48 pages • 1 hour read
Where the Heart Is
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Book Brief
376
Novel • Fiction
Sequoyah, Oklahoma • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
860L
Super Short Summary
Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts follows 17-year-old Novalee Nation, who is seven months pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend, Willy Jack Pickens, at a Walmart in Oklahoma. Alone, she is helped by kind locals, giving birth in the store and becoming a local celebrity. Novalee rebuilds her life with the support of new friends and faces various challenges, including a tornado and personal betrayals. The novel addresses issues such as substance addiction and sexual assault.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Emotional
Romantic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
252,391 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts is praised for its heartwarming and poignant storytelling, engaging characters, and a strong sense of community. However, some critics find the plot somewhat predictable and the narrative lacking in depth at times. Overall, it's a touching read that appeals to fans of uplifting and emotionally driven novels.
Who Should Read Where the Heart Is?
Readers who enjoy Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts often appreciate heartwarming, character-driven stories about resilience and the power of community. Fans of works like The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd or The Help by Kathryn Stockett will likely find this novel equally compelling.
252,391 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Willy Jack Pickens
Willy Jack Pickens
An eighteen-year-old aspiring musician with a selfish streak, who abandons his pregnant girlfriend, Novalee, with dreams of a quick fortune.
Forney Hull
Forney Hull
A tall, thin, and handsome man from a wealthy Maine family, who is devoted to books and plays a significant supportive role in Novalee's life.
Sister Thelma Husband
Sister Thelma Husband
An older woman with blue hair and a strong personality, who becomes a surrogate mother figure to Novalee, offering shelter and emotional support.
Lexie Coop
Lexie Coop
A bubbly, overweight nurse’s aide and single mother of four, known for her inventive weight-loss methods and her close friendship with Novalee.
376
Novel • Fiction
Sequoyah, Oklahoma • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
860L
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