I thoroughly enjoy listening to these stories. The ones chosen are always interesting and often so intriguing with layers of meaning. The narrator has such a perfect voice for the stories.

Swalker@ from the United Kingdom

The hosts voice and pace is just right. Truly a treasure in this day and age for classic and fairly unknown authors of the past. If I had to describe this podcast in one word it would be brilliant. Please keep up the great work because it is needed and much appreciated. My only suggestion would be to possibly add a brief history of the author before telling their story or giving a brief overview of the day to day in that point of history when the book was published.

huMAN4217492 from the United States

OK podcast if you like Christmas stories.

Loganfool from the United States

this is a great place where you can give rest to your mind and soul and nourish them at the same time. My go-to place when I need a quiet moment. Many thanks, Don!

N V D from the United Kingdom

A talented reader. The voice and color he brings to the stories make it a special occasion to listen. I re-listen to my favorites. A relaxing listen.

Confused and Enthused from Japan

Thank you for the delightful and rare Christmas stories. It has been refreshing to hearl little known works by fine authors of past generations. This podcast is a real treasure trove of high quality short fiction. I’ve enjoyed every story thus far. The reader’s fine voice adds to the listening experience. Thank you! Sandra Bush, Parkersburg, WV.

S.E.Bush from the United States

An old fashioned box of chocolates for your ears — sweet, nostalgic, delicious little treats.

goorooo from Canada

My favorite of all shows I’ve listened to anywhere. There is something for everyone. Start with “Pigs is Pigs”. Very amusing and leaves you smiling. SG. Texas

Spriggles1 from the United States

This morning while enjoying my coffee I discovered Litreading and I am hooked. Instead of starting with the most recent story, I started from the beginning of the podcast’s life and I am hooked. The reader’s voice and pacing are just right, a treat to hear. And the very thought of the new-to-me and some familiar classic short stories, short books, and Jabberwocky for the very first episode, well, all I can say is this podcast promises to be one of the most enjoyable additions to my day.

kathioan from the United States

Thanks so much for reintroducing stories read many years ago, as well as hearing from authors new to me. Great fun!

pbrkstar from the United States

I downloaded 2 short stories podcasts . I happened on to listen to this one first. I was enraptured immediately . Don McDonald reads these stories superbly - with vocal tonation that captures seamlessly a wide variety of characters, with a reading rhythm that breathes the plot to life, and finally something so intangible - he reads with such elegant insight that the listener who may have read the story before discovers something new about it. When I turned and listened to the second short story collection - I was really interested in its version of an Agatha Christie story - I was so turned off by the plodding voice of the reader I couldn’t even finish listening to half of it. I gratefully returned to Mr Nac Donald. BYW I have what I think one of the finest book collections of short stories : it called An Anthology of Famous American Stories , eds Angus Burrell and Bennett Cerf pub 1936 . I know that ithestories are probably not in the public domain yet —- but Some Like ‘Em Cold by Ring Lardner, Tact by Thomas Beer, Secret Snow Silrnt Snow by Conrad Aiken, A Cycle of Manhattan by Thurs Santer Winslow, A New England Nu Mon by Mary E Wilkins, The Mission of Jane by Edith Eharton, Paul’s Case by Willa Cather, etc. then there are the great Father Brown mysteries. Thank you for the great pleasure your podcasts give me to its listeners.

Arcaterra from the United States

Wonderful selection of classic short stories, wonderful narration, wonderful hosting, wonderful podcast. Literally just what I was looking for. Love it. Will share it with all my friends.

Sadako Tchaikovskaya from Canada

What a great podcast. I’m obsessed.

Sadako Tchaikovskaya from Canada

I hope we continue to hear more!!

Amy6374 from the United States

I came across this podcast after my previous favorite storyteller stopped publishing. So glad I found it. The reader has a wonderful voice and delivery. And the stories, while often familiar to me, seem new again with this format.

