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Summary: Finally, a home, a haven, of her own...
Review: I loved Opal, the main character in this wonderful new novel by Sheila. She married the wrong man and stayed with him even though he was cruel and physically abusive, because of her daughter, well maybe she does not really know why she stayed. She felt worthless, sad and afraid all of the time. Imani, her daughter, grows up and eventually Opal leaves, this time for good. How does she begin again? Opal's new home is big enough for other people who need a safe haven. An eclectic case of characters are described with humor and compassion. I was uplifted by Opal's journey from pain to empowerment and I know you will be too. If you enjoyed Dancing on the Edge of the Roof, don't miss this terrific new work by Sheila Williams.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I read this book in one day. It was so easy to read and to watch Opal become a helper to so many women was refreshing. I was glad the book was not very graphic in regards to the abuse she endured. It instead focused on her survival and coming into her own. I would definitely recommend this book to read. It was a real page turner.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I read this book in one day. It was so easy to read and to watch Opal become a helper to so many women was refreshing. I was glad the book was not very graphic in regards to the abuse she endured. It instead focused on her survival and coming into her own. I would definitely recommend this book to read. It was a real page turner.
Rating: 
Summary: Good
Review: I really liked this book, but I didn't think it was as good as Dancing on the edge of the Roof. I wish she gone into more detail of the emotions battered women face when they leave their abusive husbands. The author could have expanded more on Gloria's, Opal's boarder, struggle between rebuilding her life and her guilt for not going back to her son's father. I think Opal's husband would have been more realistic if he hadn't always been so hostile. Often abusive husbands try to woo back their wives once they've left, Opal's husband does not attemtpt to do that. Also, I would have liked Imani to have been a little angry with her mother not leaving sooner. Overall I thought the book tried very hard and did a good job of explaining the complexities of leaving an abusive relationship. I think Ms. Williams made it clear that leaving an abusive relationship involves more than just physically picking up and leaving. I like that in both of Ms. Williams books her lead characters are middle aged women who are just discovering themselves. Ms. Williams really seems to be able to write about women who are on the edge in gripping, beautiful language.
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Summary: beautiful book
Review: In the last couple of years Black fiction has been dominated by sex comedies and street life novels. The Shade of My Own Tree is a blessed relief. It's a finely written book about real life and a woman that many of us can relate to. Opal has finally gotten the strength to run from decades of abuse in her miserable marriage. Slowly she recovers herself and begins to build the life she always wanted and deserved. This book has a brave, resilient heroine, side characters who aren't cardbook stereotypes and it has a great story. Sheila Williams has written a book she can be very proud of.
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Summary: For every woman in search of her own life
Review: In under THE SHADE OF MY OWN TREE we sit with Opal Sullivan as she tells the story of why she set out on her quest for her own life; of the solitary confinement of her marriage; her husband's constant belittlement of her spirit, & his beatings. Even after her daughter is born the battering continues, & so Opal becomes "there but not there, lurking around the edges of my daughter's life" (Page 10) for 20 long years. & if she thought that was tough, then the divorce lawyer gets his digs in too. It takes quite a while before Opal finds she has the soul of an artist, before she develops the irreverence of a stand-up Feminist, & her mind begins to work again. Before she knows it she's become an inquisitive, earthy being. Oh, & by the way, Opal is African-American. THE SHADE OF MY OWN TREE is one of the best stories about domestic violence, its appalling cost & how one woman got out from under it. RebeccasReads hopes it becomes a "must read" for Reading Groups everywhere because it is dangerous, exciting, funny, filled with redemption & well written.
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Summary: Getting Your Identity Back
Review: Sheila Williams has come back at us with, The Shade of My Own Tree. Domestic abuse is something that not every woman or man has a chance to walk away from. If they are lucky to do so, starting over may not be as easy as they envisioned. Will they be able to make it? Be able to stay strong and not go back to the abuser? Opal Sullivan made that choice to walk away and start over before it was too late. This is her journey to reclaiming her identity.
What seems to be a trend in William's stories, you meet a rainbow of characters. From the eccentric Bette Smith, the adventurous vampire slaying Troy, the moving rag mat dog Bear, to the mysterious woman in black living in the coach house. One big step for Opal, after leaving her husband, Ted, was finding a place of her own. That came in an old Victorian by the river, that looked as if it had seen better days. Like Opal, the house and its occupants, were on a road of discoveries and second chances. Opal rediscovers her passion for painting, and love where she least expected.
There were times when the story lulled, but Ms. Williams has a way with words that keeps you tugging on. This is a great story of people learning to lean on each other and ask for the help that they thought they would never receive. Thus reclaiming themselves.
Jacki
R.E.A.L. Reviewers
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Summary: Out -Freakin- Standing!
Review: Sheila Williams has delivered another outstanding adventure of a women on a personal journey. In Dancing on the Edge of the Roof, her debut novel; Juanita Lewis' adventure starts on a bus ride to nowhere. Opal Sullivan the protagnist in The Shade of My Own Tree adventure begins at a yellow house on Burning Church Road. I once heard someone say that God promised everything we need is already in us. After fifteen years of physical, sexual, mental and verbal abuse Opal finds within her what she needs to handle life when it gets out of control. She is joined by a plethora of colorful characters who could pass for a little devil, a vampire and a knight in shining armor. Fortunately for Ms Sullivan these characters are her allies and teach her how to find a nice place in the shade. Ms. Williams vivid writing style will keep you entertained from cover to cover. She has satiated the taste buds of this avid reader.
Rating:
Summary: The Tree of Life
Review: Sheila Williams' second offering of a down on her luck woman packs the same punch as her first offering, Dancing On the Edge of the Roof. The Shade of My Own Tree introduces Opal Sullivan, a mentally and physically battered divorcee trying to decide what to do with her life. Williams expertly takes us back in time to relive Opal's life as a young mother and wife forced to sever ties with her extended family. After purchasing a dilapidated house in Appalachia, Opal puts in motion the necessary renovations to take in female boarders temporarily. While the core of the novel highlights Opal's strengths coupled with the reservations of putting her dreams in motion, Williams showcases some very zany characters that add much-needed humor to Opal's situation. These characters allow Opal to offer a helping hand in their lives while Opal gets a glimpse of the person she once was. What better person to help a battered woman than a former battered woman. With witty dialogue, a helping hand from Opal and from the boarders and other new friends, Sheila Williams offers hope for everyday women with a renewed energy. Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
APOOO BookClub
Rating:
Summary: The Tree of Life
Review: Sheila Williams' second offering of a down on her luck woman packs the same punch as her first offering, Dancing On the Edge of the Roof. The Shade of My Own Tree introduces Opal Sullivan, a mentally and physically battered divorcee trying to decide what to do with her life. Williams expertly takes us back in time to relive Opal's life as a young mother and wife forced to sever ties with her extended family. After purchasing a dilapidated house in Appalachia, Opal puts in motion the necessary renovations to take in female boarders temporarily. While the core of the novel highlights Opal's strengths coupled with the reservations of putting her dreams in motion, Williams showcases some very zany characters that add much-needed humor to Opal's situation. These characters allow Opal to offer a helping hand in their lives while Opal gets a glimpse of the person she once was. What better person to help a battered woman than a former battered woman. With witty dialogue, a helping hand from Opal and from the boarders and other new friends, Sheila Williams offers hope for everyday women with a renewed energy. Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
APOOO BookClub
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