What do you think?
Rate this book
Dancing on the Edge of the Roof
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, projects as the moon. She wants adventure and excitement–if such things exist for a pre-menopausal African American woman with three grown, deadbeat children.
Juanita’s new life in Paper Moon, Montana, begins at a local diner where a culinary face-off with chef and owner Jess Gardiner finds Juanita in front of Jess’s stove serving up home cookin’ that lures the townsfolk like a magic spell. And suddenly Juanita, who was just passin’ through, now has a job by popular demand.
Out here in this wide-open space, Juanita’s heart can no longer hide, especially when she sees herself through the eyes of the wonderful and eccentric people of this down-to-earth town. She’s happy in Paper Moon; she’s found a home, but can she stay? And then there’s Jess. She has always dreamed of romance, but she never planned on falling in love.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Juanita’s new life in Paper Moon, Montana, begins at a local diner where a culinary face-off with chef and owner Jess Gardiner finds Juanita in front of Jess’s stove serving up home cookin’ that lures the townsfolk like a magic spell. And suddenly Juanita, who was just passin’ through, now has a job by popular demand.
Out here in this wide-open space, Juanita’s heart can no longer hide, especially when she sees herself through the eyes of the wonderful and eccentric people of this down-to-earth town. She’s happy in Paper Moon; she’s found a home, but can she stay? And then there’s Jess. She has always dreamed of romance, but she never planned on falling in love.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
94 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 14, 2015
I absolutely loved every word of this story. I hated for it to end, craved more, but was still satisfied with the ending. I smiled, laughed, felt Juanita's heartache and pain, rooted for her, and turned the last page with a sigh. An excellent "coming of middle age" read. Highly recommend!!!
Adrienne Thompson
Author of Ain't Nobody
Adrienne Thompson
Author of Ain't Nobody
March 20, 2019
I chose to read this book because someone had me watch a new movie on Netflix called Jaunita. The book was just as comical as the movie, but there were some distinct differences. Like the daydreams and writing in the notebooks. I do not want to give too much of the movie away, but it is really worth reading and or watching. This book is a feel good read and also motivational. There is really an important lesson in the story line for those who cannot seem to ever put themselves first. Everyone deserves happiness and to be in a good mental state to accept it. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good up beat read.
January 26, 2015
This book teaches us what it is like to start over in life. Juanita Lewis at forty-two decides her life could be more fulfilling and adventurous after books are introduced to her life by chance. She knew that happiness, joy, or contentment will not come to her. She must seek it out. Taking a bold move to an unknown place called Paper Moon, Montana from Columbus, Ohio was her bold move.
Montana with its spacious skies and steep covered top mountains and lustrous green valley brought peace and fear to her soul. One deep secret she had was fear of open spaces.
The total disrespect she received from her three adult kids was evidence of a tired mother who had lost her direction in life. It was unforgivable the way her second son, Rashawn, treated and spoke to his mother. Rashawn was just a half step from prison. Bertie, her daughter, thinking no more of her than a babysitting service or an ATM machine, in other words a door mat. Her eldest son, Randy, in prison presumably lost.
With the help of the residents of Paper Moon, Montana and Jeff Gardiner her true love who opened her eyes to the fact she deserved to be happy.
And for the first time in her life a person asked “What do you want?”
She founds happiest leads you to finding a place and purpose in life. As a by-product, it helped her kids, except for Randy, find their place.
Well written novel with descriptive details of the characters. It was an easy read. I loved the way she integrated a society of various ethic groups into a community that was believable and wholesome. I can not wait until Ms. Williams publish her second novel.
Montana with its spacious skies and steep covered top mountains and lustrous green valley brought peace and fear to her soul. One deep secret she had was fear of open spaces.
The total disrespect she received from her three adult kids was evidence of a tired mother who had lost her direction in life. It was unforgivable the way her second son, Rashawn, treated and spoke to his mother. Rashawn was just a half step from prison. Bertie, her daughter, thinking no more of her than a babysitting service or an ATM machine, in other words a door mat. Her eldest son, Randy, in prison presumably lost.
With the help of the residents of Paper Moon, Montana and Jeff Gardiner her true love who opened her eyes to the fact she deserved to be happy.
