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To Dance with Dolphins
Twenty-one-year-old Claire Murray has suffered from a mysterious disease for years. Her social circle has shrunk to a small support group for people with chronic illness and disability. But what if life could be about more than doctors, pain, and medications?
Claire and three others—old grouch Tom, hippy-holdout Willow, and moody Taylor—hatch plans for a cross-country trip to swim with the dolphins in Florida. Only a day into the trip, they unexpectedly need help. And who happens to be hitchhiking along the highway but a young, good-looking loner named Sean Sullivan? However, the last thing he wants is to be harnessed to a bunch of ailing travelers.
Though the journey proves difficult, following God’s plan might be even harder. Will they find the courage to follow their dreams and dare to live again?
Claire and three others—old grouch Tom, hippy-holdout Willow, and moody Taylor—hatch plans for a cross-country trip to swim with the dolphins in Florida. Only a day into the trip, they unexpectedly need help. And who happens to be hitchhiking along the highway but a young, good-looking loner named Sean Sullivan? However, the last thing he wants is to be harnessed to a bunch of ailing travelers.
Though the journey proves difficult, following God’s plan might be even harder. Will they find the courage to follow their dreams and dare to live again?
340 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Leon
32 books183 followersBonnie Leon is the author of twenty-three novels, including the recently released One Hundred Valleys, To Dance With Dolphins, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find bonnie at
https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAu...
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find bonnie at
https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAu...
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 4, 2015
This latest book of Bonnie's is a change of pace from her historical fiction.On the surface this is a story of 4 people setting off on an adventure to swim with wild dolphins in Florida. As we become acquainted with them, we find that each has a disability that has become what defines them as a person, except perhaps for Willow. She is a woman of faith who does what she can to work through her chronic pain and back problems. Each character has times of testing of mind, body and spirit, including the young male hitchhiker who joined them shortly after their trip began. There are moments of weakness and apparent failure, but those begin to cement the five of them together. I love how the author has woven her own faith and physical journey with those of her characters. This book is definitely worth reading and I would recommend it especially to those who desire something that is uplifting and more than it appears on the surface.
May 28, 2021
wspaniała książka 🖤
August 9, 2015
To Dance with Dolphins is a life changing book on several different levels. Many of the scenes were described so vividly I felt as if I was riding in the RV. Intermixed with the conversations between the characters, they talked about deep topics, such as grief and their doubts about finding love. These issues are often faced in silence among people with disabilities.
I have cerebral palsy and my ex-husband has mental illness. People with mental or physical disabilities are often put in a box. The adventure that these characters take in this book is more than they bargained for. At the end they receive healing and hope. Their conversations are inter-mixed with thoughts all disabled people have such as, grief over their circumstances and what if…Bonnie chiseled away at the myth that having special needs inhibits us from giving or receiving love.
It will give the reader enjoyment and many insight!
I have cerebral palsy and my ex-husband has mental illness. People with mental or physical disabilities are often put in a box. The adventure that these characters take in this book is more than they bargained for. At the end they receive healing and hope. Their conversations are inter-mixed with thoughts all disabled people have such as, grief over their circumstances and what if…Bonnie chiseled away at the myth that having special needs inhibits us from giving or receiving love.
It will give the reader enjoyment and many insight!
August 1, 2015
This is a beautiful, well-told story by veteran author, Bonnie Leon. When a mishmashed group of people with disabilities goes on a cross-country adventure, the unlikeliest tests of love, faith, courage, and friendship ensue. As I read this story, it occurred to me how easily we can misunderstand the symptoms and struggles people with chronic issues deal with. Even people with issues themselves can be shortsighted to one another's suffering. Not every ailment is visible and it's heartbreaking to see how often people who need the most support and encouragement can be misunderstood and mistreated. This compelling story gives a glimpse of disability with sensitivity, grace, humor, and romance. This story is a must read. If you or anyone you love suffers with any kind of debilitation, it's a double must read.
