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Awakening #1

The Dead Don't Dance

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A sleepy rural town in South Carolina. The end of summer and a baby about to be born. But in the midst of hope and celebration comes unexpected tragedy, and Dylan Styles must come to terms with how much he's lost. Will the music of his heart be stilled forever—or will he choose to dance with life once more, in spite of sorrow and heartbreak?

The Dead Don't Dance is a bittersweet yet triumphant love story—a tale of one man's spiritual journey through the darkness of despair and into the light of hope.

314 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

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5485 people want to read

About the author

Charles Martin

111 books9,412 followers
Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin

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5 stars
5,545 (50%)
4 stars
3,716 (34%)
3 stars
1,363 (12%)
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1 star
65 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews
Profile Image for Dale Harcombe.
Author 14 books426 followers
March 14, 2017
In a small town in South Carolina, Dylan and Maggie are expecting their first baby. But as sometimes happens in life, joy is followed by tragedy and heartbreak. This story touched a raw chord with me, as I had recently come to know a young couple who in some ways had a similar experience to Maggie and Dylan. The one in this book was even more traumatic and it wasn’t long before I was in tears. But lest you should think this is a tragic book, it is broken up by some of the quirkiest characters. These include the wealthy but alcoholic Vietnam vet, Bryce who makes a habit of playing his bagpipes sometimes in a kilt and other times in less than full clothing. Dylan’s friend Amos, the local police chief is another interesting character. He and Dylan have a friendship that has stood the test of time and differences of colour. Dylan also has some interesting and varied students at the local community high school where he teaches. Amanda is one who captures attention, given her circumstances and her attitudes. I really liked the way she came to terms with what had happened to her and her attitude towards God and her ’ranting and raving.’ You will find that on page 181.
This is a story with a lot of heart and lots to think about. It also has a lovey dog called Blue. I was hooked on this story from the first page and read it almost straight through. When I got to the end, the characters would not let me go. I had to move on to the next book in this series. For me this is unusual, as I rarely read two books by the same author that close together. But I was not ready to give up on Dylan and Maggie. So look out for the review of Maggie the second book which will appear soon.
Profile Image for Kathy McC.
1,448 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2008
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!
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,657 reviews1,227 followers
July 25, 2018
I have always thoroughly enjoyed Charles Martin's books... until this one. Oh.. that's not exactly fair. I still enjoyed this book... just not as much as the others. Wonderful, wonderful story, and Mr. Martin is a truly gifted writer. Just something about the way this one was put together was off for me. When the main character went into his head, and was seeing things... Like when he jumped in the river by himself, and let the water go over his head. It was like a dying, things-flashing-before-your-eyes sort of sequence... THOSE times went on just a little too long. I wanted to fast forward to get to the part where he finally comes out of the water. There were a few similar overly wordy scenes I didn't care for.

But, Mr. Martin doesn't disappoint with his stories within the story. Different characters had their own tales, and it was so entertaining as Mr. Martin brought it all out, as truly, only he can.

Great characters, great conflict, great emotions!
Profile Image for Jamie Stanley.
209 reviews12 followers
April 20, 2013
Ok, so just because I gave this book only 3 stars, does not mean that this was not a good book. I liked it, and I enjoyed it. This was not my typical book. I'm not even sure how it came to be in my possession (I have several hundred books sitting on my shelves waiting to be read). I would recommend this book to teachers, professors, animal lovers, and someone that wants to read an uplifting and inspiring book.
Teachers and professors: This book reminds us why we do what we do. It reminds us how big of an impact we make on students' lives, even when we don't know it. I am a high school English teacher, and I become discouraged often. This book inspired me to take my teaching up a notch, and reminded me of the impact that I can make on just one teen's life. I also formulated a new lesson plan idea to help me get to know my students better :)
Animal lovers: One of the main characters is dog named Blue. The love that this dog had for it's owners is so astounding. He provided love and comfort to the owner in a coma. Also, without the love and loyalty of this pet, the main character would not been able to endure all the sorrow that life had dumped on him. I hugged my furry baby a little tighter while reading this novel.
Profile Image for Megan.
16 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2009
I'm still not sure after reading the book what I felt about it. The overall story was good, but the layout was weird... or maybe I'm spoiled. I generally read a novel as moving smoothly from one thought to another, based on where the story is and moving too. This author moves around a lot and my thought process had a hard time following at first.

