcome throughout the novel and how much she had changed for the better. I believe this story could be considered a bildungsroman because throughout the story you really do see Novalee transition from a timid teenage girl who relied on other people to make her dreams a reality, to an independent women and mother, who is working to make something out of her life. I felt proud of Novalee, and I was happy to end the book with that sentiment.

Forney and Americus

ClubPatel's Journal #4

Dear Readers,

HII THERE, the day has come for my last journal on this amazing book Where the Heart is. Honestly this book right here is the most intense book I have ever read; then again I do not read much. Anyways, trust me I got addicted to this book, I physically cannot let go of this book because it is just so intense. Through chapters 29 through 38, there were many horrible situations and many happy situations, but overall everything was surprising.

The fourth part of the book started off with Novalee getting a call from Brownie. Out of all the crazy and intense moments in the book, I found that this one was just sad and depressing. Roger the guy that Lexie thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with had beaten Lexie and raped her child. What a sick man this man is, a nasty guy that should be sent to prison for life or even killed. When we had met this character Roger Briscoe at first, he loved the children and loved spending time with Lexie herself and her children. So, when I had read this, my mouth had dropped to the floor. I was just disgusted that there were actual men in the world like that. This just shows that there are many people in the world that may look sweet, kind and loving, but under that fake personality there is that evil figure inside, and we might not know it.

I find it so sad that Lexie, Pauline and Brummett (Brownie) were so depressed after the incident. They were just traumatized. I can relate very well to the fact that an elephant with raised trunks brings good luck because that is one of our beliefs in my Hindu religion.

It is honestly the cutest thing that Lexie had finally found a husband. Lexie and her new husband to be, Leon Yoder, met when Lexie had gone back to work at the hospital. Now they are getting married in a beautiful chapel with Novalee taking their photographs. To incorporate both their children in the wedding is really breath taking. Lexie is wearing a corsage that has seven with roses on it that represents two of Leon’s kids and the five of Lexie’s.

Novalee has really changed throughout the book, especially when it comes to Willy Jack. She had read in the newspaper that someone had stolen a man’s wheelchair. She realizes that the man in the paper was Willy Jack. Willy Jack and Novalee had a complicated relationship at the beginning of the book but Novalee stood up in what she believed in and changed that relationship. I knew that Novalee was a sweet girl and can never be mean, so I knew that she was going to help Willy Jack instead of letting him suffer. This characteristic in her reminds me of myself, because there is no room in the world to be mean.  

After not being able to sleep and crying all day for no reason, Novalee realizes (FINALLY) that she is deeply in love with Forney. Forney always sends letters to Americus and nothing to Novalee… We can still tell that he is also madly in love with Novalee. This is also one part of the book that I really love just because I have been waiting the longest time for Novalee to profess her love to Forney. Forney will make the best husband for Novalee and will also make the best fatherly figure for Americus. They would make the perfect family, loving each other through thick and thin.

ANYWAYS, I strongly recommend, to the people who have not yet read this book, to read it! It is one book that you have no idea what is coming next and what emotion you are going to let go. As you can tell from my previous journals, I had MANY emotions. All I can say is that this book had an amazing ending, a very happy one indeed. When I first started reading the book I wasn’t quite sure that this book would adapt to me, but after reading non-stop, I got really attached to it. Well to the readers whom this may concern, I hope you had fun reading my journals and reading our blog, make sure to vote on the survey and have fun reading Where the Heart is by Billie Letts. BYE J

ClubFaundez's Journal #3

Reading this section of Where The Heart Is gave me mixed feelings. Happiness, sadness, laughter. At the end of chapter 18 we find out Americus has gone missing. After Novalee’s search around town she finally finds her at the church, safe and sound. This scared me a lot because Americus is Novalee’s pride and joy and it clearly showed that Novalee was devastated when she was missing so thankfully she is now found.

Throughout these chapters I could not put the book down. The part that stood out most to me was when the Tornado struck the town. Novalee, sister husband, Forney and the Ortiz family were absolutely terrified. When Novalee and the others go to the cellar to find safety, Sister Husband was left behind but coming soon. Novalee starts to get worried so she goes to check up on her, but the storm was just too strong Novalee rushed back into the cellar. As I kept on going I could not believe what I was reading. After the storm was finished the news was announcing who has been injured from the storm, what has been destroyed and who has even faced death. When they announced the death of sister husband I could not believe it. I was in total shock. Sister husband was one of  my favourite characters in the story. She helped Novalee the most when she needed it. While I was reading this it made me think of how on a regular basis there is always natural disasters happening all around the world. Always reports on the news of  people dying and city’s being torn down. Sister husband’s death reminded me of my grandfathers death a couple of years back. It reminded me of it because Sister husband’s personality reminds me of his, kind, caring, funny. It was a huge surprise when sister husband died, always appreciate the people in your life.

As we follow Willy Jack’s Journey he finally is released from jail. He’s been In there for a bit over a year. He seems to be doing pretty well so far. Pursuing his dreams in becoming famous and being a musician. Plays at different areas, making good money. He comes in contact with a lady who goes by the name of Ruth Meyers who really helps him with his career, but things hit a bumpy road. Always does with Willy Jack.

Novalee always seems to be doing better and better as I keep reading on. She even has a new place for her and Americus. Never thought she would see the day where that would happen but she made it happen with the help of her good friends around town. This makes me happy for her, especially because of how awful her situation was at the beginning. Things can always turn around for you, never give up hope.

ClubBaldo's Journal #4

              Chapters 29 to 38 of this book were so intense and I could not put this book down for the life of me. Things in the book got so crazy that it kept me hooked and left me wanting more and more. These chapters made me cry at times because there were so many horrible and disturbing situations, but at other times it made me smile. Just when I started to lose hope in things ever getting better, the book had other plans to surprise me.

            To be honest, the most insane part in this whole book is when Roger did what he did to Lexie and her kids. Roger was a man she met at a Texaco station, he seemed really nice and seemed to love kids. First he took Lexie on a couple of dates and even spent time with her kids to earn her trust. Then the unthinkable happened. He turned out to be the most repulsive and messed up man ever, which was so surprising to me. I really thought Roger and Lexie were going to last.

             He attempted to rape Pauline and succeeded at raping Brumett. When Lexie attempted to pull Roger off of her son, he beat her, almost to death. I honestly could not breathe when I was reading this part of the book. I've never been so disgusted in my life. He is such a sick man and he deserves to die or to at least be found and put behind bars until he dies. I felt so bad for Brumett because of how traumatized and depressed he was. He didnt even talk to his mom anymore and wanted to be alone all the time. This was probably one of my favourite parts of the book though. I love how the author didn't tell us what happened until a few chapters later. She kept the emotions rolling and left me to wonder what happened. I found that affect very useful because I couldn't stop reading until I knew what happened.

            Another amazing part of this book is when Novalee finally confesses her love to Forney. At first she lied to him and told him she didnt love him. She felt like she was holding him back from moving on with his life and she never thought she was good enough for him. When she told him she did not love him, he left and moved away. She cried every day even at the most random times. Although he still kept in touch with Americus by sending her letters, he never really mentioned anything about Novalee. When Novalee found out that this lie was eating her alive, she told Forney the truth. She confessed her true feelings for him finally. This made me so happy, I had been waiting for this through the whole entire book. They are so perfect together and Forney is such an amazing father figure to Americus.

            In the end of the book Novalee and Forney were happy together and even Lexie ends up getting married to the most wonderful man. His name was Leon. He has kids of his own and loved Lexie's kids.

           This was such an awesome ending. I love how everything worked out just like I wanted it to. When I first started reading this book I thought it would be so bad and it doesn't help that I also hate to read. I really got proved wrong. To be honest, this turned out to be such a good book, maybe even one of my favourites I've ever read.

