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I Know Why the Angels Dance
John Hanson knows how to face the death of an aged Christian; celebrate it. After all, isn’t it selfish to grieve when the departed goes to a better place? Being in charge of the funeral for his grandmother, Nanna, John arranges for a happy atmosphere, but not everyone understands. Tabitha, his twelve-year-old daughter, who is attending her first funeral, perceives the conflict in a very personal way. During the days before Nanna’s death, Tabitha had been comforted by dreams of the lady’s glorious entrance into Heaven, but she truly misses Nanna’s presence and wonders if her inner yearnings are wrong.
Tabitha has also had dreams about her best friend, Rose Grayson, haunting dreams that showed her friend as lost and in terror in the afterworld. No, Rose is not a Christian. In fact, her father, Phil, is an atheist, a bold atheist. Phil and Rose attend Nanna’s funeral, and when Tabitha claims to see a vision of her departed great grandmother, Phil suggests to John that Tabitha should undergo therapeutic counseling. John decides on another path, but the conflict raises doubts about his daughter’s mental and spiritual stability.
Tabitha has also had dreams about her best friend, Rose Grayson, haunting dreams that showed her friend as lost and in terror in the afterworld. No, Rose is not a Christian. In fact, her father, Phil, is an atheist, a bold atheist. Phil and Rose attend Nanna’s funeral, and when Tabitha claims to see a vision of her departed great grandmother, Phil suggests to John that Tabitha should undergo therapeutic counseling. John decides on another path, but the conflict raises doubts about his daughter’s mental and spiritual stability.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Bryan Davis
87 books1,030 followersBryan Davis is the author several speculative-fiction series, including Dragons in Our Midst, Oracles of Fire, Children of the Bard, Dragons of Camelot, The Reapers Trilogy, The Time Echoes Trilogy, Tales of Starlight, Dragons of Starlight, the Oculus Gate, Not So Famous Dog Tales, Astral Alliance, and Wanted: Superheroes.
Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.
Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.
Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.
Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 16, 2015
What I thought:
Well, it’s a Bryan Davis book, so yeah.
But anywho, I really liked this book. It’s definitely a religious one, how to handle grief and such. And there were some things that I didn’t agree with, but overall I thought it was great!
And peoples, I have a hypothesis. Name your kid Rose = something bad happens. It’s just the truth, guys. But if you love the name Rose (and Doctor Who…), then go for it! But, you have been warned!!
Plot/Writing:
I’m sure you all know this by now, but I love Bryan Davis’s writing style. It’s one of my favorites. It just flows well and keeps you sucked in.
The plot was a great one! What can go wrong with dying kids?? *looks pointedly at sister* There were a few parts where it felt a little slow, but only for a few pages.
Characters:
Out of all the characters, I think that Rose and Sarah were my favorites. I don’t know why, but they just were.
All of the characters were great and had a very realistic feel.
Problems:
Like I said, there were some things that I didn’t agree with. Mr. Davis is from a different denomination, so that kinda explains that.
And I felt that Tabitha didn’t actually act her age. I mean, she’s only a year younger then me. But I guess it fits her personality.
Other/Summary:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a story, and as a religious book. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone, whether they’re going through loss or not!!
Well, it’s a Bryan Davis book, so yeah.
But anywho, I really liked this book. It’s definitely a religious one, how to handle grief and such. And there were some things that I didn’t agree with, but overall I thought it was great!
And peoples, I have a hypothesis. Name your kid Rose = something bad happens. It’s just the truth, guys. But if you love the name Rose (and Doctor Who…), then go for it! But, you have been warned!!
Plot/Writing:
I’m sure you all know this by now, but I love Bryan Davis’s writing style. It’s one of my favorites. It just flows well and keeps you sucked in.
The plot was a great one! What can go wrong with dying kids?? *looks pointedly at sister* There were a few parts where it felt a little slow, but only for a few pages.
Characters:
Out of all the characters, I think that Rose and Sarah were my favorites. I don’t know why, but they just were.
All of the characters were great and had a very realistic feel.
Problems:
Like I said, there were some things that I didn’t agree with. Mr. Davis is from a different denomination, so that kinda explains that.
And I felt that Tabitha didn’t actually act her age. I mean, she’s only a year younger then me. But I guess it fits her personality.
Other/Summary:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a story, and as a religious book. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone, whether they’re going through loss or not!!
August 2, 2025
I don't cry over movies. I've been known to cry over books... dude. This one WRECKED ME! I couldn't grasp as a child how a book could be so short and yet so emotionally investable. 10/10 reccomend if you need a good healthy cry.
March 26, 2019
I loved this book, and now I know "Why" the angels dance.
February 5, 2021
This book is beautiful! It taught me about faith and grief and made me think. It was such a touching book to read. I learned from it
March 15, 2021
I cried like a baby...
February 1, 2010
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 100%. 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.
October 26, 2010
I Know Why the Angels Dance is a truly moving story about how good can come out of even the most horrible tragedy. An atheistic family is stricken with grief, and it seems that no one will be able to breach their hearts and allow God’s love to flow. Can a little girl named Tabitha be the key? And when the unspeakable happens, can her father make the angels dance again? Bryan Davis’s beautiful writing brings this story to life. If you can read it without shedding a tear, you have a have a heart of stone.
August 29, 2014
I read this book expecting another fantasy, but I loved it anyway. It is a great book if you like to cry, both sad and happy tears, and is especially touching for fathers and daughters. I really want my dad to read it, because I know he will love it as much as I did. But I also know he will cry as much as I did, if not more.
It is well written, draws even thriller readers (like myself) into it, yet takes heavy issues and deals with them gently, beautifully and biblically. Bryan Davis is in his element with this story of love, loss, heartache and healing.
It is well written, draws even thriller readers (like myself) into it, yet takes heavy issues and deals with them gently, beautifully and biblically. Bryan Davis is in his element with this story of love, loss, heartache and healing.
October 26, 2010
I Know Why the Angles Dance is awesome!
In the beginning of this book, I thought it was kinda hard
to figure out which characters was which. But as the book progressed, I was able to
really feel the different personalities,and was able to grow and love them. This book has a atheist family, and a Christian family, each with their own perspective of the world, and of death. I really loved this book. I have never been disappointed with one of Mr. Davis' books!
In the beginning of this book, I thought it was kinda hard
to figure out which characters was which. But as the book progressed, I was able to
really feel the different personalities,and was able to grow and love them. This book has a atheist family, and a Christian family, each with their own perspective of the world, and of death. I really loved this book. I have never been disappointed with one of Mr. Davis' books!
September 17, 2022
I read this book at a very young age, and despite that fact, I finished reading it and felt that I had renewed spirituality. The book is an acceptable guide to better living in a spiritual sense, and teaches one to appreciate life more.
SPOILER: Don't read this book unless you can handle grief, tears and death.
SPOILER: Don't read this book unless you can handle grief, tears and death.
November 1, 2010
This is a great book about two men who are at odds after one of their children dies. The other tries to comfort him with the child's deathbed conversion to Christ. A great story of reconciliation.
By Elijah Duval
By Elijah Duval
June 21, 2010
Get your tissues ready!!
October 2, 2010
This book is amazing. I was able to be joyful with those who joyed. I wept with those who wept. This book made my faith even stronger. this is another great novel by Bryan Davis!!!
January 9, 2011
This book is so sad.
August 29, 2016
An amazing story that touches the heart and strengthens faith.
October 31, 2012
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It made me cry harder than any other book, yet I loved it so much!
January 16, 2014
This book really made me think. What if that were to happen to me? Or one of my siblings? This book makes it clear that we should live every day as though it is our last.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews