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I Called Him Dancer
For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turned his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life. When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.
I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life.
I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2011
39 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 21, 2011
Before I get into my review, I want to say that I would absolutely love to see this book made into a movie! The seemingly effortlessness of Michael’s dancing danced right through my heart. Mr. Snipes’ intense, personal descriptions made me feel like I was there with Michael, magically moving next to him as his partner.
Having suffered much throughout his childhood, Michael had closed off his heart to love and God. Raquel has felt a romantic love for him since high school. But by the time she makes it through dance school and onto Broadway, Michael is nowhere to be found.
Upon finding him homeless and washing car windows, her heart’s unconditional love and compassion for her long-lost friend abounded with delight, searching him out until he finally talked to her. Her tenacity in reaching out to his hurting heart represents the very love of God. Though Michael had forsaken God, God had not forsaken him. The story surrounding God’s interactions with him will keep you amazed and hopeful, though Michael is emotionally unpredictable and elusive. Will he be able to let go of his deep-rooted bitterness and trust?
I Called Him Dancer by G. Edward Snipes is not a book you will be able to read and forget! Even if you are not one easily moved by someone’s life tragedy, Snipes expresses the deepest emotions of his characters in such a way as to reach down into the deep crevices of your own heart. His characters seem so real to life, it’s as though they are people you know personally. A high 5!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).
Having suffered much throughout his childhood, Michael had closed off his heart to love and God. Raquel has felt a romantic love for him since high school. But by the time she makes it through dance school and onto Broadway, Michael is nowhere to be found.
Upon finding him homeless and washing car windows, her heart’s unconditional love and compassion for her long-lost friend abounded with delight, searching him out until he finally talked to her. Her tenacity in reaching out to his hurting heart represents the very love of God. Though Michael had forsaken God, God had not forsaken him. The story surrounding God’s interactions with him will keep you amazed and hopeful, though Michael is emotionally unpredictable and elusive. Will he be able to let go of his deep-rooted bitterness and trust?
I Called Him Dancer by G. Edward Snipes is not a book you will be able to read and forget! Even if you are not one easily moved by someone’s life tragedy, Snipes expresses the deepest emotions of his characters in such a way as to reach down into the deep crevices of your own heart. His characters seem so real to life, it’s as though they are people you know personally. A high 5!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).
September 29, 2012
I wanted to like this book. It has a great cover and the basic plot of the book is interesting. I gave up half way through because the characters became so two dimensional and the story too much of a sermon. Let's face it; love doesn't conquer all, you can pray your life away with no noticeable effect on an addict and pinning your hopes on an addict will only waste two lives. I like a good fairytale but this is just the flip side of your-prince-will-come. Gave up half way through because I just didn't care.
November 4, 2012
This book started out awesome but became a sermon about 1/3 of the way through. It didn't even mention Jesus or God until a third through and then it was page long quotes from the bible. Not a favorite for me.
August 22, 2020
This is a wonderful book that I have loved to distraction. It is a Christian book, and that is its greatest strength. We start Michael Camp's story when he is six years old and his mother and his stepfather have decided to jettison him with relatives in hopes they can live their own dreams without him dragging them down. So he starts getting shuffled from relative to relative. But one of them believes in him. He discovers in himself an ability to dance, and this relative enables him to learn more about this guiding passion of him life. Ordinarily a shy, quiet boy, Michael becomes a totally different person when he dances. This story paints his rise and his ignominious fall in the world of dance. It shows how God loves us even in our mess and how He reaches out through others to accomplish His good will. I hope you love this book as much as I do.
April 29, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book about a man who moved to New York City to pursue a dancing career but fell on hard times. It's not only a romance story about the love between two people but between God and someone he desires to have a relationship with.
July 27, 2021
A good read about a young man who makes it to the top in the dancing world then falls to the bottom. With the help of a long time friend he's able to rise back up and not only dance again, but find love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2022
4 stars
If I hadn't been so busy with life, I would have finished this heartfelt story in one sitting. I instantly cared about Dancer and needed to know whether he was okay.
If I hadn't been so busy with life, I would have finished this heartfelt story in one sitting. I instantly cared about Dancer and needed to know whether he was okay.
January 5, 2026
I’ve read this inspiring book at least 3 times. It is truly amazing & an awesome story of God’s Grace & Mercy.
April 5, 2011
I Called Him Dancer was a wonderful book. I wasn't sure what to expect. I normally read Christian romance but have recently started reading other fiction genres and enjoying them. While this isn't a romance you normally think of it is a love story at its very core. One between God and man. Michael grabbed my heart and attention from the beginning. I was eager to follow his story and find out where it lead. I felt drawn to this sweet little boy who was left with no one, or so he thought. He failed to see the many people who did care for him because he had withdrawn so far within himself. But all through his life there were people in his path that did care for him and helped him with his dreams.
