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Jack and Granny Ugly
- Narrated by: Donald Davis
- Length: 59 mins
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Publisher's summary
Growing up in North Carolina, Donald Davis heard stories that came to America through Scots-Irish immigrants about a fellow named Jack who was so real that young Davis thought he was a distant relative or otherside-of-the-mountain neighbor. Now Davis knows that Jack is a universal legendary figure who, by various names, is found in nearly every culture.
In this story tradition, Jack is sometimes bold and brilliant, sometimes inept but lucky. In "Granny Ugly", Jack relies on his common sense and several odd companions; in "Something Old, Something New", he discovers things aren't always what they seem.
For Adults and Young Adults.
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Editorial reviews
Donald Davis' performance of his two hilarious Appalachian tales, "Jack and Granny Ugly" and "Something Old, Something New", show why Davis earned himself the nickname "the dean of storytelling". When Davis says in his deep North Carolina accent that Granny Ugly "had not brushed her teeth in about 145 years", the listener believes it. Davis shows that the oral tradition is still alive and well in the South, for these stories are relentlessly funny and entertaining. Though Davis began his career as a minister – perhaps a role that helped hone his oratorical skills - he now performs stories full time. In 1996 he received the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network.
Critic reviews
"Wise...touching...funny...sad...Donald Davis is all of these, plus just plain captivating." (AudioFile)