The Dog Says How

Kevin Kling's a fine storyteller. His Minnesota accent makes it impossible not to compare him to Garrison Keillor, but, really, they don't have that much in common. Kling's stories are more personal. He takes his own life experiences, hones and embroiders them, and shares them with listeners. He's often funny, but not usually laugh-out-loud funny. Listeners are more likely to smile and nod in recognition. One of Kling's stronger qualities is that he doesn't force stories to any specific length, or even to false resolutions. Some stories are very short, and some are simply bright snippets he wants to share. He stays mostly on the personal topics--family, boyhood mischief, food--but these occasionally bump up against politics and a changing society. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

October 27, 2008
Kling’s short but sweet recording is a collection of autobiographical tales relating events of his past with an ear for everyday themes such as friendship, death and disability. His writing is earnest but real and often hilarious; his reading follows suit. 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 Kling’s ceaselessly funny tales as he expounds on everything from taxidermy to wearing socks with sandals just to annoy people. A Borealis Books hardcover (reviewed online).