Probably not one I'll read again- not even sure I'd recommend it.
Profile Image for Missy.
366 reviews115 followers
August 27, 2024
As usual another wonderful read from Charles Martin. His descriptions and thoughts in his stories make me think for months afterwards.

This is the story of Maggie and Dylan, a young couple embarking on the new life of parenthood. But expectancy and excitement turns to heartache and unknowing. Dylan travels grief, questions, and life on his own. But it is the community, the people, his students, and his own wife, that show him what life is really about.

Love it! Can't wait to read book 2 now.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,986 reviews26 followers
July 30, 2016
In the blurb for this book, it states that Martin received many rejections for this, I think his first book. I can see why. Despite the fact that there are a number of sequences that grab the reader, in many ways the various parts of the book do not hang together. The writing rambles, at times drawing the reader, and at other times I wondered why I was reading it. I'm glad that Martin has grown greatly as a writer, and I'm glad that this wasn't the first of his books that I read. I have enjoyed several of his subsequent books, and will read more of them. He definitely has a way with words.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Krispense.
Author 1 book92 followers
July 4, 2019
Now, before that title (and cover) starts freaking you out, let me tell you now that this is not a creepy murder story, 'kay?

Okay . . . um, I'm not even sure where to start. I fell in love with this book right away, with both the characters and the writing style. I've read one other book by Charles Martin, When Crickets Cry, and I have to say that after reading only two books by him, I'm in love with his style.

So, to talk about The Dead Don't Dance . . . again, where to start?? This is one of those books that you just can't put down, but it's not necessarily because the plot is fast-moving. Far from it, actually. Yet the description was incredible, the plot engaging, and the writing style flowed like nothing I've ever read before. This was just one of those books that, once finished, you just set in your lap and stare into space, saying, "wow."

What specific things made this book special?
Well . . . um . . . all of it? But first of all, Maggie. She's one of those characters that you just fall in love with right away. And Dylan? I don't know, it's something about his narration that really made the come alive. (I mean, technically it was Charles Martin's narration, but pfft, minor details) Amos was so epic. That one friend that stood with Dylan throughout the whole ordeal.



There were some crude comments made that I might've liked kept out, but nothing awful. Actually, if anything, it probably made the book more realistic.

I feel like there really isn't much else I can say without giving spoilers. Just go read it. *shoos you off to the library*
Profile Image for Ursula.
226 reviews
May 27, 2017
 
Ohmygoodness, this is such a goooood boooooook! Awesome! This is my first book by Charles Martin and I now have another favorite Christian Fiction writer Dude on my list! :D I laughed and cried--mostly cried--and hoped and wondered... just like Dylan Styles. He was in turmoil and angry at God, bless him. He was a happily married man and then tragedy struck his life. BIG TIME. Come along on this journey of love, despair, hurt, hope, determination, faith, and REAL LIFE. I can't wait to get started on the second part!

This is one you should add to your to-read list! It. Is. Wonderful. ENJOY!
 