August 2, 2015
What a beautiful story, Bonnie has done it again. I am a big fan of her work, but you could tell that this story was a lot more personal for Bonnie. The story of Claire, Willow, Taylor, Tom and Sean starts as what seems like an impossible dream. There are problems along the way, but their trust in God and each other proves that no matter what disability each one of them may have, they could overcome the, to live a wonderful life. Their "quest" to drive from Oregon to Florida to swim with the dolphins ends up being the beginning of a new way of life for all of them. If you haven't read any of Bonnie's books you should and this one is truly amazing!
July 27, 2015
I just finished this book while camping. It is a very touching book about 4 people learning to live with a disability. Not everything is physical, people have hurts we never see. They all grow through this book and learn where God wants them. I highly recommend this book!
August 6, 2015
Unusual and compelling
The writer has a deep empathy with the many layers of suffering and depression of those with disabilities. The story keeps the reader's attention on the next traumatic challenge. Well done.
The writer has a deep empathy with the many layers of suffering and depression of those with disabilities. The story keeps the reader's attention on the next traumatic challenge. Well done.
August 29, 2017
Claire Murray jest piękną 22-letnią dziewczyną - powinna prowadzić aktywne życie, spędzać czas z rówieśnikami, cieszyć się swoją młodością. Niestety nie jest to możliwe, ponieważ Claire od lat cierpi na dysautonomię, chorobę, przez którą dziewczyna codziennie zmaga się z bólem i ograniczeniami własnego ciała. Nie chce jednak, by choroba definiowała całe jej życie, dlatego zgadza się wyruszyć w kilkumiesięczną podróż samochodem kempingowym, wraz z trójką znajomych z grupy wsparcia: cierpiącym na stwardnienie rozsiane Tomem, chorą na fibromialgię Willow oraz Taylor, która zmaga się z chorobą afektywną dwubiegunową. Ich cel to przejechać przez cały kraj - od Oregonu aż na Florydę - żeby popływać z delfinami. Wydawałoby się, że to szalony plan, a wątpliwości pojawiają się już pierwszego dnia, kiedy złe samopoczucie Toma nie pozwala mu na prowadzenie kampera. Wtedy jednak pojawia się Sean, który zgadza się zostać ich kierowcą, chociaż podróżowanie z grupą niepełnosprawnych jest ostatnią rzeczą, na jaką ma ochotę. Głębokie rany, jakie nosi w sercu, powstrzymują go przed przywiązaniem się do osób, których życiem rządzi choroba, nawet tak ślicznych, jak Claire. Co wyniknie z tej niezwykłej podróży? Czy czwórka przyjaciół udowodni sobie i światu, że mogą żyć pełnią życia, mimo swoich ograniczeń?
“Tańcząc z delfinami” z pewnością jest dla Bonnie Leon powieścią bardzo osobistą, jako że opisywane przez nią choroby i ograniczenia to dla niej chleb codzienny - sama od lat jest niepełnosprawna, wskutek wypadku samochodowego, a do tego jej córka cierpi na kilka chronicznych chorób, uniemożliwiających jej normalne życie. Mimo to autorka nie stworzyła książki przygnębiającej, z której wylewałyby się fale żalu i goryczy, ale wręcz przeciwnie - lektura tej powieści podnosi na duchu, wywołuje uśmiech na twarzy i pozwala spojrzeć na cierpienie z nowej, Bożej perspektywy.
Podobnie jak w przypadku “Sięgając chmur” tej samej autorki, najmocniejszym elementem powieści są bohaterowie, którzy z pozoru stanowią mieszankę wybuchową, a jednak w trakcie wspólnej podróży ich znajomość przeradza się w prawdziwą przyjaźń. Mamy delikatną, spokojną Claire, która mimo głębokiej wiary skrywa w sercu bunt przeciwko swojemu losowi, Toma - zrzędliwego starszego człowieka, którego wyprawa zmienia nie do poznania, Willow - duszę towarzystwa, we wszystkim dookoła dostrzegającą rękę Boga, Taylor - opryskliwą i irytującą trzydziestolatkę, marzącą o karierze jako piosenkarka country, a także Seana - przystojnego mężczyznę o dobrym sercu, ściganego jednak przez demony przeszłości. Z zainteresowaniem śledziłam, jak rozwijają się ich wzajemne relacje, jak powoli przezwyciężają dzielące ich różnice, jak stają się dla siebie wsparciem, pomocą i prawdziwą rodziną.