Novalee See's The Tornado

ClubPatel's Journal #3

Dear Readers,

After reading Where the Heart is, I encountered many MANY feelings and also one social issue. Social class plays another big role in this book. I see that Forney loves Novalee for who she is and not for her status as a mother and being a bit on the poor side. Novalee thinks he doesn’t like her because she isn’t her type meaning, she doesn’t do the rich things he does and have a house and furniture like he does. But what she doesn’t know is that Forney does not care about that and I hope she realizes that very soon!

The mood in chapter 22 was just so adorable and cute I couldn’t stop reading because it was very romantic. Although Novalee is very clueless about the love Forney is trying to send her. I was so into this chapter because towards the end Forney was about to confess his love for her. By the context and scenario you could just tell he was about to do it. It did not work out… And after reading half the book I was getting really really bored, just because some chapters were about Willy Jack. His character is rude and pointless, so I didn’t really care for him. I’m also really disappointed that he is getting a record deal and a shot at being famous.

The part when the tornado hit Novalee’s neighborhood got me at the edge of my seat because Sister Husband was still in the house!! I was honestly talking to myself when Sister didn’t go with Novalee. I was saying things like “OMG WHYY!! GO WITH NOVALEE, DON’T STAY BEHIND!!” It was just a real intense moment. After this disaster, I honestly cried because Henry and Leona had died in each other’s arm in a closet… and also Sister was in some serious condition! She died and left everything to Novalee, the sweetest thing in the book, so far. Speaking of people who had died, Novalee’s boss at Wal-Mart, Mr. Sam Walton had also passed away, and that was very shocking.

It was the cutest and funniest thing ever when Americus was talking on the phone and had said “Well Polly, you have to go on a diet ‘cause your titties are too big.” I had to show my family and friends this phrase, because it was just too funny.

This time the ending was not much of a cliff hanger but it was enough to keep you hanging on when Novalee is going to confess her love. (Which we ALL know is Forney) I think it is very obvious! The ending of the book is very near but wait for the next journal on Monday, (don’t worry I won’t forget.)

-          Page 232 the word clout (http://dictionary.reference.com/)

a blow, especially with the hand; cuff: The bully gave him a painful clout on the head.

ClubTucker's Journal #3

In the third part of “Where the Heart Is”, there is a lot of action. There's a kidnapping, a tornado, and several deaths. Throughout all of these events, Novalee's strength is being tested. She tries to stay strong for Americus and the others surrounding her, although at times she just wants to break down. Throughout these chapters, I’ve really admired how Novalee put aside her own feelings of grief and took care of others and took over a role of bringing people together which was lacking after Sister Husband's death. I've also enjoyed how Novalee has been breaking out of her comfort zone a little bit and pursuing things that interest her, like photography. I believe that it is good for Novalee to have time to herself and to have hobbies. At the beginning of the novel, Novalee would often mention things she dreamed of one day having or doing, yet she depended on other people to get her there (for example, Willy Jack) instead of pursuing these goals herself. Now, Novalee tries new things on her own and even takes risks (like entering the photography competition). I predict that in the upcoming chapters Novalee and Forney will finally confess their feelings for each other. I predict that Americus and Willy Jack will meet for the first time. I also predict that Novalee will go to school for photography and that Willy Jack will get over confident and end up ruining any chance he has at a music career. In the most recent chapters, I've noticed that the author tends to use short sentences filled with important information in a casual way. By doing this, she creates the feeling of overwhelming amounts of information and panic that Novalee and the other characters must be feeling, I find this technique quite effective. I found it really there was a nice contrast when Novalee finally had some good luck when Sister Husband left her money just when she needed it so she was able to stay in town. This was a nice contrast because all throughout the noval Novalee has had bad luck, so I enjoyed seeing something work out for her for once.I am starting to enjoy this book a little bit more as the action picks up and it builds towards it's climax, so I am looking forward to continue reading and seeing what new twists the novel has to offer in part four.

