When I read the theme for this week’s weekly geek — to ask people to talk about other forms of story-telling. — the first thing that came to mind was a literal interpretation: people who make their living going around telling stories. I’ve always thought life was richer for having stories in it, in the form of books but it’s different, something… more… when someone tells you a story.

My dad was a storyteller. He doesn’t think of himself in that way, but now that I look back on it, he was always telling us stories (he even had a storyteller stance, a way of putting his body that clued us in on the fact that a story was about to begin). From there, I developed an interest once upon a time in oral histories (I thought once about getting an MA in folklore…); I became fascinated by the stories people tell, by the things people remember about their past. And while storytelling isn’t always about people’s histories, it shares some elements with them: the personal way that storytellers own the story, the way even the tallest of tall tales sound like it really, actually did happen. I also like that there’s performance elements; it’s like a play on a more intimate scale. I’m always impressed with the people who choose to get up , by themselves, in front of a (not always captive) audience to tell them something simple: a story.

One of my first experiences with professional storytelling was at the Maryland Storytelling Festival; we only went once, and it was hot on the heels of my folklore fascination. But I do remember being totally enthralled by the different stories and storytellers. I thought, at the time, that I’d go to the festival every year, even toying with the idea of becoming a storyteller myself (I toy with lots of ideas…). But, then I had kids and that just didn’t happen.

Then, several years ago, a family member sent us about five Jim Weiss CDs for Christmas. I’d let my interest wane, and hadn’t even thought of introducing my children to the art of storytelling. However, when we got these CDs, they were just as captivated, and they soon became some of our favorites, especially for travel. Weiss has a way with words, with inflection and with flow that makes each story come alive. I also love them because they’re enjoyed by everyone; Hubby and I love Weiss’s interpretations of familiar stories, and the girls love hearing them, not only for the first time, but over and over again. (And when we come across the same stories in print, they’re excited because they already know the story!) We’ve expanded our original CD collection and are always looking for more.

I couldn’t do this without recommending some book. In this case, it’s The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness, by Joel ben Izzy. I loved this book. It’s Izzy’s story about the time when he lost his voice and couldn’t tell stories anymore. I loved the stories he told, I loved the way he told his own story, and I loved the journey he took. Highly recommended.

So, how do I get my storytelling fix these days? Aside from the occasional Jim Weiss CD, there are thankfully several local storytellers that the library hires for their summer reading program. I can’t remember their names, but there were a couple last year who just captivated me, not to mention entertaining my girls. I also count our annual trek to the local Renaissance Faire — I feel like the fairs are storytelling in action: they are filled with people who dress up; who revel in the costumes or weapons or art; who are taking the time to tell the story of the past (Someday, I’ll even have my own outfit.) And, of course, I read out loud to my children. I enjoy creating the voices, putting in the emotion, in a sense creating a storytelling performance for an audience of one. (Honestly, that’s about my speed.)

Even if I never get up on a stage to tell stories, I’m glad there are people who do. If only because I love hearing them.