Kolejnym plusem tej książki, zwłaszcza dla osób, które marzą o odwiedzeniu Stanów Zjednoczonych, jest przedstawiona na jej kartach podróż przez cały kraj. Chociaż do USA nigdy mnie nie ciągnęło, to jednak lubię powieści z motywem drogi, a opisy miejsc, odwiedzonych przez naszych bohaterów, były naprawdę interesujące, od dużych miast, przez małe miasteczka i kręte górskie drogi, aż po muzea i parki narodowe. Po lekturze takiej książki aż ma się ochotę wsiąść w samochód, najlepiej z grupą przyjaciół, i wybrać się na długą wycieczkę.
Chociaż “Tańcząc z delfinami” generalnie jest powieścią optymistyczną, nie brakuje w niej też trudnych momentów, ludzkiego cierpienia, zmagań ze słabością i bólem, codziennych trosk chorego człowieka. Bonnie Leon nie upiększa rzeczywistości, ale pokazuje, że to od nas zależy, czy chcemy skupiać się na trudnościach i być nieszczęśliwi, czy pomimo wszystkiego czerpać z życia radość i zaufać Bożemu planowi dla naszego życia. Polecam wszystkim tę piękną opowieść o pokonywaniu własnych ograniczeń i słabości, o przyjaźni, o miłości i o wspaniałym Bożym pokoju, “który przewyższa wszelki rozum” (Flp. 4,7).
“Tańcząc z delfinami” z pewnością jest dla Bonnie Leon powieścią bardzo osobistą, jako że opisywane przez nią choroby i ograniczenia to dla niej chleb codzienny - sama od lat jest niepełnosprawna, wskutek wypadku samochodowego, a do tego jej córka cierpi na kilka chronicznych chorób, uniemożliwiających jej normalne życie. Mimo to autorka nie stworzyła książki przygnębiającej, z której wylewałyby się fale żalu i goryczy, ale wręcz przeciwnie - lektura tej powieści podnosi na duchu, wywołuje uśmiech na twarzy i pozwala spojrzeć na cierpienie z nowej, Bożej perspektywy.
Podobnie jak w przypadku “Sięgając chmur” tej samej autorki, najmocniejszym elementem powieści są bohaterowie, którzy z pozoru stanowią mieszankę wybuchową, a jednak w trakcie wspólnej podróży ich znajomość przeradza się w prawdziwą przyjaźń. Mamy delikatną, spokojną Claire, która mimo głębokiej wiary skrywa w sercu bunt przeciwko swojemu losowi, Toma - zrzędliwego starszego człowieka, którego wyprawa zmienia nie do poznania, Willow - duszę towarzystwa, we wszystkim dookoła dostrzegającą rękę Boga, Taylor - opryskliwą i irytującą trzydziestolatkę, marzącą o karierze jako piosenkarka country, a także Seana - przystojnego mężczyznę o dobrym sercu, ściganego jednak przez demony przeszłości. Z zainteresowaniem śledziłam, jak rozwijają się ich wzajemne relacje, jak powoli przezwyciężają dzielące ich różnice, jak stają się dla siebie wsparciem, pomocą i prawdziwą rodziną.
Kolejnym plusem tej książki, zwłaszcza dla osób, które marzą o odwiedzeniu Stanów Zjednoczonych, jest przedstawiona na jej kartach podróż przez cały kraj. Chociaż do USA nigdy mnie nie ciągnęło, to jednak lubię powieści z motywem drogi, a opisy miejsc, odwiedzonych przez naszych bohaterów, były naprawdę interesujące, od dużych miast, przez małe miasteczka i kręte górskie drogi, aż po muzea i parki narodowe. Po lekturze takiej książki aż ma się ochotę wsiąść w samochód, najlepiej z grupą przyjaciół, i wybrać się na długą wycieczkę.
