Showing results by narrator "Glenn Hascall" in All Categories

What happens when you’re in your 50s and no longer believe in Santa? This is what Joel Baker has to face in this wonderful short story. There are reasons why Joel is a hardened case, but maybe his struggles had everything to do with remembering something more than the pain. A conversation with Santa brings about a "Scrooge" like change in the man. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Denny was looking for amusement after a broken heart. He wasn’t sure he was going to be able to find it in the bright lights and multiple diversions. While known for his humor O. Henry allows his wit to take a back seat to this short story romance that is magically set on the famed Coney Island.

This short story shares a compelling reason to look kindly upon dogs. The story relates the adventure of a young boy who found himself in a circumstance that he could not get himself out of. All ages will relate to the story and cheer on the efforts of Barry, the St. Bernard.

Small talk is a staple of conversation. We say "How are you?", but we may not really want to know. We remark about the weather, but it’s usually just a way to feel less awkward. Classic storyteller O. Henry introduces us to Bud on a trip to New York. In Bud's world if you bring up the subject of weather you'd better be willing to carry on a meaningful conversation.

James Buffin was horribly misunderstood. He was prone to violence, revenge, and petty theft. It was on a mission of revenge that his evil intent was taken for something far too noble. This misunderstanding put him at odds with the Frith Street Gang. No matter how he explained it everyone thought this 'bad guy' was a good man.

Mark Twain accepted the editorship of an agricultural paper due to a financial need. The humorous trouble was that Twain had no real knowledge of agriculture. Then again Twain never seemed to mind writing about things he knew nothing about. The response from the public was immediate and intense. This short story allows Twain to explain why he had no problem taking on a task that he knew he couldn’t do well.

When someone compliments you, the usual response is gratitude and kind words in return. Not so with Mark Twain. When told that he spoke English very well Twain indicated he didn't speak English at all. He spoke American. This short story allows Twain the opportunity to explain the differences. As usual humor walks with Twain as he shares his thoughts.

A prince, unloved by his family, yet popular with the people, set out to find his fortunes. Charming met Beauty and with the help of a magic ring Prince Charming helps the princess in what he believes to be a noble quest of releasing her brother from the spell of a magic giant. Charming believes that by rescuing her brother he may win her heart. Princess Beauty rejects Charming, but then she had her own little plot to share with the hearer.

Time spent in the country was determined the best remedy for the severe case of nerves afflicting Mr. Framton. As he visited with a young lady waiting for the owner of a cottage in the country where he would be staying she shared a story that seemed unbelievable, but convinced him that the matron of the house might have lost her mind. Yet one final event rattled Framton to the core. Did he have all the details needed to react with such fear or was he in the midst of a great storyteller?

Bud was an old west cowhand sent to New York to give particulars about a ranch that was changing owners. Bud shares the story of how much the New York folk needed help in the ways of the world. Those he encountered would likely have had an entirely different view of Bud’s perspective. You’ll find humor along the trail in this memorable

This is the tale of an historian who can write thousands of historical words, but can’t seem to connect with his wife. He can tell stories of significance, but finds it hard to speak to the one he is to love for life. The struggle he faces leads him to a type of madness at the paradox. He has a gift of words, but can’t give that gift to his wife.

Join Mark Twain as he remembers his earliest attempt at poetry, which was a piece of writing that won no favor with his father. Then again many sons will have tackled a project with the same good humor and savage sarcasm.

We’ve all encountered people who lie. Some seem to be able to get away with it while others seem to be transparent in their false words. Mark Twain shares just such a transparent individual. Rogers lied incessantly, but thought he was making a good show of it. What he really gained was the right to be the subject of this short story. You will recognize Rogers in someone you know.

A memorable short story from Hans Christian Andersen. Is it possible that the time we spend on earth is viewed differently among from one creature to another? For instance a fly has a much shorter life than an oak, but perhaps it only seems that way. A challenge to our perspective on what constitutes life. Is it a measure of time – or quality moments?

Papa was a great storyteller, and his daughter wouldn’t settle for recycled tales. While Papa was not interested in telling stories he was badgered enough to come up with a whopper. Prepare to smile, and to wonder what it would really be like if it were Christmas every day - at least the way we often celebrate it.

This short story might well have been called, "All I Even Needed to Know About Humanity I Learned From Chickens". At times humorous, at times sympathetic, the author reveals the inadequacies of chickens and then points to our own inadequacies. As much as we hate chickens we can despise the things we believe are lacking in our own lives. That’s the philosophy of the story, perhaps it is equally enjoyable as a story about a family that just can’t seem to move far enough away from demented fowl.

We’ve all had songs that we can’t seem to get out of our heads. It’s maddening. Mark Twain faced the same issue, but instead of a song, it was a rhythmic poem. All who came in contact with the poem seemed to be possessed with the same malady. This is where Twain’s trademark humor makes its inevitable appearance. A classic short story from Mark Twain narrated by Glenn Hascall.

Horace Greeley was a powerful publisher in New York. In 1862 Greeley published this pivotal editorial in the New York Tribune. It was addressed to President Abraham Lincoln and forcefully asked the President to uphold the laws regarding slavery. This audiobook provides Lincoln’s response as the United States moved closer to Civil War.

Mark Twain takes his humor to the graveyard in this memorable short story. Twain carries on a conversation with a skeleton that has been neglected in the cemetery. While we aren't told what a smiling skeleton looks like, Twain is clear it's not a pleasant view. None of us want to be forgotten and this story helps the hearer understand that even in death we do not want to be neglected.

If you’ve ever felt taken advantage of you may identify with an unlikely character in this classic Hans Christian Andersen short story. Sometimes fables end differently than we think. Narrated by Glenn Hascall