That's The Beat Of A Heart

ClubBaldo's Journal #3

           Il be honest, reading the first few chapters at the start of the book, I didn't think I would like it very much. Now I can hardly put it down. There are so many unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it has me hanging off the edge of my seat. This book is very unpredictable and half the time you have no idea what will happen next.

          The first thing that I thought was a huge twist was what actually happened to Americus when she went missing. My prediction to what happened to her was way off. I predicted that someone took Americus for the fame but that is not what happened at all. Some kooky couple decided to take her to get her baptised. Americus was left in a manger, lying in the crib of a nativity scene that belonged to a church. To me this was very unexpected because they were just a random couple that came in Sister Husbands house once to use her phone. I never thought anything of them.

          Another thing that was unexpected to me, was the death of Sister Husband. I didn't want to believe that Sister Husband died, she was one of my favourite characters. She died in her mobile home when there was a huge tornado. She was going to grab some soup and head to the cellar for cover but she never made it there. I was honestly in tears reading this part of the novel.

          The last thing that was very unexpected in the book was Sister Husbands will. When Wal-mart was in ruins after the tornado, Novalee was going to have to move away. This was because she had a guaranteed spot at another grocery store, which was far away. But Sister Husband left everything in her will to Novalee. She left her the house, and all her money.  Novalee didn't have to move away after all and she even built her own home. This was the first ever house she lived in that wasn't on wheels. It was just how she pictured and wanted it to be when she first imagined her home with Americus and Willy Jack.

          This book would of been so boring if you could guess everything that was coming next. I love this novel so far because it is not obvious what's going to happen next like most books. This book also touches on very mature topics. Topics I think we should be allowed to read about at this age. Its definitely not your average English book.

ClubFaundez's Journal #2

As we begin to get further and further into the book new events and situations keep on popping up. In chapter 8 Novalee proceeds to have her baby and we follow her on her Journey for the aftermath of it all.

Novalee’s finally in a safe and secure environment. When Forney showed up at the Wal-Mart, police and ambulance came to bring her to the nearest hospital. By this time, the news about her having her baby had spread quick across town. At the hospital there was many reporters there. Many people from different places sent Novalee letters and money. She was confused why, but didn’t really complain. In this part of the story I think Novalee must have felt extremely overwhelmed. I mean, her 2 months living in a store, having her child in a Wal-Mart, now reporters wont leave her alone. From the looks of it, she must have felt stressed because I definitely would be. But she didn’t show it much. The money that was given to her would help her a lot because of needing a place to live and raising her family. Her mom showing up at the Hospital was definitely a pleasant surprise considering she hasn’t seen her mother in a while. Her mom talks to her a bit about what had happened and proceeds to talk to Novalee about plans to help her. Her mother took Novalee’s money and told her she would pick her up later that afternoon. But never returned. Sam Walton was nice enough to offer her a job at the Wal-Mart and sister husband took her in to live and take care of her.

Through out these chapters it get’s really repetitive, mostly focusing on Novalee settling into Sister Husband’s place and meeting new people around town. One of the people she meets goes by the name of Troy. This part interests me a lot because he wants to get romantically involved with Novalee and she doesn’t really deny the offer. It confused me a bit because I thought her and Forney had fallen in love or something. She gets to know Troy more and he seems to only want her for her body. Shows no respect towards her (She really knows how to pick em right…). On their second date Novalee sleeps with Troy and has a pregnancy scare. Thankfully she wasn’t pregnant. By then, she got troy out of the picture. This reminds me of the society we live in today. The disrespect some boys/men show towards women is absolutely unacceptable. Get’s me angry and frustrated.

As we move on Novalee seems to be doing all she can to make sure that Americus has a great life. Christmas soon approaches, so one afternoon Novalee and Forney go out together to look at Christmas trees they can bring home. They were out for a few hours, not too long, but when they return home, the UNTHINKABLE happened. Novalee found out Americas had been kidnapped.  When I read this I totally did NOT expect it what so ever. It got me scared and I was really surprised. Definitely a huge cliff hanger.