Profile Image for Jennifer Fluegge.
399 reviews
April 18, 2020
The author drew me into the world of the story and kept me there and invested to the end. I believe this was his first book, but you would not know it by reading it.
Profile Image for Jayna Baas.
Author 4 books566 followers
June 18, 2021
This one was an emotional rollercoaster. I was tired when I read it, so that probably didn't help; Dylan's despondency was just hard to read sometimes. This story deals with some hard things. But the writing was beautiful, and there were some great characters (Amos comes to mind). And some kooky ones, too. (Bryce was a bit much, shall we say.) There was a touch of "iffy" content here and there, and a little too much husband/wife detail for my personal comfort level, but I found it amazing how Charles Martin made me feel as if I knew Maggie when I had only ever met her through Dylan's eyes. Amanda's strength, or rather God's strength in her, was astounding, and that ditch scene—wow. I also enjoyed Dylan's interactions with his students. A time or two throughout the story, I wondered if I had missed something, but I'm a speed reader, so it's quite possible that I did, and I don't blame that on Martin. Excellent writing—just don't read it when you're tired.
Profile Image for Michaela Bush.
Author 50 books115 followers
October 28, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal. I haven’t read a book like this in only one sitting for a lonnnng time.
Profile Image for Lisa.
183 reviews13 followers
July 8, 2011
The Dead don’t Dance is absolutely D-E-L-I-G-H-T-FU-L! Charles Martin simply has a wonderful way with words, and what “voice” he has. You’re instantly caught-up in the life of Dylan Styles and those who encompass him and help to make his life complete. Be it his wife, Maggie, his best friend, Amos, Bryce the bagpipe playing drunk, Pinky the pig, or his students in English 202: Research and Writing. They all contribute in making his life full and trust me, never dull. You’ll find yourself laughing and possibly crying while you read this wonderful novel.

One of my aunts told me about this terrific book, so I downloaded it to my Nook. I read it as I waited for my car to be worked fixed. People in the waiting room would look at me as I chuckled, and then I tried to hide the fact that my eyes were “leaking” as I felt Dylan’s anguish as he dealt with loss and frustration over trying to “do the right thing” for his students.

The Dead don’t Dance is the first in a short series about Dylan Styles and his world. I strongly recommend you pick-up a copy. It’s a great read for anytime of the year.
Profile Image for Cherihy808.
516 reviews
May 14, 2019
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was AMAZING!!! I can honestly say that so far it is my favorite book I read this year. It’s my 3rd Charles Martin book and I look forward to reading many more. I planned to read a mystery novel next but as soon as I started this book I immediately changed my mind and knew my next book will have to be “Maggie”, the sequel. There is so much to say about this book but I don’t want to post any spoilers. The best thing I can say is that I could absolutely see this made into a movie. I loved all the characters, especially Amos. I loved the parts in the book that showed how strong their friendship was. And the love story part with Maggie....just amazing. Charles Martin has a great writing style. As soon as you start one of his books, it’s hard to put it down. I can’t wait to start the sequel today. I HIGHLY recommend this one!
Profile Image for Christina.
201 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2009
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!
Profile Image for Janet.
469 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2020
I really liked some other Charles Martin books, but not this one. I felt like the writing was crafted to play on the reader's emotions and there really wasn't much of a story there - lots of rambling thoughts from Dylan.
Profile Image for Toledo (T.J.).
63 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2019
Surprise

A charming book that steals your heart ❤ laughter and grief mingle each day, and the dear professser works his way through.
Profile Image for Mj.
526 reviews72 followers
January 26, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Mari.
109 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2019
This book put me on a reading slump.

I'd read a page but my mind blanks and i'd force myself to read the page and then bookmark. Repeat.

2.7stars

I'm seriously hoping my next read would be better.

Okay so this is about the life of a man, Dylan Styles, that gets upturned or is it downturned(?) when his wife, Maggie, falls into comma after giving birth.

Is it bad to feel cringe? Does that make me a bad person? I cringed at every ending of almost every chapter. Now that I think about it, I really am just a bad person.

Yes, it is a pretty sad book and it tackles with God. And yes, TBH, I like that.