Raquel is a young girl who found Jesus and saw how it changed her life. When she met Michael she just knew there was a connection. Through years of distance she never let that go because it was something God put in her heart. She demonstrated that unconditional love towards Michael.
The preacher was an amazing character, one of my favorites. I loved his conversations with the Lord and how even when he didn't want to do what he was told he was faithful. God blessed his willing and loving spirit for others.
This is a book about Gods forgiveness and love for even those who feel they cannot be forgiven. For those who have reached the bottom and feel there is no way up. It's a book about listening to what God is leading you to do even when it sounds like nothing good will come from it. We may never see what comes from the seeds we plant but God is faithful to bring them to fruition. I believe it should encourage us to see the world and people through the eyes of Jesus. We don't know their story, but He does. And He can use us to reach them with His love.
It also gives you something to think about when it comes to your Christian walk. Remember that those who don't know Jesus will expect something different from you. If someone who says they are a Christian and acts in a way that isn't godly we could be leading them to believe that God doesn't care about them either. There are many people out there that say they are Christians but their actions don't show it. We need to make sure we are showing others Jesus' love through our actions and words.
If you love to read inspirational stories filled with characters that seem to come alive on the pages of the book and draw you into the story, this book is for you. It's a book that even young teens would benefit from and enjoy.
Raquel is a young girl who found Jesus and saw how it changed her life. When she met Michael she just knew there was a connection. Through years of distance she never let that go because it was something God put in her heart. She demonstrated that unconditional love towards Michael.
The preacher was an amazing character, one of my favorites. I loved his conversations with the Lord and how even when he didn't want to do what he was told he was faithful. God blessed his willing and loving spirit for others.
This is a book about Gods forgiveness and love for even those who feel they cannot be forgiven. For those who have reached the bottom and feel there is no way up. It's a book about listening to what God is leading you to do even when it sounds like nothing good will come from it. We may never see what comes from the seeds we plant but God is faithful to bring them to fruition. I believe it should encourage us to see the world and people through the eyes of Jesus. We don't know their story, but He does. And He can use us to reach them with His love.
It also gives you something to think about when it comes to your Christian walk. Remember that those who don't know Jesus will expect something different from you. If someone who says they are a Christian and acts in a way that isn't godly we could be leading them to believe that God doesn't care about them either. There are many people out there that say they are Christians but their actions don't show it. We need to make sure we are showing others Jesus' love through our actions and words.
If you love to read inspirational stories filled with characters that seem to come alive on the pages of the book and draw you into the story, this book is for you. It's a book that even young teens would benefit from and enjoy.
July 5, 2011
I Called Him Dancer drew me in by both its title and cover. The story inside did not disappoint.
I danced professionally for over twenty years. The appropriate respect and recognition in the determination and discipline required for a dancer to achieve any amount of success in the performing arts field came across well. I deeply appreciated Eddie Snipes’ novel for this among many other reasons. Such as, the edification of male dancers…that a man who has the gift of dance and who trains to sharpen technique doesn’t mean he’s a sissy or a girlie-girl, but that strong male leads are existent and necessary in the realm of performance. I have seen firsthand—and have been bothered by—how a perfectly masculine male dancer at the school age sometimes receives ridicule by peers because what they do doesn’t fall into the typical football or basketball category and therefore is misunderstood, slighted and/or affronted. Dance is by far one of the most difficult and rigorous disciplines through which you can put your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Having this knowledge on a personal level, and then reading through this story was a bittersweet experience. A boy’s rough start in life, his discovery of his gift in dance, the training he endured to sharpen it, the ultra-challenging rise to the top, a mistake that made it all come crashing down, and then the second chance when he’d lost hope, all weave together to make an absolutely wonderful read. I loved it—a transformational story of the making of a star that crashed and burned without a glimmer of hope. Desperation met optimism. Despair met salvation. A washed out dancer met renewed energy. Yes, welcome to the intricate and unpredictable world of dancers—but with a twist…a breath saving, reenlistment to the meaning of life, truth, and the healing of hearts.
It’s true, for many dancers, their art/work/passion is their identity—that’s all they know—but there’s so much more. The author does an exemplary job of conveying this message. We are nothing without the One who makes it all right again…who makes it all right ever. We are nothing without Him.
To top the novel off, I enjoyed the beauty of two people who fell in love, as well as some chilling suspense—like icing to a cake! I Called Him Dancer is a book well done and embraced.
