See Rock City (American Storytelling

by Donald Davis

Winner of Storytelling World Award & NAPPA Gold Award (Storytelling) A winding highway, children fighting in the back seat, parents suggesting diversionary games and holding onto their own hopes and fears for the vacation it's not an uncommon scene. However, it is Donald Davis's genius that turns a lackluster family vacation into a week to remember. The 1950s-era plastic seat covers were not the only thing to leave a lasting impression. In her spontaneous (and desperate) invention of games like Cow Poker and See Rock City, Mother keeps the rules one step ahead of the back-seat contestants, until one-too-many choruses prompt a detour the family never forgets.
School Library Journal wrote, "The narrative moves gently, smoothly, and charmingly with the cadence of a master storyteller. Suitable for YAs who are looking for historical fiction or who have short story assignments, this book is also the perfect accompaniment for sitting in a favorite rocking chair while sipping homemade lemonade."

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Humor

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Donald Davis (born 1944) is an American storyteller, author and minister. Davis had a twenty year career as a minister before he became a professional storyteller. He has recorded over 25 storytelling albums and written several books based on those stories. His long career as a teller and his promotion of the cultural importance of storytelling through seminars and master classes has led to Davis being dubbed the "dean of storytelling".

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald Davis used to come to my elementary school occasionally, & I always enjoyed when he did. I haven't listened to any of his stories in probably close to 30 years but they're still as cute & charming as ever.

[Anthony McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK. Free on Libby. There were two stories on it that were basically 30 minutes each. The first one was cute but hardly mentioned Rock City until the end, and even then didn't tell you much. The message of it is beautiful though of being appreciative of your home and what it has to offer. The second story was about a kid's life in kindergarten, him now grown up reflecting, and his teacher, Mrs. Rosemary and her family and the impact she had on his life. Powerful.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in a small North Carolina town so I enjoyed this book. An easy enjoyable read consisting of about ten short stories of life in a small North Carolina mountain town in the 1950s, early 60s. A Leave it to Beaver lifestyle. Times were simple back then when you were able to transfer sacks of bank money in the back of a car. I loved the story of the girlfriend mix up, and the bus wreck back when 16 year olds were allowed to drive a bus, “Hit dem pines, wild man. Hit dem pines”!

[jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to pick up and finish in a weekend. Growing up in Appalachia myself, I loved the nostalgia. The writing is clear and engaging, the stories are well told. I especially enjoyed Mrs. Rosemary and the See Rock City chapters. It was the perfect length and just put a big smile on my face while reading it.

[Valerie Biggers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our family of 4 (2 adults, DS13 and DD10) listened to the audiobook at the start of a road trip and found it thoroughly enjoyable! There were only 2 stories on the audiobook, and the second one seemed to end abruptly. I’m not sure if that’s normal, or if the file was corrupt.

[Marlene Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story telling in this book and the warm memories that it brought to mind. Several smiles & laughs along the way & all while strolling down sweet memory lane.

[Debi Ruryk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story!

[Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice depiction of a hometown and small town life and the way the world changes while someone is growing up. Loved the girlfriend mixup and the bus driving debacle was hilarious.

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUNNY.

[Heather Zipser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick listen. Two short stories that were fun for our family to listen to in the car.

[Coco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donald Davis is a superb story teller. I enjoyed this collection of stories based in imaginary Sulpher Springs, NC, in the mid-twentieth century. The kindhearted humor entertained and his memories comforted since they brought back so many of mine.

[Christine Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could've gotten into it, but after a chapter or two, it was not enjoyable. Had a hard time holding my attention.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing audiobook 100% recommended, it is so funny and really helps me look into the life of a child in North Carolina. Would give it a 100 out of 5 if I could 😂