Bella: a novelization of the award-winning movie

by Lisa Samson

Book Overview

"If you want God to laugh, tell him your plans." For Jose the cook and Nina the beautiful waitress life has not turned out the way either had planned. Living with the weight of guilt and lost dreams,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595546081
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 203 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.4" x 0.5" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

The Romance of Life

"Bella" was one of last year's indie film surprises, winning over audiences with its warmth, emotion, and deceptively simple snapshots of family, pregnancy, grief, and redemption. My wife and I loved the movie, shared it with our teen daughters, and told others about it. When I heard the movie was being turned into a short novel, I was skeptical. Would it capture the same feelings conveyed in the actors' faces and in the beautiful script? When I heard Lisa Samson was the one doing the novelization, my worries were laid to rest. This lady can write--and she writes from the heart. "Bella" is a wonderful book, bringing back to mind all the nuances of the film, while providing deeper backstory and motivation. With turns of a phrase, Samson adds new dimension to an already touching story. This can be read before seeing the film or after. Either way, it's sure to be enjoyed by those who like the romance of life in the midst of all its messiness.

well written novelization of the 2007 film

In New York, Jose was once a famous Mexican soccer player, but since the tragic accident four years ago he is not the same person. His career and his social life died along with another person, whom he visits at the cemetery all the time. That is when he is not cooking at older brother Robert's restaurant El Callejon. Nina is a waitress at the restaurant. She and the boy next door law school student Ryan exchanged emails that led to drinks and action; now one week after a lonely twenty-fifth birthday, she spends time throwing up. Her life besides being pregnant is cheap videos and cheaper take-out. Nina plans to get rid of the baby; Jose wants to help her anyway he can except support an abortion. Can these two lost souls help each other; Jose is determined that this is God's test of him while Nina remains in denial except for morning sickness. This is a well written novelization of the 2007 film. The story line is an entertaining contemporary drama starring two wounded warriors struggling with life. The support cast is powerful as the audience obtains a close look at a Mexican-American family. Fans of inspirational tales will appreciate BELLA as each of the lead couple sees the unborn in a different light; redemption or damnation. Harriet Klausner

Quality you count on from Lisa Samson

Jose, a famous soccer player, has been burned. At the peak of his career, a tragic accident has left him with deep scars. But this tragedy has also brought him back to God. Now a recluse, he battles his demons and works in his brother's store as a cook Soon an opportunity to partially right the wrongs he has committed is presented to him-and Jose must decide to seize it. Nina cannot believe that she has been careless enough to get pregnant without being married. A waitress at the same restaurant that Jose cooks at, she turns to him for help. Can Jose convince her to do the right thing? Bella is a beautiful story of love and hope and about finding beauty in the ashes of sorrow. It follows the lives of two broken souls. I really enjoyed this novelization. I especially enjoyed the characterization of Jose's family - a true Mexican family, with the family dinners, and the laughs. At times it is a struggle to keep track of the names and dates, particularly when more than one person has the same name. Ample footnotes help guide the reader. More than a novel, this book is a historical depiction of important and relevant events. Armchair Interviews says: Lisa Samson has done a wonderful job in writing this touching novel

Great Story

This adaptation from the original screenplay of Bella was excellent. I actually like the detail in the book better than the movie...it explained much more and the ending much clearer. I am a big fan of Lisa Samson's novels and I feel that she did a great job of capture the essence of the screenplay, yet adding her own touch to it. Even if you watch the DVD, you should read the book. In fact, I feel you should read the book first then watch the DVD. This is a book that will make you think and affect your life.