This quirky story of a young girl who lives in a trailer in a Walmart parking lot captured my imagination and my heart.



Nothing could have been further from my own very sheltered (you could even say cloistered in comparison!) youth.



Novalee Nation was young in years, but had lived such a harsh life up until she is taken in by the people of a small town after Novalee gives birth in the local Walmart.

The movie version wasn't bad, either, which is what inspired me to read this excellent book. I love to read stories about every day people, going through all the usual trials and tribulations that beset the human race, who somehow make it to the other side with hope in their hearts.
This was a fabulous read!

I decided to read this mainly because I've always enjoyed the movie and wondered how the book compares. I was surprised to find that the movie is very faithful to the book. All book lovers know that is not always the case! I enjoyed reading it.

4.5 but rounded up for the wholesomeness

Another book I read before I had Goodreads so I never had a chance to review it while it's fresh in my mind. This was also a book where I saw the movie first and then read the book, and honestly, I adore them both.

When 17 year old Novalee Nation is left in a Walmart pregnant and alone, she has no choice but to make the best of it. Not knowing what to do, she basically ends up living in the Walmart all while making friends around the town. But time passes quickly and Novalee ends up having her baby in the Walmart.


This book read just like a warm hug - with the exception of Willy Jack. I loved being with Novalee as she grows into this amazing woman and mother. It's not without help though. The town and the people in it play a huge part in who Novalee becomes and it's beautiful to watch. This crazy cast of characters just worms their way into you heart - from broody librarian Forney to the warm and loving Sister Husband to scatterbrained Lexie, all were such important parts of the story and it wouldn't have been the same without them.

It honestly made me want to go and watch the movie again, which I just might. A beautiful story about love, loss, and belonging.

When I first started reading this book I thought it was silly and was even wondering if I was going to continue, but I'm so glad I did. It's not a book to be taken too seriously, it has a lot of "tongue in cheek" humour, quirky characters and silliness but underneath it all there is such a lovely heart-warming message of what love, community and friendship really means. A little gem that makes a lovely break from more serious reading.

Sweet story of second chances. I really loved this one.

This is a book that somehow keeps making you feel good on one level while bad things happen. It is ultimately a very positive book. I think that is because of protagonist Novalee Nation's spirit. She is not educated but she is genuine and she is full of love and a quiet, unassuming wisdom. She is not superhuman, she does not win the lottery (literally or figuratively) but she starts with nothing and wins at life. She represents something deep and true.

Amidst difficulty and hardship, Novalee has a patient way of dealing with things that allows goodness to arise from ashes. This happens many times in the story and I love how it was done.

One of my all-time fav books. The first time I read it, I bought it from the bookstore at Indro shopping centre (before it closed down...sigh!!) one Saturday afternoon with my ex husband (husband at the time...another sigh!), then went home, went to bed, didn't sleep that night and read it all in one sitting. I was blown away by it then, and even named my daughter after one of the characters (Cherry).

Rereading it now, it hasn't lost any of its power and beauty. I find it's really a book about the kindness of strangers...it has so many heartbreaking moments, but you go from sad to hopeful within seconds, from the good in the characters and the author's beautiful writing.

Reading it again I wish it were a longer book...now I feel it goes from one scene, or tragic or good, event to the next too quickly. More, I want more!! Only cause it is so damn good.

My heart hurts after reading this, but it hurts in a good way! Read the book to understand :)

I ordered her only other book, The Honk and Hollar Opening Soon, and it arrived today. Dying to jump straight into it, but with only two books by this amazingly talented author, I may need to cherish and save it for another lazy Saturday afternoon. She may never write another novel!

Now that is heartbreaking.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story about a seventeen year old girl whose loser boyfriend drops her off at a small town Walmart when she’s seven months pregnant, and strands her there without a look back. With only $7.77 in her pocket, she makes the most of her situation by living in the store and even delivering her baby there! Along the way, she makes friends with several of the townspeople who open their hearts and homes to her and the baby. They’re friends who become real family, more than her own family could ever be. A feel good story of love, kindness and redemption.

Own in paperback.

FS: "Novalee Nation, seventeen, seven months pregnant, thirty-seven pounds over weight and superstitious about sevens - shifted uncomfortably in the seat of the old Plymouth and ran her hands down the curve of her belly."

LS: "I only know how I have written two books. I had stories to tell and I began typing."

Quotes:
-“Then tell them we've all got meanness in us...But tell them we have some good in us too. And the only thing worth living for is the good. That's why we've got to make sure we pass it on.”
-“You ever think about this? Every year you live, you pass the anniversary of your death. Now you don't know what day it is, of course.”
-“You're dying right now. Right this minute.' He looked at his watch, said, 'Right this second,' then tapped it with his finger. 'See there? That second passed. It's gone. Not gonna come again. "
-“Our lives can change with every breath we take.”
-“Never act like you want it, darlin'. Act like you wouldn't own it if they paid you. Tell them it's dirty, broken...a useless thing. Then make an offer.”

(In notebook.)

3.5 rounded down.

Through all the misfortunate incidents in the story, there maintains an air of innocence. For me, this was a cozy story, a fast read and feel good story. My only real problem with it was how quickly each occurrence was resolved. There really wasn't enough time from the beginning to end of each instance for me to feel invested. The story was entertaining but not exceptional. I did watch the movie after finishing the book. The book was much better.

ternura.

Great book. I read it in 4 hours and spent most of that time crying. Definitely a book that stays with you and warms your heart. The movie version was actually pretty darn faithful but doesn't take the place of this gem.