Dancing with Strangers: A Memoir

by Mel Watkins

From a renowned editor of The New York Times comes a moving memoir that recounts his life from its start.

Beginning with his turbulent childhood as an African American coming of age in the 1950s and 1960s, Mel Watkins pens a poignant and powerful memoir of his life at all stages, including his relationship with his brother who was addicted to drugs and violence and his connection with his grandmother, who inspired him to reach for the sky.

“Mel Watkins has written a lovely book—warm and smart—that is much more than a memoir. Ohio and its black population have never been better served.” — Toni Morrison

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this book to fulfil the goal read a book by a local author. mel watkins grew up on the south side of youngstown. it is a memior of how he rose abouve his circumstance of race and poverty and went on to attend college. it takes place in the early 60's but i imagine a lot of his feelings would be the same today. i am proud to say that my son doesn't see race, but may others in the neighborhood still do. it was certainly a differant book than i would have chose to read normally, but it was informative and wasn't bad. it taught me a lot.

[Everett Egginton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My admiration for the author knows few, if any, limits. Incredibly accomplished despite all odds against him, Watkins has written a mesmerizing memoir that reads more like a beautifully written and very engaging novel. Hard to point down. The former editor and writer of the NY Times Book Review, Mel Watkins memoir is, in a word, memorable.

[Virginia Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author went to the same high school and graduated the year before I did. For that reason, I identified with some of the memoir, and was extremely interested in the journey taken by Mel from his early years in Youngstown until he became a man and graduated from college. It has given me a good perspective on those formative years plus much to reflect on. The resolution of his struggle to figure out where he fit into the world was very satisfying and I believe others could learn from his journey.

[Jim Willse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting if not compelling. Could have profited from one more writethrough to tighten and sharpen the focus.