A popular storyteller and National Public Radio commentator weaves scenes of childhood antics and adult absurdities into tales that provoke laughter—and elicit tears.

Kevin Kling is a master storyteller, as anyone knows who has seen him perform or heard him on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. Drawing on his memories—an eventful Christmas at the Klings, taxidermy class, hopping freight trains, getting struck by lightning, joining a circus, eating things before knowing what they are—he invites us into his life of growing up in Minnesota, traveling the world, and relying on the strangeness of others.

He also shares tales of overcoming personal tragedy, including a congenital arm disability and a near-fatal motorcycle accident. As a result of the accident, he could no longer type and had to learn to use voice-recognition software. The computer translated the barks of his dog into "How," hence the title, The Dog Says How.

Hilarious and tender, comical and deeply poignant, these 29 tales will please anyone who loves a good story.