The Shade of My Own Tree
by Sheila Williams
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sheila WilliamsEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-08-26
ISBN: 0345465172
Number of pages: 244
Publisher: One World/Ballantine
Book Reviews of The Shade of My Own Tree
Book Review: The Tree of Life
Summary: 5 Stars
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
Summary of The Shade of My Own Tree
Beloved author Sheila Williams beautifully captures the bittersweet humor and vivid adventures of women who survive the worst life can toss at them?and fight back to claim their right to be free, to be themselves, and to live in . . .The courage to change doesn?t come easy. When Opal Sullivan walks out on an abusive husband after fifteen years, she has only her dreams in her pocket. Her new beginning starts in Appalachian River country, where she sees a bit of herself in a graceful but dilapidated house. Like Opal, the house is worn-out and somewhat beaten up, but it still stands proudly and deserves a second chance.
So Opal opens her doors?and her heart?to a parade of unforgettable characters. There?s sassy Bette Smith with her cantaloupe-colored hair and four-inch heels; short-tempered Gloria and her devilish son, Troy; the mysterious Dana, who dresses in black and keeps exclusively nocturnal hours; a dog named ?Bear? who is afraid of his own shadow; and Jack, who doesn?t mind hanging out with an OBBWA (old black broad with an attitude). It is Jack who helps Opal understand a funny thing about life: You can?t move forward if you keep looking back. . . .
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