Customer Reviews

Early From the Dance

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

David Payne's characters and prose speak so closely to me that I get Goosebumps every time I read this book. An absolutely amazing piece of Southern literature. This is, without a doubt, my favorite novel of all time. Filled with so much intelligent, touching, heart-tugging prose, you will no doubt feel compelled to go out and buy everything that David Payne has ever written. I honestly can't go into my local Barnes and Noble without at least casually wondering by the "P" section to verify that another David Payne novel isn't finally available. Payne's brilliant use of imagery is so mesmerizing, powerful and compelling that you'll never want this novel to come to an end. `Early from the dance' is a vivid, honest, oh-so-bittersweet novel that you will ALWAYS remember. Read this book!

I first read this book when I was barely out of my teens and I can tell you each and every place I occupied while turning these pages. It is a book that has stayed with me and haunts me often in my wondering whatever became of A.

I, too, as another reviewer, cannot journey a bookstore without browsing the shelf where I find this author and always, always hope he will have published something new and memorable since my last visit.

A must read for real readers - an excellent travel/beach/late night with the flu book! Get it!

This book is, without a doubt, the most thought provoking, intriquing work of fiction I've had the pleasure to read. As a southern girl who lives for my vacations on the Outer Banks, I FELT this book. My family knows not to even TRY to talk to me on vacation when this book is in my hands (I read it each trip). I only loan my copy to friends who I know will "get it" so we can discuss it later. This is such a true depiction of growing up southern style, and coming of age in a simple place with complicated issues. It's a read for anyone. I also read Ruin Creek, and was disappointed. I guess Early from the Dance was hard to top. Am eagerly awaiting the next book from David Payne.

I have read this book 3 times and love it. I want to read MORE novels by David Payne. I am eagerly awaiting a new novel. I will be the first in line. True and very realistic of becoming an early adult, love and tribulations. I value this book and will always keep it in my collection.

I was fortunate enough to stumble on this book shortly after it was published. Since then I have read it several times and have passed it on, purchased it for friends, and generally reveled in the riveting tale and superb prose. Segments read like romantic poetry. It evokes that special time in everyone's life when romance is all and all things seem possible. David Payne is an incredibly talented writer with the rare gift of being able to tear your heart out with a phrase. I admired his talent when I discovered him. I admire it even more now. Read it. You will cherish the experience.

I've ordered hundreds of books through Amazon (living in Darkest Africa, without television, is a brilliant place to get hooked on books!) and David Payne's "Early to the Dance" is by far the best I've read this year. It is sublime. A masterpiece. "A symphony" as Newsweek puts it so well. Lyrical, poetic and utterly gripping. I totally loved every moment and it left me longing for more of David Payne's work. I have now gone on to T.C. Boyle's "Riven Rock" and am PLODDING. David Payne is a hard act to follow.

There are novels that just suck you in. Often that is because of conscience identification with characters and themes. That is exactly why I am puzzled by my adoration of this novel- I cannot find myself in any of David Payne's players. I am a born-and-raised Yankee who went to college in the South and started my professional life in Norhtern California, but when Payne talks of youthful passion and struggle in Coastal Carolina, he instantly familiarized me with places I have never been, but have always known.

I have read thousands of fiction books in my life, and can honestly say (though I have nothing in common with these white, Southern, American characters) that this is in the top ten, of the best books I have ever read. Few pieces of fiction have ever emotionally moved me as much.

Early from the Dance was my second David Payne reading and it was every bit as good as the first (his last novel, Gravesend Light). I'm a big David Payne fan. I couldn't put this latest book down (I read it in five days, including taking the last day off for the specific purpose of having an uninterrupted read (the last 150 pages)). The story(ies) were gripping from the start. Payne can move from male to female voice and I'm thoroughly convinced by either. I'm only upset that there are just two more Payne books for me to read.

This book is David Payne's masterpiece. Even though Payne writes with a southerner's sensibilities, this book will resonate for readers of any geographical location. The characterizations are amazing and the story is extremely touching and true. My only complaint is that David Payne does not produce books often enough.