Dancing on the Edge of the Roof: A Novel (the basis for the film Juanita)

by Sheila Williams

Book Overview

" Dancing on the Edge of the Roof kept my heart and mind dancing through the pages. Sheila Williams, with her talent for detailed storytelling, expertly takes the reader on a poignant and humorous quest for self."--Lori Bryant-Woolridge, author of Read Between the Lies At forty-one, Juanita Lewis is running away from home, courtesy of a one-way ticket to Montana, a place that seems about as far away from the violence and poverty of the Columbus, Ohio,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034545930X
• ISBN13: 9780345459305
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

What We Fear, We Create...

I am sure many of us have heard this Dr. Phil-ism. I believe it is true in all its forms--self-fulfilling prophecies and such. DANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF is a simple, straight-forward book, and readers will benefit from its eloquence. Exaggerated, overblown writing may have its place, but Sheila Williams' first book will have a place in your spirit. Strip away the main character's (Jaunita Louis') skin color, occupation, neighborhood--all of the superficial things that can separate us from her story, and we will see ourselves. Facing the same challenges. On the same journey toward fulfillment. What I got from DANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF was a lesson: Do everything you fear to do. Get locks or a long weave, if you must. Learn to merengue. Take a trip to northern China. Study at an institution for culinary arts or interior design. Take your vacation in Fiji. Have a baby at 40. Get your MBA at 54. Do it all, because this is the only life we get. Even those who believe in a second life cannot be sure, so we ought to make the best of this world, this life's opportunities. I was reminded that I cannot blame anyone but me if I don't take those chances in life that will, in the end, make me the best form of myself that I can achieve. Good For The Soul.

fine contemporary romance with an insightful family drama

In Columbus, Ohio forty-two years old African-American Juanita Lewis is disappointed with her two sons and daughter. Rashawn is a drug dealer; Randy is doing time; and Bertie does the clubs ignoring her baby. To flee from her belief that she failed at parenting 101, Juanita escapes into romance novels where she fantasizes of a different life for her and her family, and when she is honest with herself, just her. Unable to cope with the latest disenchantment and encouraged by her novels, Juanita quits her nurses aide job and takes a bus to escape from her dismal home life. The name sounds romantic and her bus companion mentioned it, so she gets off in Paper Moon, Montana. At the local diner Juanita defeats owner Jess Gardiner in a cook off by providing a simple menu rather than his upper crust bill of fare for the patrons. Soon everyone wants to eat at the diner. Juanita enjoys rustication even conversing with her landlady's cats. Jess begins courting her and they fall in love. DANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF is a fantastic contemporary romance with an insightful family drama that actually comes alive though the perceptions of the heroine. Though the metamorphosis of Juanita from nurturing care-taker to strong "I am woman" seems impossible yet Sheila Williams makes it believable as if Juanita "snapped" in a positive way as she realizes that there is got to be more to life than this and decides to find it. The story line is amusing with its serious message to respect yourself while the J duet fuss, fight, and fall in love within this fine second chance at life. Harriet Klausner

Reading on the Edge of the Roof....

My review title is just what I felt like doing...when I read this book! I wanted to escape and devour it...which I did. I am not embarrassed to share with the world that I read this book, in my car...while working. (it was that GOOD!) I was introduced to Sheila's work by someone in the literary industry during a literary retreat in Savannah, GA. I started reading the book a week after I returned home and in less than 2 full days, I was done with it. It is a wonderfully written story of a mother (Juanita) who simply walks away from her (3) trifling kids...to get her own life back..or better yet...to start a new life. The best part of the novel (and it's good all the way through) was...the fact that READING is what changed this woman's life. That was very powerful to me as an avid reader because I can testify that reading has helped me in so many ways over the years. This woman leaves with a one way ticket to a place she's never been to or heard of...which speaks to the notion of her NOT being afraid to step out the box! What awaited her in Paper Moon...was the life she needed and deserved. This book is small in size but a heavy hitter for sure. I assure you..if you purchase this one, you won't be disappointed. I am looking forward to meeting the author soon as well and to reading her second novel. (real soon)

Sometimes you just have to leave.

Juanita has had enough of her unhappy life. Her adult children are draining her, always taking her for granted. One son is selling drugs out of her project apartment. Her daughters' teenaged pregnancy resulted in a baby that she seems to think is now Juanita's responsibility. Her eldest son is in jail and his phone calls are just to ask for money. Juanita starts reading romance novels about beautiful people with beautiful lives. One day she decides to leave. Maybe it won't be like in a romance novel, but it has to be better than her current reality. She buys a one way ticket to Paper Moon, Montana to begin a brand new adventure. I loved being along for the ride.

Feed the Living

This novel is basic,so often the responsibilities of a woman's life are larger in her own mind than in reality. It's inspiring because it made me see what's really valuable inside can almost disappear without our knowledge. I want others to read this novel to get a fresh look at what the people surrounding them may really represent. It's a fast, fun, totally thought provoking read. I look forward to more of the stories of Sheila Williams.