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Reader Comments on The Dead Don’t Dance
Posted in Reader Comments on Thu, April 14, 2005
If you have read The Dead Don’t Dance please post your thoughts by adding a comment.
I picked up this book by chance in the “Christian Fiction” section of my local library & was immediately hooked. I could not put it down & the minute I finished it, I looked up Charles Martin on the web. When I saw that there was a sequel ("Maggie"), I was on my way to the library!!! I guess I’m your newest fan - I’ve told all my “reader” friends! Thanks for showing us a strong “manly-man” / husband with a tender heart in Dylan. Keep writing!!
Yes, ditto to Cati - this was actually my third book of Charles Martin and each one seems to get better, even though this one was the first written. How heartwarming and loving - very tender moments and very realistic ones with his beloved friendship with Amos! Five stars and then some. Thank you for touching my heart.
I just wanted to share that this novel is one of the best I have read in a long time. I am a slow reader, and on average it takes me about 2 months to finish an average sized novel. However, I read this book in three days. I could not put it down. I just love how he intertwines tragedy with hope and love. Since I am a college student, I could relate to some of the college students in his class. I really enjoyed how spunky and refreshing those characters were. Thank you Mr. Martin for writing such an amazing book.
Just finished this book and I’m still glowing inside. It’s wonderful to see fiction that makes your soul soar and praises God without preaching to you. I got more from this book than from sitting in on a sermon for a year of Sundays.....can’t wait to read more!
P.S.) The passage about the Little Drummer Boy really got me-- I’ve always wondered the same thing.
My sister-in-law placed When Crickets Cry in my hands a week ago--by far one of the best books I’ve read this decade. However, one of my favorite things to do is to read first novels--so I went to the library and searched out The Dead Don’t Dance (and Maggie, and Wrapped in Rain...all that they had in!). It turned out that they only had it available in large print--not such a bad thing being as how I’m pushing 50 and my “readers” aren’t really cutting the mustard. For the life of me though, that large print made me think of all the children’s books I’ve read. While I l-o-v-e-d The Dead Don’t Dance, and Maggie as well, I was amazed at the leap your writing took between those novels and When Crickets Cry. I pray that you are not insulted by that, b/c they were both fine books, but, you are getting better and better--tighter, cleaner, deeper.
Last w/e, I gave my MIL a copy of When Crickets Cry for her birthday, and today, the more (selfish) and precious treasure arrived at my house, my own copy to keep so that I can share the copy so generously shared with me. I’m a quarter of the way into Wrapped in Rain. All I can say is “Bravo!” and “Thank you.”
I have commented on the other books I have read--about how When Crickets Cry made me think of my newborn son--but this one also hit home because of the loss of previous children through miscarriage , adopting a child & then hemorrhaging during my son’s delivery that left me very sick. I can’t believe how much these books hit a cord in my life & the struggles & triumphs we face in our lives.
I can’t wait to continue reading and being inspired. Keep them coming!
Just read The Dead Don’t Dance and loved it. I had not read one of your books but had seen a good review on Chasing Fireflies. I had written it down and couldn’t find it at the library so took The Dead Don’t Dance. Can’t tell you when I’ve read a book that made me laugh, cry and feel like I was right there in Digger. The characters were all so real! I will be reading the rest of your books and telling everyone about them.
Was this ever made into a movie??
i have read three of your books and have been overwhelmed because they are beyond belief. they are wonderful. i am a retired special ed teacher. i have many things in common with your background. i lived in jax. from 1959 until 1961 near hendricks ave nue baptist church. my ex-husband was the athletic director. i am from richmond originally but taught in s.c. and n.c. i taught s.c. history at hammond academy in columbia and love the state and its history. please continue to write your wonderful books. i have been down emotionally since the death of my 19 year old granddaughter from leukemia and meningitis. your books have brought me such great comfort. thank you for your sensitivity to God and people and feelings.
Love your inspiring books and phenomenal writing style...recommended by a friend from Jacksonville. I currently live outside Charleston, SC. Is there any news or information on your book becoming a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie? I’ve read that that was the case at some point.
It’s really funny how I acquired this book. I first checked it out from the library, but then came how I became the proud owner of such a fantastic work of literature. I got up early, excited I had time to read, fixed my coffee, sat down on the couch, tried to sit my coffee on the t.v. tray, and succeeded in spilling it all over ‘The Dead Don’t Dance’ (much to my shock and horror). I quickly tried to dry it off, but it didn’t seem to help, so I did what seemed most logical on an early Saturday morning-I put it in the microwave to dry it off. Well, little did I know that the library has a metal scanning device hidden in the back cover, so within two seconds of the microwave being turned on, a flame shot up out of the book. I hurried to turn the microwave off and put the flame out, but it was too late. A little hole now adorned the back of the book, and so I bought one of the best books I never intended to own, and now so thankful that I have found a new favorite author.