Chociaż “Tańcząc z delfinami” generalnie jest powieścią optymistyczną, nie brakuje w niej też trudnych momentów, ludzkiego cierpienia, zmagań ze słabością i bólem, codziennych trosk chorego człowieka. Bonnie Leon nie upiększa rzeczywistości, ale pokazuje, że to od nas zależy, czy chcemy skupiać się na trudnościach i być nieszczęśliwi, czy pomimo wszystkiego czerpać z życia radość i zaufać Bożemu planowi dla naszego życia. Polecam wszystkim tę piękną opowieść o pokonywaniu własnych ograniczeń i słabości, o przyjaźni, o miłości i o wspaniałym Bożym pokoju, “który przewyższa wszelki rozum” (Flp. 4,7).
July 27, 2015
This book is the story of four people, all very different but connected because of one thing they have in common - chronic Illness. This is the first book that I have ever read where the main character has a disability and the thoughts, feelings and struggles that Claire experiences are just so real and raw. It was inspiring to see how Claire handled herself, to see how others despite their limitations, battled with all their hearts to achieve and receive their deep hearts desires whilst on their holiday.
Quote of the book "We need to live in the now of life, it can't be about how much we suffered yesterday or what we might face tomorrow. It's about today. And today was good"
In the magnificent wonderful story telling way that Bonnie Leon is so very gifted in, we get to see how these people learn how to live and not just exist in life. What a awesome powerful story. I absolutely loved it.
Thank you Bonnie for writing this book
Quote of the book "We need to live in the now of life, it can't be about how much we suffered yesterday or what we might face tomorrow. It's about today. And today was good"
In the magnificent wonderful story telling way that Bonnie Leon is so very gifted in, we get to see how these people learn how to live and not just exist in life. What a awesome powerful story. I absolutely loved it.
Thank you Bonnie for writing this book
June 27, 2016
One of the BEST books I've read in awhile. This story was so encouraging and uplifting. I read it in less than two days, because it was that good! Even if you removed the lovely romance part of the book, the story would still be incredible, so it was not cheesy at all.
This was such a heartfelt and relatable story. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. What an inspirational story.
I originally signed up to receive a free copy via a giveaway here on goodreads, but when I didn't when I knew I had to buy it. It sounded too good, and too different, to let this story slip through my fingers, and boy, was I right.
I am sharing this story with all of my friends. "You've got to read this!" is my current motto. I look forward to reading more from Bonnie, she is a wonderful, heartfelt writer. I yearn to write like her, with such passion and heart. What a wonderful story!
This was such a heartfelt and relatable story. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. What an inspirational story.
I originally signed up to receive a free copy via a giveaway here on goodreads, but when I didn't when I knew I had to buy it. It sounded too good, and too different, to let this story slip through my fingers, and boy, was I right.
I am sharing this story with all of my friends. "You've got to read this!" is my current motto. I look forward to reading more from Bonnie, she is a wonderful, heartfelt writer. I yearn to write like her, with such passion and heart. What a wonderful story!
August 10, 2015
I have a chronic illness so when I read the synopsis for this book I was excited that a book would have characters that have chronic illnesses. The book started out great and I was pulled right into the storyline. About 3/4 of the way through I really struggled to finish it. It was such a struggle that I actually planned on not finishing it. I gave it a couple of days and picked it back up again. I'm really glad I did because I couldn't put it down! I loved being able to see the characters grow and become stronger both physically and spiritually. The characters were real, so were their struggles. Whether you struggle with a chronic illness, know someone who does, or enjoy reading about real people who need to find their way, this is a book that you will love!
Highly Recommended!
Highly Recommended!