I danced professionally for over twenty years. The appropriate respect and recognition in the determination and discipline required for a dancer to achieve any amount of success in the performing arts field came across well. I deeply appreciated Eddie Snipes’ novel for this among many other reasons. Such as, the edification of male dancers…that a man who has the gift of dance and who trains to sharpen technique doesn’t mean he’s a sissy or a girlie-girl, but that strong male leads are existent and necessary in the realm of performance. I have seen firsthand—and have been bothered by—how a perfectly masculine male dancer at the school age sometimes receives ridicule by peers because what they do doesn’t fall into the typical football or basketball category and therefore is misunderstood, slighted and/or affronted. Dance is by far one of the most difficult and rigorous disciplines through which you can put your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Having this knowledge on a personal level, and then reading through this story was a bittersweet experience. A boy’s rough start in life, his discovery of his gift in dance, the training he endured to sharpen it, the ultra-challenging rise to the top, a mistake that made it all come crashing down, and then the second chance when he’d lost hope, all weave together to make an absolutely wonderful read. I loved it—a transformational story of the making of a star that crashed and burned without a glimmer of hope. Desperation met optimism. Despair met salvation. A washed out dancer met renewed energy. Yes, welcome to the intricate and unpredictable world of dancers—but with a twist…a breath saving, reenlistment to the meaning of life, truth, and the healing of hearts.
It’s true, for many dancers, their art/work/passion is their identity—that’s all they know—but there’s so much more. The author does an exemplary job of conveying this message. We are nothing without the One who makes it all right again…who makes it all right ever. We are nothing without Him.
To top the novel off, I enjoyed the beauty of two people who fell in love, as well as some chilling suspense—like icing to a cake! I Called Him Dancer is a book well done and embraced.
March 19, 2011
As I sit down to write this review, I wrestle with whether or not I can do I CALLED HIM DANCER by G. Edward Snipes, justice. The first thing to usually capture my attention in a book is the cover. The second thing would be the title. I CALLED HIM DANCER failed in both those areas. But what did intrigue me was the blurb on the back cover. Despite the cover and title, it sounded like a story I’d enjoy
As I began to read it didn’t take long before I realize I was going to be taken on a wonderful journey. Some books can start out okay just to later dwindle. This was not the case with I CALLED HIM DANCER. Not only was the writing of this well-paced story good, it kept my interest. I smiled. I cried. My heartstrings were tugged, filling up with emotions.
Mr. Snipes does an amazing job with the characters, and the storyline. If I had to say something negative about the book, it would be that there isn’t a good place to set it down. The story is such an amazing one, and so well written you’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter”. There was never a point where I didn’t want to read more to discover what was going to happen next. The ending had me captivated in a way no other book has done in a very long time. I feared how it would end, yet prayed it wouldn’t be so and play out the way I hoped it would.
Dancer’s story is a remarkable one. I CALLED HIM DANCER is packed with trials and tribulations, hope, love, perseverance, God’s calling, as well as His amazing grace and mercy. The message was profound, yet presented in such a natural way one would not walk away feeling preached to. The other characters were well thought-out with stories of their own that will draw you near to them as well.
Do not judge a book by its cover certainly pertained to I CALLED HIM DANCER, and I’m grateful for not having let it stop me from reading this masterful work of art. As an aspiring author, I yearn to write such a compelling story that is sure to touch many lives. I’ve been moved by this story in a way that I will never be the same.
As I began to read it didn’t take long before I realize I was going to be taken on a wonderful journey. Some books can start out okay just to later dwindle. This was not the case with I CALLED HIM DANCER. Not only was the writing of this well-paced story good, it kept my interest. I smiled. I cried. My heartstrings were tugged, filling up with emotions.
Mr. Snipes does an amazing job with the characters, and the storyline. If I had to say something negative about the book, it would be that there isn’t a good place to set it down. The story is such an amazing one, and so well written you’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter”. There was never a point where I didn’t want to read more to discover what was going to happen next. The ending had me captivated in a way no other book has done in a very long time. I feared how it would end, yet prayed it wouldn’t be so and play out the way I hoped it would.
Dancer’s story is a remarkable one. I CALLED HIM DANCER is packed with trials and tribulations, hope, love, perseverance, God’s calling, as well as His amazing grace and mercy. The message was profound, yet presented in such a natural way one would not walk away feeling preached to. The other characters were well thought-out with stories of their own that will draw you near to them as well.