I just finished your book, The Dead Don’t Dance, and I LOVED it! When I purchased it at Target, I did not know it was christian fiction. I read mostly christian fiction and I was so excited to find out you are a writer of this genre. It is tough to find good christian fiction, and I was happy to discover your otherbook titles on this website so I will have more to read. I read “about the author” in the back of your book and I want you to know that I am praying for a boat for your sons too. Hopefully, after your writing success, they already have the boat! God’s best blessings to you and your family.
I love the way Dylan loves Maggie. It shows the way a man should feel about his wife and treat her. Like Christ loved the church. Dylan also loved His grandparents and had great respect for them. Oh how we need real stories like this now a days. Thanks for taking me away from the real world for a little while. The story shows God is with you even in your lowest times. When you trust and believe in Jesus its all you need.
I didn’t want to read this one, or the sequel. Having read all of your other books, I knew that a story about losing a child was going to rip my heart out. And of course it did just that. But it was true to life and engaging and reflective… even the self-injury part. Great story, and I won’t be so hesitant to tackle a book with uncomfortable storylines again. Great start to what I hope is a very long, prolific and prosperous career.
I should rather like to think that they would simply consider us as their own offspring and successors, and be instead proud of the evolutionary achievements originating from their branch. Who doesn’t want his descendants to be stronger, smarter, more resilient, with a more intense and extended life experience, than she or he is? How would the increasing speeed and and deliberatedness of such inevitable change be qualified as “extinction”?
Regards,
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Was so exicted to find a book I had not read by Charles Martin, Down Where My Love Lives until I couldn’t find it in the book.I finally opened to the publishers note which I might add most people do not read and found that Down Where My Love Lives was previously published as The Dead Don’t Dance, which of course I have already read. What a disappointment I bought a book I had already read at a Christian Book Store, by a Christian author, published by a Christian Publisher and I got duped.
This experience makes me leery to buy your books.
I am writing as public library attendant in Breganze (VI) - Italy. to kindly ask you for your personal address on behalf of a consumer uf mine. He confirms in fact, that your book “where the river ends” precisely reports the real story of his personal life and would like to have the chance to write you and describe his inner sensations and emotions, he felt while reading your book.
thank you in advane for your attention.
kind regards
This novel spoke to my heart. Thank you for writing this beautiful book! I hope to marry a man like Dylan someday.
My daughter randomly picked this book one day at Sam’s Club. We both read it and loved it. Since then we have purchased every book Charles has written and always look forward to the next one. I love the style and find it refreshing and wholesome.
A friend loaned me When Crickets Cry and I devoured every page. When I gave her back that book, she handed me The Dead Don’t Dance. I knew it was going to be good, but I had no idea how much I was going to relate to the story, specifically Koy. I was the girl hiding behind “glasses” with deep hurts and regrets. Just like Koy, someone invested in my life and intervened and “breathed life when I didn’t want any air”. This life was in the form of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and I have never been the same. This year I have committed to investing in people just because I know what they could be, just like Dylan with Koy. This book painted a beautiful picture of this. Thank you for this. As soon as I can, I will be going out and getting more of your books, including the books I have already read because they will be reread and shared.
Though “The Dead Don’t Dance” was not the first book of yours that I read, it is my very favorite of yours, and in my top five favorite books. I read this book in two days. It brought me to tears from the very beginning and throughout its entirety. The strength of Dylan was incredible and I was moved by his passion for Maggie. I feel the same way about my husband and it reminded me to show him that love every day. The scene that stands out to me most is the one of Dylan burying their firstborn child. Though I am not yet a parent, your fantastic writing made me feel as if I knew exactly what Dylan was feeling. Your ability to draw the reader into your stories is unbelievable. I feel like I know each of your characters personally. This book has soul. You should be so proud.
Dance was the first Martin book I read. Picked it up at Mardel because it was small and I was looking for a lightweight book for a plane trip. WOW! The depth of emotion is amazing and it calls to something deep within each of us that cries out to be real and to be heard an to be valued in the process. Rarely have I come across a book that stirs the core of who I am, and especially who I am in Christ. In Christ we know there is no hiddenness in us. All is exposed. You create a beautiful picture of what it is to be totally exposed, totally vulnerable and totally loved because of (or inspite of) it.
I couldn’t wait to get back home to track down the rest of your books. I read all 6 within a few weeks and have passed them around to so many friends and relatives. I’m sure I can’t add any new adjectives to the list but I will say, THANK YOU! I love your style, character development, creative medical techniques, gut-wrenching honesty of the characters and story.