It has its flaws, like the major fact that this book is very lacking. It had lots of these characters and I think they were made pretty much just to fill in the book, that made me on a reading slump, and in the end? Didn't even say what happened to them in the end, it's just lacking. Just very lacking, not all that satisfies with this book, but I'm giving it a three cause that's the least I could give to a finished unskimmed (yeah, not a word) book.
Profile Image for A Busscher.
798 reviews
April 16, 2020
Not one of his better books. I'm confused on the time line- how long was maggie comatose? And did she hemorraghe or what? The story moved along at a decent pace with a few twists like Amanda being raped and hostaged for 6 days. However, the ending where Amos and Amanda get in an accidnet, Dylan saves them and delivers a baby and has has extreme hypothermia... and lo and behold they ALL are ok minus a few bumps and bruises. I also thought it was the perfect bow tie with Maggie waking up. How long was she comatose and in most cases the hospital has rules and if Dylan decked someone- he would've been thrown out. Also there was no mention of her chart. The nursed would be LIVID and back then there was no EMR, how would they get all her info out?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bonnie Gleckler Clark.
881 reviews16 followers
September 1, 2018
Charles Martin has been one of my longtime favorites. From my reading of two of his first novels (“When Crickets Cry” and “Wrapped in Rain”), to this first novel in the “Awakening Series”, i truly appreciate his writing style.
This is a bittersweet yet triumphant love story (Christianbook.com). It’s the story of Dylan and Maggie Styles, but so much more. Maggie and Dylan are excited about the birth of their first child. However, there are complications. Dylan’s religious beliefs are truly tested. Yet, it takes a second tragedy to bring him out of his stupor and back to the REALIZATION of how he is going to survive let alone live his new life.
I look forward to reading “Maggie”.
Profile Image for Laura.
260 reviews
March 5, 2011
I think this might be my new favorite book. I was brought to tears several times during this book. Loved Dylan's authenticity, he was the man we can all relate to, questioning God and all. His loved for his wife was so moving...the way he rubbed her feet, told her about his day, fed her pig, and just got into the bed with her. To me it felt like love at it's best. Will highly recommend this read, and can't wait to start "Maggie" this afternoon.

P.S. Wish we all had an Amos and a Bryce in our life!
Profile Image for Michele.
396 reviews29 followers
July 28, 2013
I really liked this book, but I didn't love it. It started out great and sucked me in.... then I felt like it slowed way down..... then it got good again..... and then it just ended. I adored the relationship between Dylan and Maggie. And I loved the descriptions of the farm and the little peek we got of when his grandparents were alive and lived there.
I just felt like there were a lot of unanswered questions and loose ends. I do plan to read the sequel, Maggie, and hopefully I will get some of the answers I am craving.
Profile Image for Kathleen Anderson.
414 reviews21 followers
September 9, 2011
Once again Charles Martin amazes me. There is a depth of character that he develops in the people he creates that is not common, in my opinion. This is the first of a two-part "series." If you want to read the sequel, Maggie, be sure to read The Dead Don't Dance first. You can tell the author is from the South because the setting he provides is so descriptive. Excellent book. Thanks for the recommendation Connie!
Profile Image for Rev. Linda.
665 reviews
September 16, 2012
How do you deal with life when the one you love lies in a coma, your have lost a child, and expenses of living are weighing heavily in your mind? Charles Martin does another great job of portraying a situation that could happen in any family, and how faith and friends can bring you past such horrors. I have read several of Martin's novels, and they always make me cry, laugh, and reflect on the gift of life, and how each moment with those I love should be valued.
Profile Image for Nana.
652 reviews
January 19, 2019
This debut novel by Charles Martin is a journey through an extremely sad time in Dylan's life. Characters throughout the book won me over, and I felt their portrayals were very effective and honest. I've read a few of this author's books, and found this to be a beautiful opening to his writing career. I was brought to tears, and at times laughed aloud. An honest and gritty tale of life in a simpler time and place, I loved it!
Profile Image for Carolyn Vandine West.
883 reviews36 followers
July 9, 2020
So I read this out of order boo. Was reading on the Libby app from the library. The second book Maggie was not marked plainly enough for me to realize it was the second in the series. So even though I had to read this after book two, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. But I don’t recommend it.
The second book I’ve read by Charles Martin now and I will be back. Great great book all the emotion you can imagine
Don’t miss these 2 books
13 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2020
Another successful writing for Charles Martin.

This is an enjoyable book by Martin that brings in many personalities. He describes people so well you feel as if you know them. The scene in the icy water was so intense! (No spoiler!)
I always enjoy his books and this one is no different.
Profile Image for booklady.
2,738 reviews173 followers
Want to read
July 12, 2009
Jennifer speaks very highly of this one as well...
Profile Image for Alison Hammer.
151 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2016
really enjoyed the book, quick read, enough twists to keep me interested, loved the spiritual focus without being "hoaky"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews

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