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.