Early from the Dance: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: An absolute revelation of a book!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: An absolute revelation of a book!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: tremendous book in the style of Pat Conroy
Review: if you love the spirit of the south and pat conroy - read this book

Rating:
Summary: Makes Pat Conroy look like a hack!
Review: Impossible to read without getting completely caught up in the story and characters. The author does such an amazing job of bringing the cast to life, and you walk away feeling as though you have actually know these people and spent a summer with them. I read this book as I was going through some major life changes and found that quite often the lessons and insights learned by the main characters seemed to speak directly to me. Romantic, very moving, very well written, and does what a good book should do: transports you into a new world. Worth reading at least 2-3 times

Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone of his generation
Review: Payne demonstrates a rare level of narrative ability with this book, which will be remembered as his best. His rendering of the same story from the voices of both male and female characters provides a rich texture and moving power to this novel. There is no question that this novel provides the benchmark against which all others of this nature will be judged. Payne fearless quest for the nexus of the nature of love, friendship, and memory is unashamed and pulls no punches. This is one of those rare books that will have an immediate and lasting impact on those who read it. If you read no other book of this decade, read this one

Rating:
Summary: The Bittersweet Taste of Young Love
Review: Payne has done a wonderful job of weaving a story of young love and the meaning of friendship. The prose is very well written and at times conveys the bittersweet feelings of being in love at 18.

Rating:
Summary: Sultry Southern Succulence
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Sultry Southern Succulence
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite books of all time
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: This book is a life-changing read...my fave book of all time
Review: 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.