Mama Learns to Drive

by Donald Davis

The improbably life of a mother, as seen through the eyes of a child. Critically acclaimed author, storyteller, and humorist shares his "novel of memories" on the unique character of his mother in celebration of her life after dying in 1998. Although Mama was in many of his other stories as an outside character, Davis realized after her death that she had never played a primary role. That's when all of the memories started flooding back. These eight stories, including "That's What Mamas Do" and "A Room of My Own," encourage the audience to consider the importance of individual people in their own families and to share their stories. These family stories from North Carolina about mothers and sons will teach readers about the importance of respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. One reviewer from The New York Times said, "I could have listened all morning to Donald Davis...his stories often left listeners limp with laughter at the same time that they struggled with a lump in the throat."

Genres: Humor, Biography, Short Stories

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 25, 2002

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious!

[Matthew Sparling · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book of short nostalgic stories of what could be almost anyone over the age of 40 childhood.

[Noorah Salah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very houmous. I love the way Donald Davis tells his stories

[JoAnne Cattanach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little stories. I listen to these stories with my grandparent age people. They have so enjoyed them.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute and sweet. Quick, light read. Davis is a great southern storyteller...reads like he is sitting next to you telling you great stories about his adored Mom. Made me laugh out loud.

[Cissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just fun and easy. Donald Davis is a gifted storyteller, but his real magic is that he makes his readers (and listeners) want to tell their own stories.

[Bryan457 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter enjoys these.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main Street Hazelwood meets Main Street Waynesville- I LOVED it!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice southern flavored stories. Funny, LOL family situations. Anyone who likes Jeanne Robertson will like this.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gifted storyteller relates the tale of his father teaching his mother to drive in rural North Carolina in the 1950s.

[Barbara]

Sweet and fun. Davis is a born storyteller.