Anna Conti from the United States

So happy to have found this. I love the selection and the narration.

Loganfool from the United States

This is such a great podcast. The stories selected are perfect for the podcast and the narration is excellent.

Gvghfcb from the United States

I was lucky enough to stumble upon this podcast on Spotify and have loved it every since. The stories are carefully selected and the narration is exemplary. Thank you Don McDonald!!

Pisces8 from the United States

Love your voice and such variations of it! Makes the stories come to life. Thanks!

Porter family from the United States

A good selection of Stories excellently read! Keep up the good work Don!

This Nick name was not taken from the United States

You have an extraordinary voice and excellent articulation. It is a joy to listen to your stories. I’m enjoying the literature selections you bring to us. Thank you for this podcast😊🌻

LaraGen from the United States

You’ve got a very nice reading voice, Don. Thanks for the entertainment.

nbamford1212 from the United States

I enjoy the stories and Don McDonald’s voice makes me smile.

Gigglesann from the United States

Top quality sound and pleasant voice reading timeless short stories.

overphill from the United States

Although the show came off as a bit stiff at first I soon realized the value is in how well curated these stories are for bite-able podcasts. These are well paced stories that you can finish while washing the dishes —which I just did—and they leave you with something to think about. The commercials are not obtrusive at all really. I appreciate the giving spirit of the host and hope he will reflect more on what makes him choose each story.

gregreewright from the United States

I love the variety of narratives and authors chosen for this short story podcast. Don takes care in adding production value with music, explanation, and careful narration of the story. This podcast is the perfect length for a quick listen while driving or doing daily activities.

Rose_Leah from the United States

I love his rich voice and the stories he reads are often so enjoyably funny in that old fashioned way that hits just right.

Yr lil Oatsie from the United States

This is one of my favorite podcasts. Mr. McDonald chooses great stories and his narrative voice effortlessly draws you into the tale. I love being introduced to new authors and I also enjoy hearing from authors I’m familiar with already. I highly recommend this podcast!

ria165 from the United States

Very enjoyable. Wonderful voice! Love the classic stories.

Edmund Stoneface from the United States

The tales are well chosen with intriguing plots that come to life with the animated but soothing reading style, a true talent. This podcast has become a favorite and sparks my imagination in my commute or downtime. Thank you and keep up the good work!

P-cat from the United States

I love listening to these short stories and falling asleep to them as their prose send me into the dream world! Great podcast!

Sparkey54 from the United States

Love the variety and pace at which the stories are read. It’s perfect to listen to while driving, working around the house or really anytime.

ProfJava from the United States

On the road, the variety of story length gets me exactly where I go every time. Great inflection. Thanks and keep it up! Eventually, a little more diversity with more writings beyond Western Europe and American authors would be welcome. There are many delightful (translated) tales from the Middle East, Mexico, and other areas of the world; from fantastical to mundane, serious to comical. Your readings from Chekhov and Tolstoy were a great start.

Nick2933 from the United States

A wonderful time listening to short stories.

Goldenjon from the United States

Really great voice and reading expression. But the add are really aggressive and off putting, inconsistent with the tone of the stories. That is the only reason i gave four stars instead of five.

proudnydem from the United States

Loved it!!

Bill Irish from the United States

Loved this one!

Bill Irish from the United States

Great stories that are read well.

just a so-and-so from the United States

Love it

Chris R 5 from the United States

It can be hard to start reading older fiction instead of just checking social media and spending too long there, but you’re always glad when you did. this podcast makes it just as easy to “input” higher quality stuff. The reading is well done.

PoppyEcho from Canada

Mr. MacDonald is a splendid reader. My only objection is that the episodes rarely change, so I must listen to the same story repeatedly. Please add new stories -- there are so many available!

Librarian H from the United States

My favorite of all shows I’ve listened to anywhere. There is something for everyone. Start with “Pigs is Pigs”. Very amusing and Levine smiling. SG. Texas

Spriggles1 from the United States

Wonderful collection of stories presented thoughtfully for the reader who likes lit.—and being read to. What a treasure trove! Thank you for all you have done to entertain and delight us, your grateful audience.

