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.