[.ca] On the Right Side of a Dream: A Novel (ISBN 0345464753)

Wonderful!:
ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF A DREAM by Sheila Williams June 5, 2005 ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF A DREAM by Sheila Williams is the story of Juanita Lewis, a woman who finds that after raising three children and catering to their whims and needs, realizes that it is now her turn. She is a middle aged African American woman who is now on a journey to find her inner self. So, one day she moves out of her home in Columbus, Ohio and eventually ends up in a small town called Paper Moon in the state of Montana. Life in Montana was a big change of scenery for her, and Juanita discovers that she loves living in this small town she now calls home. She meets Jess, who becomes the new man in her life, and also befriends an eccentric old lady named Millie Tilson, who has lived her life to the fullest and is still going strong. Juanita's best friend is a lesbian truck driver named Peaches, and it's because of her that Juanita travels around the western United States, meeting people that will influence her future. It's when she hears about Millie's death that Juanita finally returns home to Paper Moon, and finds that she's inherited the Bed and Breakfast inn that Millie ran. Juanita wants to continue what Millie started, but finds she has made an enemy in Millie's estranged son, who is trying to take over the B and B so he could tear it down to make a parking lot. I surprisingly found this novel a wonderful experience, as I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. While the first part of the novel meanders a bit as Peaches and Juanita travel through California and beyond, it helped set up the novel for what was to come, and I was able to appreciate that. While this book is probably labeled as African American Lit, it certainly had a different feel compared to the books by Eric Jerome Dickey as well as Terry McMillan. This is not a bad thing, and it was refreshing to read a new voice in this growing genre. I am definitely recommending this book, and hope to read her first novel, DANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF. Sheila Williams is a writer that I believe is going to go far.

Opportunity Knocks:
Juanita Lewis and many of her friends from Dancing on the Edge of the Roof return in the sequel, ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF A DREAM. Despite the fact that this book is a sequel, the author provides enough background so the book can stand alone. However, having read the first book, I think I had a better understanding of Juanita's history, which enhanced my reading experience. Juanita decided one day that she had had enough of her unfulfilled life, packed up and eventually found herself in Paper Moon, Montana. While in Paper Moon, she made new (very zany) friends, found romance, and really began to love and appreciate herself. As the story opens, Juanita is riding off with her friend Peaches, a young, lesbian truck driver, to see the West Coast for the very first time. As she continues to think about what her future holds, Juanita struggles with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. She hopes and prays that things will come together for her. Well, she soon learns to be careful what she wishes for. As job offers, educational opportunities, and a surprise inheritance emerge, she feels a bit overwhelmed. And just when she thinks she can't possibly deal with any more, drama from her family and the past she left behind emerge. As she navigates this journey, Juanita soon discovers and relates to readers that there are times in life for questions, times for answers, and sometimes answers just lead to more questions. Sheila Williams has written a thoughtfully crafted tale about a middle-aged woman's continued journey to self-discovery. Through Juanita's character, readers are reminded that everyone has fears and doubts, and that life is indeed a constantly evolving process. I loved being privy to Juanita's inner dialogue and her sarcastic wit. The only shortfall with this book was it's pacing, which at times was a little too slow for my tastes. ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF A DREAM is a mature read, and one that I really enjoyed. (RAW Rating: 3.5) Reviewed by Stacey Seay of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

If you haven't read this book, then you are missing out:
This book is the sequel to Dancing On the Edge of the Roof. Both books are excellent. In this sequel the main character further develops into this amazing indepedent woman that had no experience outside her home town of OHIO. I love the adventures that goes on and the people that surround her and support her. How many of us thought that it would be wonderful to packet it up and leave but stay because of our family obligations. Join in Juanita's search for love, happiness and adventure. You will not be disappointed.

Good Sequel:
Ms Williams is becoming one of my favorites; She write in an easy going style with humor and interest to keep you going; Well, this book brings us back to Juanita, who left Paper Moon, and got another adventure on her own, when Peaches take her to see the Pacific, and to her psychic, who get Juanita to take over the cooking while there until her dear old friend Millie Tilson dies, and has Juanita packing and going back to Montana and Jess; there she finds out that she is the owner, lock,stock and barrel of Millie's B & B, but gets some resistance in the form of Millie's stiff necked and upper lip, very British, very upper crust, son, complete with small entourage to challenge the will; Then at home, Juanita's daughter brings her home about a sick daughter,Telisha(won't divulge too much on that). And some things just don't change; But with new challenges, she comes out well in the end; Wouldn't mind seeing a third book;

On the Right Side of a Dream:
Okay, I was happy for this sequel but!! It was a little slow and I liked the juicyness of the first. I wanted Jess and her to marry. Okay you've guess it. I like love stories. This is still an awesome story that I wanted to go on and on.