December 11, 2015
To Dance With Dolphins is a touching book, one that deals honestly with the problems of those with long-term illnesses and ongoing pain, but still gives hope that life can be meaningful and enjoyable, despite pain and disabilities.
The characters in the book are diverse and well-drawn, their thoughts and actions realistic, as they embark upon a road trip that pushes them to the limit and stretches them in many ways. I gained a greater understanding for those living with pain, while being inspired and reminded that all people are valuable and all have something to share with the world.
Recommended highly, particularly for those battling physical or mental illness. (but a wonderful read for anyone)
The characters in the book are diverse and well-drawn, their thoughts and actions realistic, as they embark upon a road trip that pushes them to the limit and stretches them in many ways. I gained a greater understanding for those living with pain, while being inspired and reminded that all people are valuable and all have something to share with the world.
Recommended highly, particularly for those battling physical or mental illness. (but a wonderful read for anyone)
June 13, 2016
Four disabled people meet to travel to dance with the dolphins. As one who has lived with chronic pain for years, I could relate to feelings. I don't share my feelings with many. Claire, Tom, Willow and Taylor head out in Tom's RV. Tom has a spell and Willow drives to a campground she had seen. On way she picks up a hitch hiker who is hired to drive for them. Illness affects one in ways some days it is all one can do to put one foot in front of other. Along the way God teaches each one new things. I so needed this right now . If you don't struggle , story will help you understand those who do.
August 11, 2022
Ciekawa historia grumpy przyjaciół z różnymi chorobami wyruszają w podróż przez Stany. Jak na kilkumiesięczną wyprawę odwiedzają trochę mało miejsc. Liczyłam, że będzie to opowieść o podróżach i zmaganiach z samym sobą na drugim planie a było odwrotnie. Bardzo dużo odwołań do wiary i Boga co nie trafiło w mój gust.
March 5, 2019
I liked how this group evolved over the course of the cross country and back journey - although there were times I got tired of reading the grumpiness and bickering going on in the RV. I loved Willow's view of the world and her way of seeing God's presence everywhere.
January 15, 2024
This story keeps your interest for a variety of reasons...from association with people you know, and to locations visited in the story. A bit of suspense. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks, Bonnie Leon!
March 25, 2017
This story is very touching. I enjoyed watching as each character dealt with his/her own hardship and discovered the strength hidden within themselves. I highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2021
zupełnie się tego nie spodziewałam, ale kocham tą historię
April 11, 2022
Enjoyed this group of friends each dealing with disabilities and God’s answers. Especially enjoyed authors brief biography of her own struggles.
May 13, 2023
Niestety dla mnie nudna, źle napisana a także zawierająca bardzo dużo odwołań do Boga i wiary czym nie jestem zainteresowana
July 17, 2016
This is the kind of book I'd want to write if I wrote fiction. The idea of a road trip for people with different kinds of chronic illnesses to swim with dolphins hooked me immediately. We had a way to go before getting to that, though. At the beginning, it looked as if the trip might not happen at all because several things went wrong. Thankfully, Sean was willing to join them on their trek as a way to make sure the group traveled safely. He started out as a hitchhiker, then became part of the gang.
At some point when I was reading, I kept thinking something was missing. I don't know what didn't sit right. The focus on God was appropriate for the characters who chose Him. I didn't take it in a preachy manner. I continued to read, and whatever didn't work for me must have worked itself out. I was all in at the end of the book, rejoicing in the victories each person earned.
Loved it!
At some point when I was reading, I kept thinking something was missing. I don't know what didn't sit right. The focus on God was appropriate for the characters who chose Him. I didn't take it in a preachy manner. I continued to read, and whatever didn't work for me must have worked itself out. I was all in at the end of the book, rejoicing in the victories each person earned.
Loved it!
Want to read
September 28, 2015I received this book from the First Reads program on Goodreads. Review to follow.
September 27, 2016
Great book. Excellent descriptions of what chronic pain and living with illness are like.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews