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.