Where the Heart Is tells Novalee's story as she struggles with raising a baby and figuring out where she truly belongs.
She meets great people along the way. Sister Husband is an recovering alcoholic that takes Novalee and her baby girl Americus in. Forney Hull is the local librarian, who opens up to Novalee and falls in love with her. Lexie Coop, a kind woman who has a thing for attracting the wrong men, becomes her best friend. And Moses Whitecotton helps Novalee discover that she can do anything she really sets her mind to.
Willy Jack, Novalee's ex, tries to make it as a singer. As he struggles to achieve his dream, Novalee sees all of hers coming true. She eventually figures out that "where the heart is" isn't where you live, it's where you feel happy and alive and secure. And family doesn't have to be the people God gave you. It can be the people you choose.
There is a film version of Where the Heart Is, with Natalie Portman giving an excellent performance of Novalee. It features a great cast and (so far at least) seems to follow the book closely.
I usually don't read books off Oprah's book club list since most are not the "easy reads" I want to read while in school. I don't have time or energy to read Anna Karenina by Tolstoy or The Road by McCarthy. However, I was immediately drawn into Novalee's life and her interesting story.
Give it a chance; you might just like it.
-Ace
5 comments:
I saw part of the movie - does that count?
Sounds very interesting. Although I don't think I'll be reading the book, it's definitely a movie I would consider seeing.
awillowcabin-I guess I'll let that slide, although I'm not going to tell you not to read the book. I think you should at least check out the rest of the movie, and then check out the book if you're interested.
sam-1: At least give the movie a chance. The decide about the book. You never know :)
i am so happy you blogged about this book/movie! although i have yet to read the book, the movie is one of my all-time favorites! you really summarized the story well in your blog-natalie would be proud. hahaha.
Hey woman. Take good care of that injured wrist. Let us know when you want our autographs.
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