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The Time Machine

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The Time Machine

By: Donald Davis
Narrated by: August House
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About this listen

 When Donald Davis walked into his 45th high-school reunion, he had two startling visions. The first was that the only signage he saw read, WELCOME HARLEY RIDERS. After discovering that he and his classmates would be sharing space with the bikers, Davis had his second surprise: "I was amazed to see how many parents had come."

In "The Time Machine", Davis offers us both the story of the reunion and the collectively remembered story of his classmates' senior year. In 1962, Waynesville, North Carolina, was that small town where the school principal also served as a teacher, the football coach, and the Sunday-school superintendent. One classmate spends his time in the bar wishing for a time machine, so he can go back to his teenage years with his accumulated experience.

©2008 Donald Davis (P)2008 August House, Inc. Anthologies & Short Stories Literature & Fiction

Editor reviews

Storyteller Donald Davis presents tales from his high school reunion, told with all the grace, humor, and folksy charm that his fans have come to love. In his wonderful North Carolina accent, he shares tales of teachers, parents, classmates, and one famed football coach who taught him and his friends a lesson to remember. Davis' stories are a delight to listen to, and ultimately remind us of the powers of memory to inspire, uplift, and transport us back to the past.
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Most relevant
There are aspects to this short story that will make you think differently about memories and reminiscing about bygone eras. It's read fairly well although there is very little alteration in the voice when invoking different emotions or characteristics. It's a nice story that ends so abruptly; I genuinely wondered if something had happened to Audible but no it just ended, unsatisfactory. There is something, maybe just the beginnings, here but it never really capitalises on the premise it sets out.

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