The Dead Don't Dance

I was very impressed with this book. The writing and characters where extremely realistic. All the characters were very unique and well developed. I really enjoyed the flashbacks in the book. They really made it possible to relate and understand the main character. This book will make you laugh and cry. Unlike many faith based fiction novels, the people were real, complete with flaws. One of the main themes in the book is the importance of moving forward even when faced with tragedy. I was deeply touched by this book. I purchased Mr. Martin's second book as soon as I finished this one.

Dr. Martin, you've done it! I remember sitting in a graduate class you helped teach 10 years ago, hearing how you dreamed of becoming a novelist someday. Well, you're living the dream -- and doing a fine job of it, too. Your writing is brutally -- and refreshingly -- honest. Real characters with real emotions that resonate throughout the story make this an engaging read. Bravo to WestBow for not asking you to pull your punches in telling the story like you knew it had to be told. Looking forward to reading "Wrapped in Rain." Keep the faith -- and keep writing!

After much anticipation in waiting for the book to ship on May 14th (I heard about it from the author's wife), I knew 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.

I began this book a little biased because it was written by a friend's brother, but after I finished the first chapter, I was legitimately hooked! The characters are so vivid and well developed, and it is even more touching to know that a man wrote this story. The imagery is lifelike. Emotions range from despair to elation, and I felt them right along with the characters in the book. And if you were on Delta flight 1123 on May 17th, you felt them right along with me as I was sobbing uncontrollably the entire flight while I finished the book. These turned to tears of happiness as the book ended and I have a yearning to hear the next chapter in this story of heartache and love. It was so powerful, and the message reached me at a time that I needed to hear it. I feel that everyone who reads this story will come away with something more than what they started with.

I was pleased with this book and loved the quirky Southern characters that did not at all seem cardboard. The author does a nice job of making you feel as if you are THERE in small town South Carolina.This one is a writer to watch. I look forward to his next book.