KPReader from the United States

An interesting selection of stories read in a pleasing and expressive way. One of my favorite podcasts! I would love to see more of the gothic and sci if horror genre though. Keep ‘em coming!

J in Dubai 123456 from the United States

The stories are classics and the reading is clear, well modulated and foreign pronunciations are good. It’s a treat to have a great collection of short stories that are well read available for free. Many thanks!

knvmxi from Canada

Wonderful survey of classic literature read in a clear and highly listenable voice. I can’t get enough.

alexandra-c77 from the United States

I have enjoyed listening to this collection of great stories read in Don’s melodious voice. I really like that Don includes a bit of historical background on the authors. My selfish wish would be for Don to read entire novels, perhaps beginning with Steinbeck’s East of Eden. I would also love to hear him read the short stories of George McKay Brown! I am grateful for this wonderful podcast and listen to a couple of stories every day!

*PLH* from the United States

This podcast is a real treasure trove of high quality short fiction. I’ve enjoyed every story thus far. The reader’s fine voice adds to the listening experience. Thank you! Sandra Bush, Parkersburg, WV

S.E.Bush from the United States

I’ve only listened to two episodes thus far, and I’m already in love with this podcast! Classics skillfully read with talent and obvious love of literature. I’m hooked!

DavidMc! from the United States

Wonderful collection of stories presented thoughtfully for the reader who likes lit.—and being read to. What a treasure trove! Thank you for all you have done to entertain and delight us, your grateful audience.

KPReader from the United States

I enjoy listening to the stories every week. Thank you.

elisaphant from the United States

I recently discovered this podcast and boy am I going to be I trouble soon based on the rate I am consuming these incredible stories. I listen to multiple a day. absolutely cannot get enough. Far superior to anything like audible or other resources for stories because first of all I LOVE the narrator. secondly it’s a curated collection meaning I wouldn’t have found many of these stories by myself (classics as they may be) so I appreciate that greatly. I listen on stitcher and I literally just downloaded Apple podcasts so that I could write this review. Love you DON!!

Ggk2626 from the United States

Don finally I leave a review. You are the best I have found till now. I enjoy listening to the classics read by you. I have listened few others but your voice is awesome. When you were in vacation I would occasionally (almost few times a week) check your podcast to see if you have come back and there were new short stories. I dont use iphone much listen to your podcasts in spotify and everytime I hear your request I be I will surely leave a review. Finally I write. Continue working :)

EVRY USERNAME TAKEN from India

Such an amazingly talented narrator and great stories! I’ve never read or heard most of these stories before, and it’s opening my eyes to authors I’ve maybe heard of but never read. I’m so grateful for this podcast and highly recommend!

B'ham Mayhem from the United States

Beautifully and evocatively read classic short stories.

colleen33333 from the United States

I do a little happy dance every time a new episode comes out!

qwepoi56 from the United Kingdom

So great to see you back on. This podcast is the best! Thank you!

Attwire from the United States

The narrator provides a wonderfully expressive voice to old stories, renewing life in them. This podcast is a terrific way to be exposed to both familiar and unfamiliar classic stories.

Snarkclaw from the United States

More!

gailoberst from the United States

Really enjoy listening to these short stories before I go to bed or while cooking. Helps clear my mind. Interesting selection too-stories I probably wouldn’t seek out on my own. Thanks for an entertaining and thought provoking podcast! I want more!

Thrilljil from the United States

From the depths of my COVID cave, as I cook every meal endlessly wash pots and pans, and teach myself to quilt, Don reads me stories. Having taught literature to eighth graders for 17 years, it’s refreshing to hear stories by Poe, O’Henry, Cather, and many more, that I haven’t ever read. Thank you Don.