And for the first time in her life a person asked “What do you want?”
She founds happiest leads you to finding a place and purpose in life. As a by-product, it helped her kids, except for Randy, find their place.
Well written novel with descriptive details of the characters. It was an easy read. I loved the way she integrated a society of various ethic groups into a community that was believable and wholesome. I can not wait until Ms. Williams publish her second novel.
February 15, 2008
What a delightful book this was!
It is told in first person and is the story of Juanita Louis. A mother of three grown children who slowly sees her life passing her by. A nurse's aide, she becomes the inheritor of a library of paperback novels of a former patient. The books open up a whole new world for Juanita, a world of possibilities.
In a move that I have often wished I could do, Juanita quits her thankless job, packs her clothes, says good bye to her thankless children, looks at a map, picks a place at random and decides to travel there.
Landing in Paper Moon, Montana, Juanita pauses on her journey for a bite to eat. Finding a diner that serves only "new-velle" cuisine, Juanita is outraged that she can't get a simple plate of eggs and bacon for breakfast. So she gets up and cooks her own, much to the delights and secret longing on the other patrons in the diner.
What follows is a lovely story of a woman, a town, and people who interact in wonderful ways.
I read this book in one sitting and am eagerly looking forward to reading the sequel.
It is told in first person and is the story of Juanita Louis. A mother of three grown children who slowly sees her life passing her by. A nurse's aide, she becomes the inheritor of a library of paperback novels of a former patient. The books open up a whole new world for Juanita, a world of possibilities.
In a move that I have often wished I could do, Juanita quits her thankless job, packs her clothes, says good bye to her thankless children, looks at a map, picks a place at random and decides to travel there.
Landing in Paper Moon, Montana, Juanita pauses on her journey for a bite to eat. Finding a diner that serves only "new-velle" cuisine, Juanita is outraged that she can't get a simple plate of eggs and bacon for breakfast. So she gets up and cooks her own, much to the delights and secret longing on the other patrons in the diner.
What follows is a lovely story of a woman, a town, and people who interact in wonderful ways.
I read this book in one sitting and am eagerly looking forward to reading the sequel.
May 20, 2019
When I found out the Juanita Netflix movie was adapted from this novel, I decided to pick this up since the author was unfamiliar and I like to read the source material before I watch the movie. Pretty basic writing full of African American stereotypes and tropes (reminded me of a few books released in the 90s). This one added a nice twist by having a Black woman, inspired by a new found love of reading, abruptly pick up and go to get away from her Ohio hood, and head to Montana.
Wasn't a fan of the writing but the ending was very cute and gave me a warm, homey feeling. Looking forward to watching the movie.
Wasn't a fan of the writing but the ending was very cute and gave me a warm, homey feeling. Looking forward to watching the movie.
April 28, 2019
Dancing on the Edge of the Roof is one of the few contemporary books published in recent years that contains what I call the coming-of-age-again experiences of middle-aged people.
African-American single mother and grandmother Juanita Louis has decided to run away from an unhappy life in inner-city Ohio. She heads out west and stops in the tiny town of Paper Moon, Montana. Suddenly surrounded by the vast Plains, splendid pine forests, and clear lakes, Juanita experiences fulfillment for the first time in her life. All her dreams are coming true: freedom, a great job, eccentric new friends, and a new man. A budding writer and traveler, she is determined to conquer her fears and live adventurously.
I enjoyed this story, and I was glad to discover a sequel On the Right Side of a Dream and the Netflix film, "Juanita" (with Alfre Woodard).
3 stars.
African-American single mother and grandmother Juanita Louis has decided to run away from an unhappy life in inner-city Ohio. She heads out west and stops in the tiny town of Paper Moon, Montana. Suddenly surrounded by the vast Plains, splendid pine forests, and clear lakes, Juanita experiences fulfillment for the first time in her life. All her dreams are coming true: freedom, a great job, eccentric new friends, and a new man. A budding writer and traveler, she is determined to conquer her fears and live adventurously.
I enjoyed this story, and I was glad to discover a sequel On the Right Side of a Dream and the Netflix film, "Juanita" (with Alfre Woodard).
3 stars.
January 22, 2024
Great book! Looking forward to seeing the movie now. I loved Juanita’s journey. It’s never too late to find happiness.
April 8, 2017
I was so excited about the book, On the Right Side of a Dream, that I was compelled to order the other books by Sheila Williams. And, too, a member of the FB Page Turners online book club, said I would enjoy this as well as her other work, The Shade of my Own Tree. On the Right Side of a Dream acquainted me with Juanita and her encounters in Paper Moon, Montana. I wanted to know more about how she chose the destination as well as more about her life prior to leaving OH and how she came to know Peaches.
Here, in the first book, I found out how she came to the understanding that something had to change. I also found out more about her upbringing and past relationships. There were a number of quotes that can prove to be an unraveling for many or an awakening for others. Juanita wrote "I may not be much to you, but to myself, I'm enough." I think that says a lot...and it's probably our thoughts at one time or another when we get stuck. Secondly, she wrote "it's hard to know where to go when you haven't been anywhere." She was speaking literally. But, figuratively speaking, "if people are forever giving of themselves to others/taking care of others, it's difficult to make yourself a priority!" Great lesson..."give some of you to you." Like Juanita, I believe "life is more than walking on eggshells and talking in a whisper!" It's a vast world out there..much to see..much to learn.
Here, in the first book, I found out how she came to the understanding that something had to change. I also found out more about her upbringing and past relationships. There were a number of quotes that can prove to be an unraveling for many or an awakening for others. Juanita wrote "I may not be much to you, but to myself, I'm enough." I think that says a lot...and it's probably our thoughts at one time or another when we get stuck. Secondly, she wrote "it's hard to know where to go when you haven't been anywhere." She was speaking literally. But, figuratively speaking, "if people are forever giving of themselves to others/taking care of others, it's difficult to make yourself a priority!" Great lesson..."give some of you to you." Like Juanita, I believe "life is more than walking on eggshells and talking in a whisper!" It's a vast world out there..much to see..much to learn.
February 17, 2019
I devoured every single moment of this book! *Squeals in delight. Who hasn't thought of packing up and leaving life behind? Juanita did that! I understood her exhaustion from the daily grind of life, her disgust at being taken for granted, and I cheered for her as she gathered her courage and took the plunge. Taking that journey with her out of town on the greyhound, to a tiny town across the country was thrilling. I felt like i could taste the fresh air, see the landscape, and feel the powerful emotions that came with shedding her old life.
I don't want to give away too much, but this had me laughing out loud, cringing, and rooting for Juanita.
I don't want to give away too much, but this had me laughing out loud, cringing, and rooting for Juanita.
June 22, 2019
So much better than the Netflix movie! Loved it!
January 16, 2020
Rich. Significant. Immersive. Resonant.
Great narration.
Great narration.
July 29, 2024
I loved the theme of this book which is to do the thing you’re scared to do and revamping/ starting over and i loved that Juanita was a low income hospital aide single mother Of 3 and grandmother . Why ? Because I think too often stories focus on middle class or upper middle class women or women who make the right decisions more than not who happen to start over and in this story Juanita life is a mess but how Juanita starts over is very realistic and I think it helps you to see that change can happen with a change of heart and a mind to do it and change doesn’t have to be extravagant …BUTTTT towards the middle and ending this book becomes very ummmmm MATURE borderline boring which was a bummer because I loved how it started. The story was engaging but the storyline toward the middle and end was kind of felt like it was for the 55+ up crowd and though I was shocked by Juanita choice in the end idk it still was kinda corny.
I’m not interested in reading the sequel or watching the movie on Netflix BUT I really loved Juanita courage to start over and it made me relook at areas in my life where I haven’t been doing the “scary things”.
I don’t necessarily recommend this but if you’re thinking of starting over and redoing your life than this story may be for you but I warn you if you’re looking for drama and a thrill this book isn’t it . More reflective than anything.
I’m not interested in reading the sequel or watching the movie on Netflix BUT I really loved Juanita courage to start over and it made me relook at areas in my life where I haven’t been doing the “scary things”.
I don’t necessarily recommend this but if you’re thinking of starting over and redoing your life than this story may be for you but I warn you if you’re looking for drama and a thrill this book isn’t it . More reflective than anything.