Do not judge a book by its cover certainly pertained to I CALLED HIM DANCER, and I’m grateful for not having let it stop me from reading this masterful work of art. As an aspiring author, I yearn to write such a compelling story that is sure to touch many lives. I’ve been moved by this story in a way that I will never be the same.
January 24, 2012
He’ll scope out your motel room, your car, your apartment. He’ll break in while you’re gone, or knock you out if you’re there. He’ll steal from you anything of value so he can buy his next fix.
And he’s one of the most sympathetic characters I’ve met since Brady Darby in Jerry Jenkins’ *Riven*.
There was a brief time in Michael Camp’s life when things were promising, golden. There was a place into which he could disappear from all pain. The time: whenever he was on stage; the place: the dance, where he could cut loose from his loneliness and misery.
“Michael closed his eyes and allowed the music to carry him to the secret place where dancers lived . . . With graceful movements, he retrieved stars from the night sky and spread them on the ground before him with a bow.”
What happened to the magic?
Raquel’s life is entwined with Dancer’s, whether he likes it or not. She’s in love with him–whether she likes it or not. God has put love for Michael Camp on her heart, and she can’t turn her back on him. Even now.
Eddie takes his reader on Michael’s hungry journey from small town America to the World Youth Grand Prix in New York through Pahl School of Dance, and back to New York–to Broadway!–and to the streets, where Raquel finds him once again.
*I Called Him Dancer* will rip out your heart and soul, and put them back again, changed for the better.
And he’s one of the most sympathetic characters I’ve met since Brady Darby in Jerry Jenkins’ *Riven*.
There was a brief time in Michael Camp’s life when things were promising, golden. There was a place into which he could disappear from all pain. The time: whenever he was on stage; the place: the dance, where he could cut loose from his loneliness and misery.
“Michael closed his eyes and allowed the music to carry him to the secret place where dancers lived . . . With graceful movements, he retrieved stars from the night sky and spread them on the ground before him with a bow.”
What happened to the magic?
Raquel’s life is entwined with Dancer’s, whether he likes it or not. She’s in love with him–whether she likes it or not. God has put love for Michael Camp on her heart, and she can’t turn her back on him. Even now.
Eddie takes his reader on Michael’s hungry journey from small town America to the World Youth Grand Prix in New York through Pahl School of Dance, and back to New York–to Broadway!–and to the streets, where Raquel finds him once again.
*I Called Him Dancer* will rip out your heart and soul, and put them back again, changed for the better.
April 7, 2011
This gripping story provides an inside look at the drives and pitfalls of talent. Young Michael retreats to dancing in order to escape the realities of his young life. He achieves his goals and then is drawn into a world far away from the life he wants. Raquel pursues Michael's dream and encounters her own problems. Mr Snipes portrays the setting of New York in vivid detail, as vivid as the darkness of some of his character's minds, hearts and lives. However, love shines through many of his characters as well as the love of God, which enables our hero to conquer his inner demons.
This truly is a love story and is not a romance. Well done Mr. Snipes!
One other thing about this book that I found enjoyable: There were few editing errors. It seems that no matter what book I pick up to read, I find glaring editorial misses. There were a few more errors at the end of the book than the beginning, but no errors that stopped me in my reading tracks!
This truly is a love story and is not a romance. Well done Mr. Snipes!
One other thing about this book that I found enjoyable: There were few editing errors. It seems that no matter what book I pick up to read, I find glaring editorial misses. There were a few more errors at the end of the book than the beginning, but no errors that stopped me in my reading tracks!
August 2, 2011
This was such a wonderful story, I don't know where to begin! From the joy you can feel when he dances, to the sorrow Raquel feels when she finds Dancer and sees how low he has fallen, God's mercy and grace just shines through it all. Eddie draws us so deeply into the characters that you can't help but want to cry for Dancer, and cheer Raquel on as she follows God's leading.
I must admit, there were a few surprising twists in the story. Some made me laugh, others made me gasp, and yes, some made me sigh. Great job, Eddie. I can't wait for the next one!
I don't want to give one little bit of this story away. All I can say is, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
I must admit, there were a few surprising twists in the story. Some made me laugh, others made me gasp, and yes, some made me sigh. Great job, Eddie. I can't wait for the next one!
I don't want to give one little bit of this story away. All I can say is, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
August 23, 2011
Several elements pulled me into this story. First, the characters were believable. From the responsible to the carefree, from the compassionate to the chilling, I've met these personalities in real life. Second, I cared about the main characters. I desperately wanted Dancer to overcome the impact of his early neglect and impoverishment. I felt emotionally invested in him and the surrounding cast. Simply put, I cared.