LLK89 from the United States

Thank you for these stories. Stared listening about two weeks ago, and I am hooked. Wonderful readings, great selections, divers authors - it’s all good. So good!!!

Theatre loved from Canada

Firstly, I am very busy homebirth midwife, working alongside my husband, who drives me to all the prenatal visits to our client’s homes. These stories make our drives so much more fun. As a matter of fact, when we have heard a story whilst driving through a particular town or neighborhood, a return to the same place is a return to the story we had heard. It’s splendid! Secondly, Don’s voice is the thing of radio legends. He acts out the various roles required for proper story telling. I wish I had a grandfather with his voice. Listen just to hear his voice! We have traveled through time with him in these stories. Lastly, you will get hooked. We try and pace ourselves but it’s useless. We listen until we have to wait for a new one. Thank you, Don, for the very best podcast show out there. Lisa Marie and Richard

OrthodoxMidwife from the United States

I thoroughly enjoy these stories.

dhjtrecbh from the United States

A great voice sharing classic stories. Amazing!

gsrfj from Canada

I spend a lot of time drawing and printmaking, and this podcast is the perfect companion. Classic stories, well produced.

PencilsUp from the United States

Love these podcasts. Great speaking voice. They are a wonderful way to reconnect with some classic stories and authors. The stories are just the right length for my morning walks.

KM1519 from the United States

I spend a lot of time drawing and printmaking, and this podcast is the perfect companion. Classic stories, well produced

PencilsUp from the United States

Just love it!!!!

Rafa Purgato from Canada

Stories about life told in such detail and interest. If we truly listen we will learn much from the past to be able to reflect on our present. Thank you for a wonderful presentation.

suzydoozie from the United States

If you're interested in listening to the best short stories of the finest writers in the world of literature, you won't be disappointed in Don McDonld's Lit Reading. He does a wonderful job of reading the stories. The podcast is done with a professional finish and Don's voice has been honed by over 30 years of work in radio and voice acting. He does a superb job with the character's voices, especially those stories from the 1800's in the western states, and his talents are on full display. Your entire family will love these stories, they'd be perfect for family road trips.

iPhone4tom from the United States

I look forward to the day’s drive when I can be entertained with these intriguing short stories. Sometimes I have to sit in the parking lot to listen to the end of a story. The classic prose takes me back to my amazing eighth grade English teacher who taught us the importance of a thesaurus, the use of proper grammar, and a writing style that epitomizes the sophistication of a true journalist.

DutchPodder from the United States

•Stories are well-chosen •Thumbnail author biographies add depth to appreciation of the preceding work NOTE: Placing biographies at END of story is KEY; there, depth can be added, as momentum from the story can sustain actual interest in the author. On occasion, a biography preceding a story can pigeonhole an author before their voice is ever heard. I find it refreshing to encounter a work when I am free of my particular set of unaccountable grudges. CONTEXT at the beginning of a story, however, is useful. The following is an example of the context I find to be helpful: “This story first appeared in serial form on the ninth of May, 1869, in the satirical LONDON HULLABALLOO.” The ERA, CONTINENT, and description of FORMAT give me a hint about how to adjust my archaic SPEECH translator and to dust off the probable array of indispensable VOCABULARIES pertaining to servants, to types of jobs common in that era and to various forms: of transport, of communication, of artificial lighting. One dissuasion I would convey to the excellent Don MacDonald is to go easy on use of the various accents within the British Isles. The goal of any narrative is to sweep the listener away in the constructed world of the author.... Jarring speech introduces distraction and creates a great tear in the gently spun web of enchantment spun by the author. Granted, an author may have only faint gifts in that realm, but even so, introduction of an avoidable detraction from the work is a better course of action, to give those fainter stars of the literary world a fair chance to be experienced. Sparks

SparksBrightEyes from the United States

I love to listen to these stories, which are told so well, while doing everything—walking, cleaning, driving, etc. Would definitely recommend to all!!

