Customer Reviews

Listening for the Crack of Dawn (American Storytelling)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read the book and listened to the audio cassette, and it's hard for me to pick which one I like more. The book has more stories, it's true, but the cassette has Donald's lovely Southern drawl. He has an infectious manner of telling that makes car trips--no matter how long or short--out and out fun. I've never laughed or cried so hard as at Listening for the Crack of Dawn. The last story, "A Different Drummer," is by far my favorite, since it makes me do both. Donald Davis is truly one of America's best storytellers, for kids, teenagers, and adults. Buy this title, in whatever format, and you won't be sorry!

I am buying Donald Davis' cassette, "THE CRACK OF DAWN" for the second time. I owned my first copy for many years until by stereo was stolen from my car and had Mr. Davis' tape in it. I had the privilege of meeting him at a storytelling festival at Cal State University, Los Angeles and heard this story in person. It is every bit as good on tape. Mr. Davis spins his yarn in such a mesmerizing way that you can almost see his Aunt Laura and hear the "Crack of Dawn."

Listening to the story is better than reading it. His accent and voice make the vivid stories come alive. His stories, about growing up in western North Carolina are nostalgic, yet the issues will appeal to anyone of any age. My children 9 and 15 love his tapes along with my 70 year old parents. He is one of our favorite people to listen to in the car on trips.

I have heard Don Davis live and enjoyed his story telling very much. This CD seems to have been recorded in a studio with him reading it. Did not enjoy as much. A friend who listened to the whole CD said the stories after were not as good.

I first started this book when my mom read it to me when I was very young.

Now it is one of my favorites. It is hillarious, exiting, and touching all at the same time. If you want a book to read to your kids this is it!

My son recommended this to me, when I had complained that I wanted a book that was cheerful. The first chapter was definitely the best of all, and it is what kept me reading through the rest of the book, which was also good.

I've read this book at least two dozen times. I read it once for myself, and each year I read it to my new batch of 7th graders. Everyone loves it. (There are a few parts I don't read to my students.) Every time I pick it up, I fall in love with the characters and am so glad to be part of their lives again! It's funny and sad and is so amazingly real. One year my students wrote Mr. Davis, and he replied. Mr. Davis and I corresponded back and forth for a few letters, and he was seemed like a great guy.

These stories get played on every long car ride our family makes, and all of us (from the first grader on up) are rapt. Davis uses his gentle voice and sly humor to paint unforgettable portraits of beloved relatives, local eccentrics, and lost friends. The stories are fresh and moving each time we hear them; in fact, the repeated listenings increase our appreciation for the mastery of Davis' telling.

This is family entertainment of the highest order.

I have read and listened to several of Donald Davis' books. He is the best story teller I have ever listened to. He makes you laugh, cry and remember. I encourage anyone who loves to hear a good yarn, listen to any of D. Davis's works. He is awesome.

Donald Davis is a wonderful writer and story teller. My children love to hear his stories as well as I. It makes a long trip in the car much more fun.