Where the Heart Is Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 23 Summary

Chapter 23 Summary

Novalee leaves work in her new Chevy, and the weather is getting worse. Novalee almost has the car paid for. Americus and Sister are getting things for the cellar. Sister says the television has a tornado warning, and there has been a tornado spotted. The lights dim, then thunder sounds. Novalee says that was close. Sister says God is telling Novalee to get Americus to the neighbor's cellar. Novalee agrees but tells Sister to hurry. Novalee goes out the back door and tells Americus to come. The cellar door is open, and Mrs. Ortiz and her girls are there. Novalee lights candles but cannot get much on the radio except country stations playing the song, "The Beat of a Heart". The wind is increasing. When glass breaks, Novalee and Mrs. Ortiz look at each other.

Hail comes into the cellar. Mrs. Ortiz asks if they should close the door. Novalee...
(read more)