The Dog Says How

By: Kevin Kling

Narrated by: Kevin Kling

Kevin Kling, best known for his commentaries on National Public Radio's All Things Considered and his storytelling stage shows like Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log, delivers hilarious, often tender stories to listeners everywhere with his first book, The Dog Says How.

Kling's autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, performing his banned play in Czechoslovakia, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are.

In the comical yet poignant title story, Kling straddles the world of the ordinary and one rivaling Dante's inferno as he learns how to use voice-recognition software after a life-threatening motorcycle accident.

©2007 Kevin Kling (P)2008 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"His compelling stories can be just the jolt you need while waiting in traffic." ( Minnesota Public Radio)
"The self-deprecating Kling is always looking to draw a laugh from his listeners, but never ignores the message behind each tale. Listeners of all ages will find themselves lured into Klings ceaselessly funny tales as he expounds on everything from taxidermy to wearing socks with sandals just to annoy people." ( Publishers Weekly)

True storyteller

Kevin Kling is a renown storyteller and play write. His NPR contributions are stellar. This book is no different. His enthusiasm is catching. No there’s no “plot”, not that kind of book. Just wonderful stories of his childhood and life experiences. That’s what story telling is. A wonderful listen

Classic Kling

I saw Kevin Kling in person recently in a local show, and his performance in the book is identically and authentically him. Enjoy.

Funny, poignant, FANTASTIC reading by author

Laugh-out-loud funny stories with just the right touch of poignancy to keep them from being saccharine. The author is from Minnesota and tells stories grounded in his childhood, so the inevitable comparison to Garrison Keillor comes to mind. But since Kling is from a much different generation than Keillor--my generation, in fact--the stories feel very different and more relatable. Spaghettios and grilled cheese sandwiches, skating in winter with hand-me-down skates, eating Jello at every meal, all these tidbits of everyday life took me right back to my own Wisconsin childhood.

I HIGHLY recommend the audio version of this book. Listening to the author read this in his Minnesota accent adds immeasurably to the stories, and since he is an actor, he is well able to perform the work.

One of the best books I have read so far this year.

Excellent Storytelling

Kevin Kling is an excellent storyteller. I knew who he was and was familiar with some of his works, but hadn’t heard him speak live until he came to our local library last winter. He was so entertaining, funny and honest. He narrates his book filled with personal essays and reflections on life. A wonderful, uplifting listen.

Great voice & narration

This is one to listen to over read on the page, IMO. The author gives animated and energetic voice to his relatable and endearing humor.

Kevin is treasure chest

Kevin is a treasure chest full of stories, his own and other peoples’. His voice makes him sound like a goofball, but I’m from GA, so what do I know about Minnesota. I laughed so hard that I cried and cried for the sincere honesty that flowed from his brain to his mouth by way of his heart. I’ve always liked Kevin Kling from his NPR bits and now I love him like the brother I never had.

Not for moms with kid dead in motorcycle accident

so if your son died at 17 in a motorcycle accident, you might not get past the first 20 minutes. The narrator wasn't good either. so no clue how the story developed. They should have warnings: Motorcycle accident: brain and body damage central to story. Or Rape victims may find plot distressing. Or Caution! Gruesome Home Invasion detailed. Beware! Explicit Torture scenes. You get the picture.