While the first half pulled me in, the second half tightened its grip and refused to let me go. The pace quickened as the story pulled me inexorably to the dramatic conclusion. A very satisfying and personally impacting read. Well written; highly recommended.
While the first half pulled me in, the second half tightened its grip and refused to let me go. The pace quickened as the story pulled me inexorably to the dramatic conclusion. A very satisfying and personally impacting read. Well written; highly recommended.
April 13, 2011
Love endures all things... What a perfect theme for this novel. As Raquel continues toward her dream of Broadway, her lost love tumbles in the gutters off broadway. But God's plan is a bit more than Broadway for both of them. Eddie Snipes offers us the opportunity to travel with Michael from lost to redeemed and to understand that God's love is never too far away and we are never too bad for God to love us.
September 27, 2011
Follow Michael Camp, a brilliantly talented dancer as he fights his way through a country dance studio, the World Youth Grand Prix, and finally, makes it to Broadway. Watch, stunned, as he plummets out of control and succumbs to the temptation that befalls so many people--drugs--and it ruins his life. I Called Him Dancer is a thought-provoking book that shouldn't be taken lightly. Read, listen, and learn. You may have all the success the world has to offer, but at what cost? --B
July 1, 2012
Once I read Michael's mother left him alone to go out when he was 6, all I could think was poor Michael. It was all I could do not to google Michael Camp & find out what happened to him. I made it halfway through the book before I gave in. I was so disappointed to learn it was not a true story! Probably would have given it more stars if it was. Or if I had any will power & didn't find out it wasn't a true story so I guess it isn't the book's fault. I could have done with a little less god talk.
April 6, 2016
I Called Him Dancer
Christian fiction authors have a very heavy load to bear to make a story entertaining without the "preachy" tone that is a turn off for a lot of readers. This author has accomplished that in writing a story of abandonment, bullying, drug addiction and God's grace, always there just for the taking. This is a great read that has enough of the human interest to keep any reader involved long enough to get the message from God's grace.
Christian fiction authors have a very heavy load to bear to make a story entertaining without the "preachy" tone that is a turn off for a lot of readers. This author has accomplished that in writing a story of abandonment, bullying, drug addiction and God's grace, always there just for the taking. This is a great read that has enough of the human interest to keep any reader involved long enough to get the message from God's grace.
March 29, 2013
I don't usually go for the Christian fiction genre as I find that it can get a bit cheesy. I was surprised at how much I liked this book! The characters were deep and lovable and it was a great story. It got a little predictable about halfway through and a little too "perfect" toward the end but I still thought it was a great novel and read it in a day. I'd probably give it 4 1/2 stars.
September 5, 2012
I'm generally not a fan of Christian fiction because most of the stories are miles wide and inches deep. But I liked this book a lot. I enjoyed the performing arts perspective, and I thought the challenges faced by the protagonist were complex enough to be grounded in reality. This was a book I had a tough time putting down.
November 18, 2012
Once I stated reading, I had a hard time putting it down. I kept wanting to know how Dancer (Michael) fared throughout his life. If nothing else, this story makes me realize and remember that homeless people didn't start out their lives that way, there is a story behind their appearance and current way of life. The story also reiterates the Grace, Love and Forgiveness to be found in Jesus.
March 30, 2015
Dancer
I found this book, unsure weather I wanted to read it or not. It was free, thought if I don't like it, I will just get rid of it.
So glad I did get I Called Him Dancer. Very, very good book, good story, good values lesson wise. Was never bored by the story, but had to keep reading to find out what happens.
I found this book, unsure weather I wanted to read it or not. It was free, thought if I don't like it, I will just get rid of it.
So glad I did get I Called Him Dancer. Very, very good book, good story, good values lesson wise. Was never bored by the story, but had to keep reading to find out what happens.
May 16, 2012
The story of finding someone after many years of absence, and trying to understand the changes that came about in the individual. When happenstance or opportunity occurs later in life, one is better able to respond favorably to them.
September 4, 2013
This is a book of inspiration and hope with a strong emphasis on the message of Christ's salvation. Written in a simplistic style, it follows a rather predictable pattern to a happy ending. while there are a few superfluous characters and twists, it is a book of faith, love and forgiveness.
March 11, 2011
I enjoyed this book tremendously. The book is about the power of love to heal the most broken of men.
March 12, 2011
A real page turner and an easy read.
June 3, 2012
Good book
September 3, 2013
I tried. The lackluster writing drove me away. Characterizations were spotty and often one dimensional.
May 6, 2014
I haven't added a book on goodreads for a while but I felt this one deserved sharing. A captivating book with good moral lessons, complete with good/bad guys & romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews