A Feel-Good Summer Read
Whenever I need an uplifting, feel-good read, I know I can'turn to author Billie Letts. Where the Heart Is was her debut novel and my introduction to this wonderful author. It was a 1998 Oprah Book Club Selection and was a very worthy choice.
Novalee Nation, who is seventeen and 7 months pregnant, is on a road trip moving across the country with her boyfriend to start their new life together. Or so she thinks. Her boyfriend, however, has other plans and along the way abandons her at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma. Penniless and alone, Novalee secretly moves into the Wal-Mart. During the day she wanders around the rural town and begins to make friends with the eccentric townspeople. Little does she know that these strangers will forever change her life.
When she finally goes into labour in the Wal-Mart, the small town citizens rally around her. Wal-Mart founder, Sam Walton, gives her a job; Sister Husband gives her a home; and Lexie Coop and shy librarian, Forney Hull, befriend her.
Although dealing with many unsettling topics, such as, teen pregnancy, homelessness, domestic violence and sexual abuse, this optimistic novel will transport you along with Novalee as she learns to hope, trust and stand on her own two feet again.
Also available in:
Large Print
Talking Book (Restricted to Print Disabled Patrons)
Other books by Billie Letts:
2 thoughts on “A Feel-Good Summer Read”
She does write a good story, but Made in the USA is my fave
I enjoyed how Wal-Mart played a big role in both Where the Heart Is and Made in the USA. What did you like best about that one? Was it Lutie’s feisty personality?