This book is a multimedia set which includes a CD of the song (sung by Ms. Womack), a set of the lyrics, a book that expands on each line of the lyrics with more thoughts, and beautiful photographs to set an encouraging mood.

The book opens with a gift inscription page to help the recipient remember who gave the book and why, and ends with an encouragement to reread the book or to call the giver for support. "No, it's not the end. It's the Beginning."

If somehow you've missed the song (which I doubt), here are a few lines:

"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder . . ."

"Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens . . ."

"Promise me you'll give faith a chance . . ."

"And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance . . . ."

As you can see, the song is a life-affirming one that encourages engagement rather than licking one's wounds.

Here's how the book connects the donor and recipient:

"If tomorrow you wake up feeling

unoriginal

or

faithless

or

tired of this world

please

pick up this book and start back at page

ONE.

(Or just call me.)"

Many people will see this book as an obvious gift for a high school or a college graduation. Although less obvious, I think the book is a wonderful choice as a gift for a birthday or when you see a young person feeling a little blue. Young people should also consider giving it to friends as a symbol of connection.

The song and the book are excellent for making the world seem limitless and exciting again. Reconnected to those moments when we all used to like to jump into the puddles, we are rejuvenated.

After you have read this book many times, I suspect that you will get new meaning from it if you pick another metaphor to add to the one of dancing rather than sitting out. What else do you like to do? Do you like to race the wind? Do you like to launch kites towards the heavens?

Remember that the journey is more important than the destination!

50 of 50 found the following review helpful:


I Hope You Dance - so do I!  Mar 25, 2001 By Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads"
This song sung by Lee Ann Womack is set to a book & CD with lyrics & additional inspirational texts & photographs. This is my first review of a book inspired by a song & I recommend it to anybody wanting the perfect gift.

I Hope You Dance is filled with words of wonder & thoughtful photos. The song touched my heart when I first heard it, reminding me how much I liked to dance - when I'm glad as much as when I sorry. For both youngsters & oldsters & everybody in between, I Hope You Dance, is a soulful song, kindly given & beautifully presented.

Promise me you'll give I Hope You Dance a chance - it's a perfect gift for graduation, for somebody about to set out for fields afar, for anybody who loves to love for in the giving, you will have song, love & laughter in your heart. Do check out my full review.

103 of 112 found the following review helpful:


ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!  Apr 27, 2001 By Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books"
This little book and CD are inspirational, deeply touching and heart-warming. They will reach out to your soul, your spirit and bring out the best in you. The song is no stranger to music lovers; it captivates and is so true to life, it leaves the reader with the feeling the song must have been written just for them. The book contains some beautiful photos and a poignant message. This would make a perfect, all-occasion gift for that very special person in your life - lover, family, friend, or yourself. Be good to you and pamper yourself, you deserve it! It is a memorable treasure that can be kept and cherished for many years to come, and I do, indeed... "hope you dance."

40 of 41 found the following review helpful:


An inspirational book of poetry and music  Dec 04, 2000 By Lindan
I know the song, and heard about the book. A CD single of the song is included. I bought it as a gift for someone I loved very much, because it said what I could not begin to convey or express. And its appropriate to give to your child, mother, father or partner. Really, anyone you hope will take chances in life, and love for better or worse, "I just Hope You Dance".

42 of 44 found the following review helpful:


Powerful, Precious, Priceless!  Feb 25, 2001
This is a powerful yet small 68 page book that can truly inspire and reach the heart of a person. It can actually speak volumes to a person you care about while you yourself are inspired as well! I venture to say it may even help heal a wounded soul. Who of us has not been let down, betrayed, even deeply hurt at some point in our lifetime?

Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers along with the song lyrics (and CD!) of Lee Ann Womack's *I Hope You Dance* have put together a great package of an inspirational optimistic look at life. Such as asking "What is hope?" Then expounding on what hope means such as: to want, to desire, to expect what is envisioned may indeed happen, to hang on, hold out just a little while longer?..still they cover more thoughts then ask: "Can you have hope without faith and humility and wonder?" adding "What would you be without hope growing deep in your bones, thriving in every inch of you?" They share a truth: "Nothing." Then on the next page asking "What does it take to hope?" At the bottom the answer in capitals "EVERYTHING"

It is this simple yet to the core style that makes this book powerful! The song lyrics are incorporated with the additional writing and it hits home on life, our childhood wonder, love, hurt, caring, taking that 'one more chance' when you want to give up. This song/lyrics/book was brought to my attention by a friend I had not seen in several years. Finding me wounded, feeling betrayed and withdrawn he saw not only a heart broken but spirit crushed. He actually asked me if I still dance as much as I used to...when I replied I no longer dance nor care to, he played this song for me...*time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along*

This book goes the distance. (pg. 45. "Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter" 46. "There are too many people too angry at a world that isn't in the least bit angry at them") If you know someone that needs a lift or you simply want to let them know you are always there for them, you care...no matter WHAT, this is the book! If YOU need some encouragement yourself, this book can inspire you! If nothing else you can search your own soul. For me not only the love I feel from it being given to me but for all the pieces of myself I was able to pick up and put back together, it is priceless! Like the author I agree "I liked being five" and if given the chance..I hope others wounded will dance once again too! Don't miss this book, its precious, powerful, priceless!

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