ClubBaldo's Journal #2

             In the beginning of the novel Where the Heart Is, I thought it was just going to teach about being more careful with the choices we make as teenagers as well as teaching us great life lessons. Although it taught me such things, I had no idea how chapters 9-18 would help me realize just how much I love this book. Reading it more and more, I really started to fall in love with some of the characters and their personalities.  

            I love Novalee Nation because although she made a mistake and got pregnant at such a young age, she never showed that she thought of her baby as a mistake. She was never negative or complained about her problems and she treated Americus as if she had been planning to have her for years. Novalee is a very unique and humble girl with some sort of innocence to her. She goes out of her way to try and please other people and make them happy. For example she goes out of her way and surprises Sister Husband when she got and paid for her car to get fixed. Another time she goes out of her way to make someone happy is when she searches everywhere, day and night to find the perfect Christmas tree for Americus.

            Another character I fell in love with is Sister Husband. I can honestly say she is so loving and kind. When Novalee had no place to live, Sister Husband takes her in and lets her live at her house. She even lets her plant her own garden. Sister husband always buys Novalee little surprises every time she goes out to the store. She helps Novalee take care of Americus because she knows Novalee shouldn't have to do it on her own. She understands that it takes two to make a baby and two to raise one and that is why she helps out so much. She cares and loves Novalee and Americus so much, as if they were children of her own.

            The last character that I fancy so much is Forney. Forney really knows how to treat a girl and respect her. Although it is obvious he likes Novalee, he never acted shallow about it. You could tell he was infatuated with her even when she was pregnant (no matter how unattractive she felt). He never tried to pull any moves on Novalee, or tried to do anything he wasn't sure she would feel comfortable with. He always came to read to Americus and always braught books for Novalee. He accompanied Novalee most of the time when she asked him or needed him too. He's an over-all really nice and sweet boy.

As well as getting to know and loving the characters I like the book so far because it has the right combination of humor, action, suspense, and inspiration.

ClubTucker's Journal #2

The second quarter of Where the Heart Is was very eventful. Novalee and her newborn daughter, Americus have to adjust to their new life outside of Wal-Mart. Although Novalee would preferably like to enjoy her new baby and recover in peace, she seems to become somewhat of a local celebrity. Reborters and "fans" all want to discuss with Novalee her recent months spent living in Wal-Mart and the birth of Americus. People all over the country who had heard Novalee's story even sent letters and money showing support or, in some cases, their disgust.


There is a happy tone throughout this part of the book, as Novalee finally gets settled into town and gets some time to really enjoy being a mother for the first time. I personally felt relieved for Novalee that she finally was starting to get her life together (got a job, place to live, people she cares about etc). I think Novalee is also starting to realize that Forney genuinely cares about her, more than just just a friend. He also cares for Americus and shows interest in her, and clearly wants to be involved in her life. I predict that Novalee is already starting to catch feelings for Forney, and I predict that those feelings will only grow stronger and eventually the two of them will start a life together. Novalee did, however, have a brief fling with Troy, a young man she encountered at the car garage. Although Troy seemed nice at first, he did not have Novalee's best intentions at heart. He did not really try to get to know her. Novalee does end up sleeping with Troy, she immediately regrets her decision. She is worried about getting pregnant again. In my opinion, this shows Novalee's newfound maturity, but also her naivety. On one hand, she is concerned about getting pregnant, not wanting to jeopradize the new life she has made for her and Americus. On the other hand, Novalee does not use any protection. Also, when she discusses her pregnancy fears with her friend Lexie, it is clear that Novalee is not very educated on the differences between the myths and facts regarding pregnancy. This adds almost a childlike quality to Novalee and reminded me that, although she is a mother and is dealing with mature situations, she is only eighteen. I also got to see a softer, more realtable side to Sister Husband's character in this part of the noval, because she opens up to Novalee a bit and also cracks a few jokes.  Even though I felt relieved during this part of the book, that relief quickly dissolved as I reached the end of the eighteenth chapter when Novalee discovers that Americus is missing.

I liked how the author showed different point of views often during these chapters because it allowed me to interpret what was happening in different ways. For example, I enjoyed how the author would mention how Forney would watch Novalee, and showed him falling in love with her and vice versa.

ClubPatel's Journal #2

Dear Readers,

          Oh was it hard for me to read these past couple of days… I had gone on a trip to Montreal to meet some family and whatever time I had alone or where no one was talking I took my book and started to read. I got through chapter nine through nineteen and what a journey that was. Part 2 of our reading assignment started off with Novalee in the hospital surrounded by many reporters asking questions. During her resting time she met with Sam Walton the owner all Wal-Marts and had offered Novalee a job. I really enjoyed this act of kindness because Novalee does not have a job and this would really help her on the long run; help pay for expenses for Americus and to help out Sister Husband.

          It really confuses me when people around the states, people she had never met before in her life give Novalee money. I just don’t understand why they would send money through mail, like how would they know that Novalee had a list of things she had to repay the owner for all the materials/necessities she had used. Also, the part where Novalee was climbing the so called mountain, it confused me when she saw Benny Goodluck… I’m confused because I thought Benny was with his father and had a home but instead he is running around naked on top of a hill? I think that this part confused me more than people sending Novalee money.

          Other than confusion, it really bored me during chapter 11 when Novalee finds the place she is going to stay in. Basically the whole chapter was of Novalee settling in her new home and meeting new neighbors. We see a routine of Forney always coming after closing his library to read classic books to Americus. The only part that had got me excited was when Willy Jack had arrived in prison and had a heart attack. This literally had me at the edge of the couch when I was reading because his heart had just randomly stopped beating. I personally do not like this character and I wished at the moment that he would have died but when he felt his heart beat again I felt a sudden disappointment.

          There is one value that I find hilarious because I think I relate to it very well and it’s something that Sister Husband lives off of when it comes to buying things. “Never act like you want it, darlin’. Act like you wouldn’t own it if they paid you. Tell them it’s dirty, broken… a useless thing. Then make an offer.” –page153. Over here Sister Husband is telling Novalee to bargain for the things she desires. It is very clear that they are very poor but can still get what they want the most if they bargain nicely.

           At the end of chapter 19, for me was a major cliff hanger and I just wanted to keep reading. I did indeed keep reading after that, to find out what had happen of course.  The chapter ended with Novalee coming back from her search for a Christmas tree with Forney to Sister Husband telling her “Americus is gone.”

ClubFaundez's Journal #1

This is the beginning of a remarkable Journey. In the first little bits of  Where The Heart Is we meet the first two main characters Novalee Nation and her Boyfriend Willy Jack. They start off  by heading to California to start their new life. With Novalee being seventeen, seven months pregnant and not being the wealthiest, it will take a lot for her to live a stable life.

This story takes place in Oklahoma around the late 90’s, early 2000’s.  It doesn’t seemed very old Fashioned nor does it seem extremely advanced either. In the first few chapters the atmosphere seems very tense. Mostly because of the relationship between Novalee and Willy Jack. Willy Jack makes it extremely clear that he does not want anything to do with Novalee or their child. Every time Novalee would bring up the child’s name, where they would live as a family, what they would do as a family, Willy Jack would either respond negatively or not respond at all. While they are on the road Novalee needs to make a pit stop therefore they stop at a Wal-Mart. Before Novalee could even look twice Willy Jack had taken off without her. Left her stranded. Judging by his attitude, it did not surprise Novalee nor did it surprise the readers at all.