Dijsnbabaici ucuushsbsb from the United States

I have not enjoyed something as much — IN AGES!! God, please bless this dear man for giving such clean, kind, fun!!!!!

Janesfun from the United States

I finally found what I have been hoping for, the delight of a theatrical voice reading intelligent classic short stories. Well Done in every way.

Nutan1945! from the United States

I am listening to this podcast from France - I love short stories (being raised with books written by Maupassant ;)) and I am trying to be more fluent in English : these stories are very well told !!! Thank you 😊 I feel like I am IN the stories thanks to your voice and tone 🙌🏻Wish you all the best in your podcast 😁

sharkmode from France

I really love your booming voice and expressed emotions. It is a little bit too fast for me. If I adjusted to 0.5 speed, it is too slow. Could your reading speed be possible like “The Daily” Podcast from New York Times? Thanks!

bleeze5 from the United States

I’m SO glad I found this podcast! It was exactly what I’ve been looking for! I love listening to these “Educated, Grown-up Bedtime Stories” as the perfect way to relax before falling asleep. Don’s voice is so crisp and clear, and he employs it well in giving just the right inflections to entertain and to interpret each story.

dinkindesmoines from the United States

No bells and whistles, no annoying musical themes blaring away, or nonsensical chit-chat. Very well selected short fiction, read superbly by a skillful narrator. A pleasure. I look forward to it.

Lynvet from the United States

I look forward to each new installation.

Lindyc5 from the United States

Classic short stories read by a compelling voice.

Jernatky from the United States

Superb story reading skills! A new world of authors have opened up to me and I am eager to hear more of their stories. The background blurbs are very interesting. I am enjoying this pod-cast enormously!

Shebear2 from Canada

One of my best finds on Apple podcast.

Byabang from India

Any good story, converted to audio is really made or not by its narrator. Don's voice is smooth, enticing you effortlessly into the story. I've listened to many audio stories/books and his voice does not distract from the storytelling, but enhances it, captivating your attention. This collection of stories is a fantastic addition to any podcast library.

Myheartisincolorado from the United States

This podcast is a real treasure! Beautiful classic stories so well presented- and I even love the imaginative musical preludes and postludes for each story! Thank you for helping to keep these stories alive!

TX storylover from the United States

I disovered LitReading a week ago and have since listened to the mellow and soothing voice of Don McDonald reading several short stories. I hope to hear them all!! Thank you Heather

Heatherban from Canada

I love this podcast. The stories are wonderful and Don’s voice reminds me of the great narrator’s of my childhood. I recommend this Podcast! Thanks Don so much.

Mommabird25 from the United States

Perfect pace for a gripping but still soothing story

Ccrtyu from the United Kingdom

Wonderfully entertaining and may have learned something accident.

Swamiking from the United States

Please read us another story, dear sir. I find myself checking this delightful podcast daily to see if something new has been added. Literary classics expressively read in the most mellifluous voice you’ve ever heard. What a treasure.

MERWIN52 from the United States

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

farshid marefat from the United States

Don McDonald you sneezy Pete. You know my weakness and drew me in and there you were. The joy of hearing your voice reading Harry’s favorite author and thinker is wonderful. I know you all are out there. The joy and wonder of being read to is alive and well. I will be tuning in.

aunus1914 from the United States

A very good narrator/orator!

@1stScottESmith from the United States

Stories well told and professionally produced podcast worthy of any Audible book. I look forward to hearing more. Thank you!

HenDanK from the United States

Absolutely love this podcast!! I listen to a lot of short stories, and Don has a fantastic reading voice, as well as a good eye for choosing his stories

Jozanthecleric from the United States

With so much to read, and so many treasures unknown - finding this podcast was the bestest thing that could have happened to me today. Not only did it inspire me investing in the wisdoms that really mattered - but it gave me a fresh look on a moral of a story I didn't know to hear. Highly recommended.

Lena Ski SuperNova from South Africa