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.
