Novalee Nation is seventeen, seven months pregnant, and abandoned by her boyfriend at a Walmart in a small Oklahoma town. She has almost no money, so she secretly takes up residence in the store, and gives birth there, which brings her local fame and a gift of lifetime support. Billie Letts follows her as she gets to know a quirky circle of townspeople, including a kind librarian, a nurse and a photographer, and as she builds a home. The novel mixes comedy and hardship, covering abuse, poverty and a risky romance, with a plot that moves along with a lot of warmth.
It appeals to readers who enjoy ensemble small-town stories, warm Southern-style characters and an underdog heroine. If you want a funny, emotional book about found family and resilience, this is a pleasant pick.
Inward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1995
- Language
- EN