August 26, 2019
Dancing on the Edge of the Roof is a story about a courageous woman. I saw the film Juanita on Netflix and saw it came from a novel, so I had to find it and read it. Books are always better than movies!
Awesome film!
Awesome film!
April 15, 2019
I enjoyed this. A nice easy read for the start of my week off. Pity the film adaptation wasn't better but the source material is pretty good! Should have read this first!
August 17, 2019
Loved it
This was just what I needed. I am so glad that it was made into a movie or I wouldn't have known about the book.
This was just what I needed. I am so glad that it was made into a movie or I wouldn't have known about the book.
January 29, 2024
Great story! Loved it from start to finish!
Hope, love, courage, strength. The main character Juanita found all of that by overcoming what holds most of us back... FEAR. Once we overcome that the rest seems to follow, it's just taking the first steps to start a new adventure in life. Uplifting and fun. Great read!
Hope, love, courage, strength. The main character Juanita found all of that by overcoming what holds most of us back... FEAR. Once we overcome that the rest seems to follow, it's just taking the first steps to start a new adventure in life. Uplifting and fun. Great read!
March 25, 2019
I really liked this book for the story, the characters and the writing. The story was unique and I was interested in the setting and how Juanita was going to get along. The writing was clear and precise easy read in a very good way. I had a clear image of settings from the authors description and she knew her characters who seemed very real, like someone I could know.
I would very much like to head west to Paper Moon.
I would very much like to head west to Paper Moon.
August 1, 2024
I kept singing “I wanna go missing. I need a prescription,” while listening to this one.
“Dancing on the edge of the roof,” is an adorable book. Juanita*, a 42 year old mama, runs away from home to embark on a new adventure. I love how she is slightly irritated with everyone and everything. How mf relatable is that!! Her “move,just let me do it,” attitude lands her a new job, new friends and the courage to keep exploring.
I assume this book is for black women in the middle of their lives, who take care of their kids, to their own detriment at times. I would recommend it to any mom who wants to spread their wings for the first time.
*Juanita is the title of a Netflix movie adaptation of this book.
“Dancing on the edge of the roof,” is an adorable book. Juanita*, a 42 year old mama, runs away from home to embark on a new adventure. I love how she is slightly irritated with everyone and everything. How mf relatable is that!! Her “move,just let me do it,” attitude lands her a new job, new friends and the courage to keep exploring.
I assume this book is for black women in the middle of their lives, who take care of their kids, to their own detriment at times. I would recommend it to any mom who wants to spread their wings for the first time.
*Juanita is the title of a Netflix movie adaptation of this book.
August 24, 2021
A breath of fresh air
I loved this one. It was like a breath of fresh air and a coming of age novel for a middle aged woman seeking anew, but still close enough to still love unconditionally. I didn’t want this to end!
I loved this one. It was like a breath of fresh air and a coming of age novel for a middle aged woman seeking anew, but still close enough to still love unconditionally. I didn’t want this to end!
July 2, 2019
When this book ended I teared up! The ending was so touching and beautiful that I didn't want it to end. Although you do get a sense of what the future holds for Ms. Juanita! Sheila Williams does a fantastic job on Dancing on the Edge of the Roof! Heart warming, thought provoking, and real look on life and the relationship of people around us. This has become one of my favorites of 2019! It had me laughing out loud, shaking my head, and just falling in love with Juanita. I can not pick out any part of the book that was a favorite as I loved it all. I actually watched the movie Juanita first and the movie made me look to see if there was a book that surrounded it and when I found the book I was excited. I loved the movie, but the book blows the movie out of the water! The book goes into so much more that I was left being disappointed in the movie wishing they stuck to the book hahahaha. I loved Juanita, Millie, Jess, Peaches, and the whole crew. The world building was fabulous bringing you right there along for the journey. The character's were so real and easy to connect to you felt like you knew them for years. The book was just a journey of one woman who was fed up with the norm and decided to be a heroine and find herself! She does it, just picks up and leaves her daily life, points to a spot on a map, and off she goes. On the way she discovers things she didn't know much about, see's more of the world besides her home in the projects of Columbus, OH, and in the process rediscovers herself. Lizan Mitchell does a fantastic job narrating the story really bringing so much emotion and energy to the story. Sheila Williams and Lizan Mitchell make an awesome team! Highly recommend this book and I also just found out there is a sequel to it titled On the Right Side of a Dream that follows Juanita's journey's after Dancing on the Edge of the Roof!
February 7, 2010
Running Away,
Juanita, a mother and grandmother, has worked hard providing for her family, while neglecting to have a life of her own. Everyday she does the same old thing. When Mrs. Berman, a patient at the hospital where Juanita works, passes away. While helping her daughter pack her things, Juanita comes across some books. Instead of throwing the books out, she takes the books home and begins reading them. All of a sudden, Juanita has a new attitude.
Juanita leaves her job, her grown spoiled children, takes the few pennies she had and decided to travel. She winds up in Paper Moon, Montana, a small town with people who seemingly welcome her right in. Jesse Gardiner, the owner of the diner, is the most helpful in Juanita's journey of self discovery.
I picked up "Dancing on the Edge of the Roof" and was able to finish it in one sitting. It's an inspiring read that challenges you to try something different. I highly recommend it!!!!!!
Reviewed by: Carmen
Juanita, a mother and grandmother, has worked hard providing for her family, while neglecting to have a life of her own. Everyday she does the same old thing. When Mrs. Berman, a patient at the hospital where Juanita works, passes away. While helping her daughter pack her things, Juanita comes across some books. Instead of throwing the books out, she takes the books home and begins reading them. All of a sudden, Juanita has a new attitude.
Juanita leaves her job, her grown spoiled children, takes the few pennies she had and decided to travel. She winds up in Paper Moon, Montana, a small town with people who seemingly welcome her right in. Jesse Gardiner, the owner of the diner, is the most helpful in Juanita's journey of self discovery.
I picked up "Dancing on the Edge of the Roof" and was able to finish it in one sitting. It's an inspiring read that challenges you to try something different. I highly recommend it!!!!!!
Reviewed by: Carmen
July 18, 2018
I heard about this book on The Talk from Alfre Woodard. She loved the book so much that she told her husband the only thing she wanted for her birthday was the rights to the book. Now she is working on making it into a movie. I can't wait to see it. I laughed through the whole book and had to read passages out loud to Grace. The characters are all great and diverse. The main character, Juanita, is a feisty 42 year old mother and grandmother who wants more after discovering the love of books late in her life. She decides to go on an adventure and write her own book.
May 10, 2021
After watching the movie "Juanita" starring Alfre Woodard, I was surprised to find that it was based on this book. It was a delightful, perfect summer read about a Black woman looking for more than what life was giving her and in her quest to fuel the wanderlust in her soul, she finds more than she could have imagined.
January 13, 2022
I think this just became my new favorite. I absolutely loved this story. I related with Juanita in so many ways. Even though we are so different, we share a world of experiences. This character somehow made me feel understood. The impression left by this heartfelt story and beautiful character will, for me, last a lifetime.
June 28, 2020
I love the book and the movie, even if I watched the film first. The book has more details about her Juanitas background and her kids' as well.
Nice summer read with some deep thoughts.
Highly recommended!!!
Nice summer read with some deep thoughts.
Highly recommended!!!
July 27, 2021
Feel good inspiration book
I really enjoyed the dialogue, scenery and the message to get out there and live. If you’re not happy with your situation then go out and find a better on that suits you
I really enjoyed the dialogue, scenery and the message to get out there and live. If you’re not happy with your situation then go out and find a better on that suits you
March 19, 2008
A very pleasant read!
September 17, 2018
An okay story
It was an easy read. There were a few sections where the story seemed inconsistent, but it was a pleasant read
It was an easy read. There were a few sections where the story seemed inconsistent, but it was a pleasant read
August 13, 2020
Very close to the Movie...more detail
I loved how you could "see" Juanita's growth as a person without the author having to spell it out. Good read.
I loved how you could "see" Juanita's growth as a person without the author having to spell it out. Good read.
June 15, 2021
I listened to this on Audible - light, fun, easy read. Narration on Audible often made me smile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews