Charles Martin and The Dead Don’t Dance was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend some time ago. I finally got around to reading it and found it a good and pleasurable read. Thanks Midge.It’s a complete love story – the love of two life partners, the love of a father for his son he had dreams for but never got to know, the love of a best friend, the love of neighbours and community, the love of teaching, the love of life and the love of a power higher than ourselves.I really liked Dylan Styles, the main character, who loves dirty cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, beat up trucks, hunting and fishing. He fancies himself as a bit of a red neck, but deep down he is an old softie – he loves nature and animals, especially his dog Blue, the kids he teaches, a hermit war veteran who plays the bagpipes, his grandparents who raised him but have passed away, his farm where he grew up, the countryside he knows so well, his neighbours, his students, his best buddy from childhood and especially his soul mate and life partner Maggie. The story is about Dylan and all these loves of his life, an unexpected tragedy that interrupts his love of life and how he weathers the storm and dances again with the help of all the people he has come to love, some whom he has only recently met. It is a story that teaches us real love and community and how loving isn’t a feeling but the action of living and giving. Dylan Styles has a real zest for life and commitment to everyone around him that I found touching and inspirational.Charles Martin has been categorized as a Christian fiction writer; however, I believe the book would appeal to most everyone. I didn’t find the book to be overly religious or preachy or presented in any manner that would turn off people of other faiths, agnostics or atheists. It is a good read about the life of real people, many of whom who want to live their life to better everyone and are committed to a belief in a high power.The book was well written and flowed easily. In addition to the primary plot about Dylan and Maggie, I particularly enjoyed the sub plot about Dylan’s teaching. I enjoyed meeting the various students, seeing them grow, learning how Dylan approached different issues that came up and motivated his students. The descriptions of character and place throughout were captivating. The Dead Don’t Dance was definitely a feel good book that I recommend and I can see myself reading more books by Charles Martin.
No surprise- this is Charles Martin and he is awesome!! I read this book in one sitting- getting up once to get tea and a piece of fruit. While this is listed as Christian fiction, the message is for everyone. The book has a life message rather than a Christian message. I discovered Martin when I read Chasing Fireflies. This is his first novel. I didn't find the character development quite as perfect at Fireflies, but they are a realistic and heart-touching. The story is full of joy and heartbreak. The characters are battered and bruised but are still standing at the story's end. Martin is a master at capturing humanity with all of the loss, hope, and survival that comes along. The book is set in the south so there are colorful descriptive passages that highlight the cultural aspects of the south. Dylan Styles is an English teacher at a local community college. His struggles are universal among educators. "I struggled to help kids look four universal truths and themes that great stories reveal in unforgettable ways- themes like love, humor, hope and forgiveness." Addtionally, Dylan deals with a major life crisis. His friends are quirky Bryce, an alcoholic VN vet and Amos, the local police chief. They help each other fight the fights that each of them face. "You need to hear that there are folks in this world who got lives just as bad as yours. Life ain't fair-welcome to earth!" "Once again I felt the cold hammer of loneliness slam me against the porch." In its conclusion, the message, "We scar, but in the end, we heal." comes through loud and clear. This book has a sequel, and I can't wait to read it!
What do You think about The Dead Don't Dance (2006)?
Definitely enjoyed this book but more so the second half...the ramblings began to make more sense to me. I love the author's writing style. Very descriptive and pulls you in. And I love the title "The Dead don't Dance" and it's use/reference in the book. (I always think it's interesting why a title was picked.) The front cover says "A Novel of Awakening" and I think that's a good description. Dylan's wife falls into a coma while giving birth to their son. Watching Dylan daily life (good/bad/etc..) you begin to feel as he would. A kind person who is struggling with his relationship with God but has built good relationships with those around him. These help him though the dark times when he can't feel God's presence. ....And I'll admit it, my husband caught me crying sad tears 2/3 of the way through...
—Lydia
Where do I begin, this book was so good, it's practically beyond words! However, since we all know that I can ALWAYS find somehow to voice my opinion... I loved this book, it is probably one of my all time favorites. Don't let the title fool you, it's not what you think. It is a poignant and beautiful (and clean) love story that had me laughing and crying all at the same time. This author has a way of reaching out and squeezing your heart while at the same time writing about the most wonderful parts of what it means to be human. I could go on and on, this is a must read!
—Christina
Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]Dylan Styles was looking forward to the birth of his first child, to sharing time with him and his wife Maggie. But his son dies in childbirth and his wife loses a lot of blood and goes into a coma. The reader watches and feels with Dylan as he stumbles through the days after this horrific event, making it only with the help of his best friend Amos. Amos, the local deputy, finds Dylan passed out in his cornfield and tells him to wake up, get cleaned up, and down to the local Junior college for an interview. Dylan takes on a part-time job teaching at the college, where the students both challenge him and give him hope.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]Style Characteristics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]The story is slow paced and introspective, the main drama being whether or not the wife will survive, and whether or not Dylan will make it. We delve deep into his character, though not all at once, the author gives us glimpses and flashbacks into what is going on behind the scenes. In these we meet unforgettable characters, like Bryce MacGregor, an eccentric multi-millionaire who spends his time playing the bagpipes in the buff and watching old drive-in movies (Hey, it is South Carolina, after all). The spiritual struggles of the characters also make this story stand out, we see a lot more pain as Dylan learns from a teenager who is pregnant with the child of one of the men who kidnapped and raped her. There is also hope and joy as Dylan ultimately learns to dance in the midst of despair.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]An excellent read for those who want to slow down and taste the joys and sorrows of life through the characters.
—Deb
