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.