An interesting and entertaining novel based on the author's family and their unique emigration experience. Ma-Bertha and Pa-Nathan, literally RAISE THE ROOF in Chicago. He ascends from poverty to a top-notch roofer, sheet metal man, a successful businessman but not without emergency help from Bertha. She is summoned to come to America to marry him and help care for nine children. Tragically, his first wife, Ma's sister Pessie, has died. Bertha eventually becomes the amazing bala-busta (homemaker), the caring Mom to a total of thirteen offspring. The family raises the roof amid the Bagel Belt bustle on Chicago's West Side as no other family can, due in part to sheer numbers. The reader will encounter excitement, sadness, surprise, humor, and then some as Nathan and Bertha wrestle with their problems.

Many of the entanglements are revealed in their private conversations, you will read in the book. Some of which involve her fleeing from home, his battles with the children, his battles with their teachers, as well as his battles with doctors and lawyers, and mainly his conscience. One of his schemes involves his attempt to kidnap his wife. On more than one occasion, his children conspire to overturn his major decision. Through it all, the author "accentuates the positive.".