Author: Billie Letts
Movie rating: PG-13
Summary (from the Hachette website): Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwest town--a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people willing to help a homeless, jobless girl living secretly in a Wal-Mart. From Bible-thumbing blue-haired Sister Thelma Husband to eccentric librarian Forney Hull who loves Novalee more than she loves herself, they are about to take her--and you, too--on a moving, funny, and unforgettable journey to... Where the Heart Is
Review: I read Billie Letts' Where the Heart Is years and years ago. I remember REALLY liking it. But I must confess that I don't really remember much about the plot except that it's about a pregnant girl who lives in Wal-Mart for a while. With that in mind I got the movie from Netflix and watched it last night.
What an awesome cast! The main character, Novalee, is played by Natalie Portman and she does a great job of being both young and competent. James Frain, Forney, is really good as a caring, but shy friend/suitor. Ashley Judd is awesome as the best friend who goes through men like candy. And Stockard Channing is wonderful as Sister Thelma
One difference is that in the movie the number 5 is relevant, not 7 like in the book. What a strange thing to change. Did the producers/directors think 5 was a more acceptable number than 7? Odd. I also don't remember the boyfriend playing such a big role after he dumps Novalee, but he could very well be in the book.
8 comments
You know what's funny? Billie Letts' Made in the USA also has its turning point in Wal-Mart! I was reading your book description when I remembered another book where the protagonist gets stranded in Wal-mart. Hmm! I have this book on my shelf, and as usual, I am yet to pick it up. Didn't know there was a movie either. Got to check that out!
Aths--maybe Billie Letts has a Wal-Mart fetish. Strange. I haven't read her Made in the USA, is it good?
Helen that is funny, I am reading your review and I am thinking I don't remember it being 7's. Isn't that odd, why do they make changes like that from book to movie?
I loved this movie. I worked at Wal-Mart for 14 years so that was my original draw to the movie but I really did enjoy it!
LOVED the movie. I haven't read the book though. I need to!
After reading both the book and watching the movie, I'm a big fan of both! I'm with you, I was curious as to why they would change the number... weird?
Sheila--I can't believe you worked at Wal-Mart for 14 years! That must have been kinda' fun to see that aspect of the movie
Kelley--I felt like I should re-read the book when I saw the movie to see what else had been changed.
Reedreads--The number changing thing is SO bizarre
I love this book. I read it many years ago and instantly fell in love. I love how BL always has her characters find friendship, love, and family in quirky strangers.
Juju--The characters really are wonderful, aren't they? I haven't read much of the author's other books
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