The Beat of a Heart
I’m sure most people recognize the title of this book
because of the movie that was released in 2000 starring Natalie Portman and
Ashley Judd. I thought the movie was great and was really excited I was able to
get my hands on the book. Where the Heart
Is follows the life Novalee Nation who was left in a Walmart in Seqouyah at
seventeen, while pregnant, by her boyfriend Willy Jack Pickens. The couple was
on their way to California where Willy Jack was going to work with his cousin,
when he decided it would be easier to continue on without Novalee and left her
without a second glance. Novalee then began leaving in the Walmart, unbeknownst
to anyone, and became friends with Sister Husband, a caring recovering
alcoholic, and Forney who lived in the town library with his sick sister.
Novalee gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Americus, in the Walmart, and moved
in with Sister Husband. Forney, who helped deliver Americus, became one of
Novalee’s best friend along with the nurse’s aid from the hospital, Lexie and
photographer, Moses. While Novalee and Americus lived their lives in Seqouyah,
Willy Jack has been traveling the US as the singer known as Billy Shadow. Not
long after abandoning Novalee, Willy Jack was picked up with a minor and put in
prison. There he was able to get a guitar and right what would be a great
single but his reliance on drugs and alcohol would be his downfall and
eventually send him searching for the woman he left behind.
The
book focuses on the forming of relationships more so than the failure
relationships. Novalee was left in an unimaginable situation: no family, no
money, no friends and hundreds of miles away from home. It was because of the
kindness of strangers like Sister Husband and Forney, that Novalee was able to
make a life for herself and Americus. She learned to become independent but she
always had the strength of people who loved her, and her daughter, and wanted
the best for her. I loved that we were able to get glimpses of Willy Jack’s
story as well. It brought home how Novalee more than likely dodged a bullet
when left at the Walmart. While Novalee is growing and maturing, Willy Jack
never changes. His irresponsibility leads to his downfall and though sad to
watch, it felt like justice.
I
enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the movie. Billie Letts did a very good
job of looking at how different relationships are created and maintained
because of love and loyalty. The characters who came into Novalee’s life all
brought different life experiences and stories to tell. They created their own
unit that was completely supportive of each other. It showcased unbroken bonds
and different levels of friendship. I appreciated the story and would suggest
that if you loved the movie to give the book a shot.
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