Listener Reviews

Firstly, I am very busy homebirth midwife, working alongside my husband, who drives me to all the prenatal visits to our client’s homes. These stories make our drives so much more fun. As a matter of fact, when we have heard a story whilst driving through a particular town or neighborhood, a return to the same place is a return to the story we had heard. It’s splendid!Secondly, Don’s voice is the thing of radio legends. He acts out the various roles required for proper story telling. I wish I had a grandfather with his voice. Listen just to hear his voice! We have traveled through time with him in these stories. Lastly, you will get hooked. We try and pace ourselves but it’s useless. We listen until we have to wait for a new one. Thank you, Don, for the very best podcast show out there. Lisa Marie and Richard

I thoroughly enjoy these stories.

I spend a lot of time drawing and printmaking, and this podcast is the perfect companion. Classic stories, well produced.

Love these podcasts. Great speaking voice. They are a wonderful way to reconnect with some classic stories and authors. The stories are just the right length for my morning walks.

Stories about life told in such detail and interest. If we truly listen we will learn much from the past to be able to reflect on our present. Thank you for a wonderful presentation.

If you're interested in listening to the best short stories of the finest writers in the world of literature, you won't be disappointed in Don McDonld's Lit Reading. He does a wonderful job of reading the stories. The podcast is done with a professional finish and Don's voice has been honed by over 30 years of work in radio and voice acting. He does a superb job with the character's voices, especially those stories from the 1800's in the western states, and his talents are on full display. Your entire family will love these stories, they'd be perfect for family road trips.

I look forward to the day’s drive when I can be entertained with these intriguing short stories. Sometimes I have to sit in the parking lot to listen to the end of a story. The classic prose takes me back to my amazing eighth grade English teacher who taught us the importance of a thesaurus, the use of proper grammar, and a writing style that epitomizes the sophistication of a true journalist.

•Stories are well-chosen•Thumbnail author biographies add depth to appreciation of the preceding workNOTE: Placing biographies at END of story is KEY; there, depth can be added, asmomentum from the story can sustain actual interest in the author.On occasion, a biography preceding a story can pigeonhole an author before their voice is ever heard. I find it refreshing to encounter a work when I am free of my particular set of unaccountable grudges.CONTEXT at the beginning of a story, however, is useful. The following is an example of the context I find to be helpful:“This story first appeared in serial form on the ninth of May, 1869, in the satirical LONDON HULLABALLOO.”The ERA, CONTINENT, and description of FORMAT give me a hint about how to adjust my archaic SPEECH translator and to dust off the probable array of indispensable VOCABULARIES pertaining to servants,to types of jobs common in that era and to various forms:of transport, of communication, of artificial lighting. One dissuasion I would convey to the excellent Don MacDonald is to go easy on use of the various accents within the British Isles. The goal of any narrative is to sweep the listener away in the constructed world of the author.... Jarring speech introduces distraction and creates a great tear in the gently spun web of enchantment spun by the author. Granted, an author may have only faint gifts in that realm, but even so, introduction of an avoidable detraction from the work is a better course of action, to give those fainter stars of the literary world a fair chance to be experienced.Sparks

I love to listen to these stories, which are told so well, while doing everything—walking, cleaning, driving, etc. Would definitely recommend to all!!

I have not enjoyed something as much — IN AGES!!God, please bless this dear man for giving such clean, kind, fun!!!!!

I finally found what I have been hoping for, the delight of a theatrical voice reading intelligent classic short stories. Well Done in every way.

I really love your booming voice and expressed emotions. It is a little bit too fast for me. If I adjusted to 0.5 speed, it is too slow. Could your reading speed be possible like “The Daily” Podcast from New York Times? Thanks!

I’m SO glad I found this podcast! It was exactly what I’ve been looking for! I love listening to these “Educated, Grown-up Bedtime Stories” as the perfect way to relax before falling asleep. Don’s voice is so crisp and clear, and he employs it well in giving just the right inflections to entertain and to interpret each story.

No bells and whistles, no annoying musical themes blaring away, or nonsensical chit-chat. Very well selected short fiction, read superbly by a skillful narrator. A pleasure. I look forward to it.

I look forward to each new installation.

Classic short stories read by a compelling voice.

Any good story, converted to audio is really made or not by its narrator. Don's voice is smooth, enticing you effortlessly into the story. I've listened to many audio stories/books and his voice does not distract from the storytelling, but enhances it, captivating your attention. This collection of stories is a fantastic addition to any podcast library.

This podcast is a real treasure! Beautiful classic stories so well presented- and I even love the imaginative musical preludes and postludes for each story! Thank you for helping to keep these stories alive!

I love this podcast. The stories are wonderful and Don’s voice reminds me of the great narrator’s of my childhood. I recommend this Podcast!Thanks Don so much.

Wonderfully entertaining and may have learned something accident.

Please read us another story, dear sir. I find myself checking this delightful podcast daily to see if something new has been added. Literary classics expressively read in the most mellifluous voice you’ve ever heard. What a treasure.

Don McDonald you sneezy Pete. You know my weakness and drew me in and there you were. The joy of hearing your voice reading Harry’s favorite author and thinker is wonderful.I know you all are out there. The joy and wonder of being read to is alive and well. I will be tuning in.

A very good narrator/orator!

Stories well told and professionally produced podcast worthy of any Audible book. I look forward to hearing more. Thank you!