I had this book downloaded on myKindle, so when I finished reading it, I couldn’t wait to start MAGGIE. Wouldn’t you know...it was the first time I couldn’t get a book to download, so I drove to Prater’s Book Store in Clayton, GA. Alas, it was Wed., and the store was closed! I checked all book shops in Franklin, NC, but no one had a copy of MAGGIE, so I drove to Sylva, NC. After checking every possible avenue there, I decided I’d try my Kindle one more time, and lo and behold, it worked! Needless to say, I was ecstatic! I quickly downloaded the book and readall of it by the following day!
Both books were absolutely wonderful!!!
You have always known, my favorite page is #100 ... and I love to hear you read it so I can cry again like the first time.
love
Tommye
I just finished reading the sequel to The Dead Don’t Dance, Maggie and I loved both. I was getting ready to start Wrapped in Rain when I noticed on the cover at the bottom something about The Dead Don’t Dance becoming a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. I have searched online and haven’t been able to find anything that leads me to the movie on TV or DVD. Does anyone know if there actually is a movie. I would LOVE to see Dylan and Maggie, Bryce, Amanda and Amos on screen!
I just finished The Dead Don’t Dance. I couldn’t put it down. Your themes of hope and redemption fed my soul and wrapped me in a warmth I’ve seldom experienced in books. I’ve just ordered Maggie and can’t wait until it comes in the mail. Thanks for writing that touches the heart but leaves out the “sappy” and brings real-life, raw emotions. Thanks for stories that reveal what happens in this lost and dying world around us. Thanks for giving the reader hope in what seems like a hopeless situation. Keep writing and God bless you as you give us something worth reading!
Thanks for helpful information you catch up us with your instructional explanation.
I have committed to investing in people just because I know what they could be, just like Dylan with Koy. This book painted a beautiful picture of this. Thank you for this.
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this is a nice one ,,i like it :) I had not read one of your books but had seen a good review on Chasing Fireflies. Slots Time..
just finishing ‘the mountain between us...on CD… only way i can ‘go’… only other on CD ‘...the river...’....ALL on CD please...jcs
Excellently written! Your character development carries the story forward as much as the plot does. The reader can’t put the book down for wanting to know what’s going to happen to Dylan & Maggie, &, in some cases, for what happened in the past, that you haven’t yet revealed. You weave current & back story together masterfully!
Just wanted you to know that I’ve gotten at least four coworkers just as addicted to your writing as I am! I’m not kidding. They’re addicting!
Additionally, also wanted to let you know I love your woven-in faith. You don’t slap the reader upside the head with a repent or fry message. You just gently weave in the message that it’s faith in a sovereign, loving creator, & a personal relationship with Him that carries your readers through the trials. Your readers can see them coming through the trials, having learned, grown, albeit pretty well nicked, chipped, possibly cracked & broken. But then again, that’s what He wants, isn’t it? To empty us of ourselves so there’s more room for Him to shine through. I’ve lost count of the number of times when I’m struggling with feeling ignored & forgotten, & He reminds me that, just as the moon’s purpose is to reflect the sun’s light into the darkness, so my purpose is also to reflect the Son’s light into the darkness around me. Or, to put it another way, I read a poem years ago that’s stuck with me. Here it is:
“I could cry to glitter like lead crystal
But light shines most clearly
Through a container
That does not compete.”
To God be the glory!
Dance is not for every body.First you have to made your mode after tried to dance and i think you will learn alot by dancing.Google Analytics Cookies
OMG!!! I went to school with his son Charlie at Hendricks Avenue Elementary in Jacksonville, FL. He went to our school one time and told us everything about how he wrote the book and where he got the ideas
I picked up a copy of The Dead Don’t Dance for an upcoming trip - WOW! As I read it while on a cruise, all I can say is thank goodness I had on my sunglasses and a hat! I sat there and cried as if I had never cried before - I’m glad I was with a ship full of people I didn’t know! I can’t wait to pick up a copy of Maggie!
You have a way of putting the readers right into the scenes of your books and its very refreshing these days I felt all that was happening like I was right there. I finished this book in two days now I’m on Maggie happy or sad I were right there experiencing it right with them. I have all 7 books and I’ve read 6 of them so keep them coming. You made me a reader’s fan.
Sincerely
Rose
I haven’t read this book yet but I’ve read “Wrapped in Rain” . . . awesome. You had on
After much anticipation in waiting for the book to ship on May 14th (I heard about it from the author’s wife), I scraps after reading the first chapter, that it was going to be worth the wait. As a woman, I loved reading about the soft side of a man (Dylan Stiles), and as an African American, I Thought That the description of the African-American charactors Were tastefully written. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to future books written by Charles Martin.
Having worked in Charleston, SC and native of NC, love the connections. You have to live in the southeast to really understand the area, the people, and the lives. Charles has a unique way of capturing the rural area setting, the people, and the feelings to the core. So glad when I read Maggie as the sequel to hear more about Maggie/Dylan love affair. You have to read The Dead Don’t Dance First. You take your characters to the ends of the earth (hell and back), but they always come out stronger for the wear! What a jorurney.....Your fans love you & sure the angels in heaven smile each time you insipre your readers!
What a great book! I have little time to read but when I picked up this book after one or two paragraphs he had me. I felt that I was walking into his story that I became apart of his story and it became a part of me. Wierd I know. It is amazing how he shows the impact of the actions of ordinary and extra ordinary people.He has a beautiful way of turning Christian fiction into life the way God created it. When I read his books I am reminded of two of my favorite scriptures Matthew 28:20b I am with you always even until the end of time. And Jeremiah 29:13 You shall seek me and yes ,you shall find me when you seek me with all your heart. When you do this you will come to realize another truth from another great author Marilyn Morgan King we are already inhabitants of eternal life. Ain’t it great! Mp
i think the dead don’t dance was a powerful wake up call alot of time we dont want to believe that god is there caose of all the bad that has happened to us but we need to relize we have to want god to be part of us it’s our choice to choose him he gave us that right to choose and when something bad happens we go to blame god for it why? he didnt make the choice for us we did. like in the dilyan was in the ditch and he looked up at god and let out hif frustration and after he worked out the problem he had god gave him the streanght to get throught what he had to deal with in the ditch charles martin know how to grab your attition thanks
I was given a copy of the Dead Don’t Dance at a homeschooling book fair about three or four years ago. I loved the cover, so I put it on my nightstand just to look at until I could actually start reading it. I love this book. I loved it then, and I love it now. Dylan was a character different from any other that I’d read about before. Maggie was so sweet. I nearly cried with happiness at the end. My favorite scene was when Amanda’s son was born. My much-loved copy of the novel was taken by my mother and put in storage (she said I had too many books) but now I have to go find it and read it all over again.
My first time to read one of your books--loved “The Dead Don’t Dance” and can’t wait to read the rest!!
I found a copy of “The Dead Don’t Dance” last week in my small-town library. It really is the kind of book that tugs at your heart strings. I hope to find more of your books soon!
Charles, Your grasp of human emotions is phenomenal; your grasp of medical knowledge is deplorable. Please have medical advice. Yes, people donate blood. No, the person bleeding doesn’t get that blood—there is a vital process. I loved The Dead Don’t Dance, but, as an RN of 30 years resented the picture of the nurse sitting down reading a magazine and eating. I also invite you to read one of my novels. My latest is Beyond this Night. God bless you in your work. Roberta Bedell Bausum
I just finished reading “The Dead Don’t Dance” and I am mad @ myself for not knowing about Charles Martin 7 yrs ago when the book was published. Our church has a wonderful library, which I don’t visit that often, but found the book on the librarian’s desk - not even cataloged. Then I found out about the other novels. Can’t wait to read the others! So thankful for a Christian fiction writer like Mr. Martin. (I am a senior adult & a deacon’s wife. Thought you’d like to know who is writing!) God bless you and your family!
This is an awesome novel I’ve ever read. What a creation!! Eagerly waiting same type stuff in next. Thanks for this one. :)
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What a great book! I have little time to read but when I picked up this book after one or two paragraphs he had me. I felt that I was walking into his story that I became apart of his story and it became a part of me. Wierd I know. It is amazing how he shows the impact of the actions of ordinary and extra ordinary people.He has a beautiful way of turning Christian fiction into life the way God created it. When I read his books I am reminded of two of my favorite scriptures Matthew 28:20b I am with you always even until the end of time. And Jeremiah 29:13 You shall seek me and yes ,you shall find me when you seek me with all your heart. When you do this you will come to realize another truth from another great author Marilyn Morgan King we are already inhabitants of eternal life. Ain’t it great! Mp
I picked up this book at the bookstore & fell in love after a few pages. I checked it out from the library...& a few days...many tears...& an inspired heart & soul later, I am planning to go buy a few copies: one to keep & more to share. Thanks to the author for the beauty of your faith & not only your skill as a writer but your ability to share something more than just a good story...but your heart bleeds from the pages. This is without a doubt my favorite book ever!!!!!
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Wow just amazing! This is an awesome novel I’ve ever read. Really this novel spoke to my heart. I’m eagerly waiting for same type of stuff in future. Thanks for this one.
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