So what does a homeless, pregnant, jobless, poor girl do in a situation like this? Throughout these chapters some new, exciting characters are introduced. Helping her on her journey. We come in contact with Sister Husband, Benny Goodluck, Moses Whitecotton and who seems to be the most important, Forney Hull. Being a blessing in disguise. While Willy Jack, continuing his road trip alone, meets a new girl that goes by the name of Jolene. Jolene’s a very tough character, rough around the edges. Could be a blessing or a lesson for Willy Jack. Maybe just what he needs for him to be put in his place. 

This book so far makes me excited and intrigued. Always wanting to know what’s going to happen next on Novalee’s journey and Willy Jack’s.  To me, this book is a representation of real life situations and how you can feel like nothing’s going right in life at times. Looking at Novalee situation at first it seems like nothing’s ever going to get better for her. I can look back on certain occasion’s where I’ve felt like that. Where you feel like you have no one and nothing. Like your stuck and don’t know where to go next. Novalee does everything she can for things to get better along with the help of other’s to aid her. From the reading I’ve done so far, things only seem like they keep on getting better for Novalee. 

Where The Relationship Began

The beginning of Sister Husband and Novalee Nation's realationship.

 

ClubBaldo's Journal #1

     After reading this first section if this book I noticed how much it said about life. It touched up on the horrible parts of life, the sad, the hard, the lonely and the painful struggles of it.

          The main character, Novalee was a teenager and she made bad decisions and mistakes, just like every other teenager. But this one tiny mistake was going to affect how the rest of her life was going to be. When Novalee got pregnant by Willy Jack, they were most likely in total love with each other. But now that she's pregnant he doesn't want to take responsibility for the mistake he helped make. So, of course instead of staying and being a father, he leaves Novalee while shes pregnant with his child. I couldn't imagine the struggle of having to raise a kid at 18 years old by myself with no father figure. That's a horrible thing to have to go through, and a horrible thing to have to tell your child when he/she asks where their dad is.

          To me, this book represents just how hard and cruel life can be sometimes. Things happen and people change and its sad. Just like the way Willy Jack's feelings changed for Novalee because she was pregnant. Just because he didn't feel the same way as before and did not want to care for the baby, he just left her, stranded at Wal-mart as if she never meant anything to him.

          I have got my fair share of how hard life can knock you down and how sometimes you can feel completely alone. Sometimes you just feel as if the whole world is against you. And I strongly believe everyone else in this world has gone through something like that as well.  But going through something as hard as what Novalee has to go through is beyond my comprehension. The one thing that I think I have learned about life is that when it gets hard its probably for a reason and something good may come out of it, but there is one thing I'm certain of, and that is that it does get better. I hope something good will come out of this for Novalee. I hope all the pain and suffering will not be left unrewarded. I pray that life will get better for her, even though it seems like it never will.

ClubTucker's Journal #1

The novel Where the Heart Is, by Billie Letts begins in a beat up car, with holes in the floor, carrying a seventeen year-old pregnant women, Novalee Nation, and her grumpy,condescending boyfriend, Willy Jack on their way to a new life in California. I get the impression that this novel takes place in a lower income area of Oklahoma because the main character talks about living in trailer parks her whole life. Also her and her boyfriend are quite short on money, he even protests when she asks to borrow five dollars to buy herself some shoes.I also think that this story takes place in the late nineties or early two thousands but it seems like it takes place earlier than that because the story takes place in a small town where the events and routines may not be as modern and exciting. They are more old-fashioned.

It is easy to see in the establishing dialogue throughout the first few chapters that the relationship between Novalee and Willy Jack is a tense one. When Novalee tries to bring up the topic of their unborn child with Willy Jack, he seems uninterested and irritated. This gives the readers the impression that he is not looking forward to the baby's arrival, and is not yet ready to be a father or a husband. Sure enough, the reader's assumptions are proved correct when Willy Jack drops Novalee off at a Wal-Mart on their road trip to use the washroom, and then leaves her there, pregnant, broke and completely alone, without even a goodbye.

Several other characters are introduced throughout the first nine chapters as both Novalee and Willy Jack grow accustomed to the new situations they find themselves in. Novalee meets characters such as Sister Husband, Moses Whitecotton , Benny Goodluck and Forney, who, without realizing it, teach her several small lessons that change her perspective on certain things or give her hope in her new living situations. Willy Jack also meets Jolene, who seems as if she may cause a little bit of trouble for him later in the novel. She seems smarter than she may come across and I think she may teach Willy Jack a lesson or two.

I predict that Novalee and Forney will end up starting a relationship and raising Novalee's daughter together. I also predict that Willy Jack will attempt to find, or at least get in touch with Novalee again later in the novel. So far, I like the characters in this book. I find them interesting and likeable. Novalee is easy to relate to, because she is almost the same age as me, yet she's experiencing much different things than I am currently going through. She has a sweetness and naivety that makes her quite likeable and really makes the readers and the other characters feel for her. The story is told in a quirky sort of way, from the character names to subject matter, which makes it more captivating and almost fairytale like. However the novel has kind of a sad and lonesome tone so far.These qualities make this book unlike other books I have read recently in my eyes.

ClubPatel's Journal #1

Dear Readers,

I would like to start this first journal off with a summary of chapters 1 through 8. In these chapters we see a young girl named Novalee Nation going and facing through many obstacles. Novalee Nation who is seven months pregnant at seventeen and is superstitious girl about sevens gets dumped by her boyfriend Willy Jack Pickens at Wal-Mart leaving her with nothing. As Willy Jack goes to pursue his music dreams, Novalee all alone is facing many problems, like finding a place to sleep.

Throughout the day a woman named Sister Husband approaches Novalee calling her Ruth Ann, then gives a gift basket full of items as Novalee tries to tell her she is not Ruth Ann. Novalee then takes a photograph of Sister Husband. Novalee now meets with Moses Whitecotton, who tells Novalee that picking a name for her child should not be rushed into and that it should be a strong name that can withstand a lot of bad times. Again, Novalee takes a photograph of Moses Whitecotton. After all this Novalee meets a young boy named Benny Goodluck who tells Novalee that the plant he is holding is called a buckeye tree and it gives good luck. Novalee’s wish was to personally have the buckeye tree so that she can have a lot of good fortune for the upcoming days, and so Benny had given the tree and Novalee had taken his photograph.

Weeks past and Novalee’s tree is dying, therefore she tries to look for a book on how to save her buckeye tree. This led her to meet Forney the librarian who gives Novalee her first birthday dinner and party. Novalee was told by Sister Husband that Forney’s sister Mary Elizabeth Hull was an alcoholic and was originally the librarian. During the week of Novalee’s birthday, she was feeling her pregnancy effects coming along. And right there at Wal-Mart Forney helped deliver Novalee’s baby. After looking at her baby, Novalee had decided to name her Americus, a strong name that withstands a lot of bad times and a lot of hurt.

All I can say is that I felt a lot of emotions reading through chapters one through eight. I was shocked that Willy Jack Pickens had left Novalee at Wal-Mart, but at the same I time I figured he would’ve done that long time ago because she was so annoying in the car always wanting to go pee and she was just a lot to take care of. My other emotion was happiness when Willy Jack had gotten arrested; it just shows how ‘karma’ can really come back to you when you do bad. When Novalee’s luck changed after getting the buckeye tree, it really made me feel superstitious about little things like that. I was also shocked at the very end of chapter eight when Novalee named her baby Americus; I was not expecting a name like Americus…

So far on the first part of the book I saw only one social issue and it was teenage pregnancy. The two people that are involved in this social issue are Novalee Nation and Willy Jack Pickens. The author really shows how bad teen pregnancy is and how it will turn out when you don’t have the right education and money.

These are two words I did not understand while reading the first eight chapters of the book and after looking up the definition of the words. [http://dictionary.reference.com/]

→ Burlap; [pg.63] a plain-woven, coarse fabric of jute, hemp, or the like; gunny.

→ Coalesce; [pg. 75] to blend or come together: Their ideas coalesced into one theory.