4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bryan Davis Gives the World a Gift, February 1, 2010
This review is from: I Know Why the Angels Dance (Paperback)
This Review contains no spoilers.
Main Characters: John Hanson (dad), Tabitha (12), Melody (mom), Dr. Phil & Myrtle, Rose (12) Grayson
I Know Why the Angels Dance is a 5-Star book told in multiple points of view about a Christian girl who guides her best friend and her best friend's parents to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
MAIN STORY ELEMENTS: The first half of the book is told predominantly from 12-year-old Tabitha Hanson's point of view. Along the way, her father John Hanson is allowed a perspective and we begin to realize that he is due for a major learning curve. There are three atheist POV characters, 12-year-old Rose and her parents, the Graysons, who you expect to eventually, see the Light. But to me, the story seems to be mostly about Tabitha as an angel-type person who teaches and guides her scholarly Christian father to a more meaningful relationship with and understanding of God.
Rose's father, Dr. Phil Grayson, is an uber-intelligent man who resists God out of his extreme logical nature. Over the course of the book - and all the way to the very last page - Phil struggles to either prove or disprove God, and people who have similar mindsets may find this book helps them to understand God's ways.
AUDIENCE: Although marketed as a book for adults, I Know Why the Angels Dance could also be for children. 12-year-old Tabitha Hanson tells the majority of the story and her perspective is that of an angelic and faith-filled little girl who loves her daddy, her sister Sarah and Jesus. My 16-year-old daughter read the book and identified with it completely, so I think children as young as 13 or 14 could read it, especially if they are already Believers. Warning to parents, though, children die in this book - and their deaths are integral to the message of faith the book is bringing. Be forewarned.
THEOLOGY: is sound. Allowing for the addition of fiction elements in Tabitha's dreams of heaven and her visions of interactions with Jesus Himself, the basic Christian doctrine is adhered to all the way. The Narrow Gate, the One Way, are clearly described.
EVANGELICAL USES: When a child dies, this book may bring comfort to those who mourn: believers and non-believers. For a staunch atheist, this book may help him/her understand God as John Hanson and Tabitha share their faith with Dr. Grayson. And for people with strong faith, this book may be an opportunity to read a sweet story about people who love the Lord and long to be with Him. John Hanson gives a lovely eulogy at a funeral for a little girl that brought tears to my eyes. Bryan Davis was definitely anointed when he wrote that wonderful scene.
TECHNICAL: The book is edited flawlessly without the distracting type-o's many books have and the cover artwork is breathtaking. I found myself looking at the cover dozens of times during the reading to once again get the lovely child Tabitha's face in my mind again.
I hope this review has helped you in your decision to buy this book. I honestly do not think you will be disappointed.
Ellen C Maze, author Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
An undead tale of faith-vs-bloodlust for all people.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another excellent book from Mr. Davis, August 24, 2009
This review is from: I Know Why the Angels Dance (Paperback)
Bryan Davis, probably best known for his young adult fantasy novels, once again proves himself a master storyteller in I Know Why the Angels Dance. It is a tale of sorrow and joy, of death and eternal life, at once applying a healing balm and encouraging catharsis.
I've read his books in the past and am quite a fan of his work, but nothing quite prepared me for this newest story. Readers will be most familiar with Dragons in our Midst, Oracles of Fire, and Echoes from the Edge. And they may purchase this book, expecting a similar story.
It's not. As with all his books, IKWTAD is filled with spiritual insights, but this book is outside his usual genre. And this is by no means a negative. Instead, it is delightful to see something new from Mr. Davis, a break from the fantasy he so frequently writes. None of his passion is lost; in fact, this may well be the most powerful story he has written.
Two fathers, one in the light and one in the darkness. Two girls, the best of friends. What happens when tragedy strikes, when the joys of youth are cut short, and the laughter of childhood is replaced by the silence of the grave? What balm could possibly bring the fathers comfort? Readers will laugh and weep with the characters in this breathtaking novel that will thaw even the coldest of hearts, as they discover why the angels dance.
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