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Quirky Essays for Quirky People #1
I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course...
Winner of the "Indie Book of the Day" award for June 7, 2014.
At 7,600 words, this work is a collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people (“I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”), to analyzing your inner child (“Irrational Fears”), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane (“A Jolt of Electricity”). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze (“It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste (“Ask Me No Questions”), how not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), how a parent’s obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex (“Crazy Hobbies”), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens (“Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic”).
If you don’t see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I’m not talking about you, of course.
At 7,600 words, this work is a collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people (“I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”), to analyzing your inner child (“Irrational Fears”), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane (“A Jolt of Electricity”). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze (“It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste (“Ask Me No Questions”), how not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), how a parent’s obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex (“Crazy Hobbies”), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens (“Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic”).
If you don’t see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I’m not talking about you, of course.
Unknown Binding
First published May 9, 2012
28 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Venkataraman
26 books434 followersAward-winning author Barbara Venkataraman is an attorney and mediator specializing in family law. Her works include: "The Fight for Magicallus", a children's fantasy; "If you'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place", a humorous short story; and three books of humorous essays: "I'm Not Talking about You, Of Course," "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "A Smidge of Crazy", from her series, "Quirky Essays for Quirky People."
Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.
Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 7, 2020
Barbara Venkataraman's work "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course..." is one of two "Quirky Essays for Quirky People" editions, and if I might say, quite a hoot!
Picture 20 to 30 two page stories all intertwined with repeating characters that make you chuckle or giggle. Some are about her sisters, some are about friends, others repeat characters from some of her other works... but all are funny.
It's great for a short read between classes, before bed or listen to it on the way home from work in the car. But be careful, you may laugh yourself into one of her silly situations!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
Picture 20 to 30 two page stories all intertwined with repeating characters that make you chuckle or giggle. Some are about her sisters, some are about friends, others repeat characters from some of her other works... but all are funny.
It's great for a short read between classes, before bed or listen to it on the way home from work in the car. But be careful, you may laugh yourself into one of her silly situations!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
October 22, 2016
*** 3.65 ***
A very pleasant collection of humorous essays which reads more like a stand-up. It is very clean and tame, no danger of giving offence to anyone and perfect for those who like the cleaner approach to comedy. Most stories are about the experiences of the author, her family or their pets. It is a very quick read and in my opinion, the target audience is mostly middle-aged women, who would be able to relate to a lot of the situations. That is not to say that most women would not enjoy it, although I am not sure the guys out there would be as enthusiastic about it:)
Definitely a pleasant short read to take the edge of the day or in between some more demanding tasks or reads. Meant for pure enjoyment, it does not bring up or solve political or worldly problems. It is told from the view of a suburban Florida mother and wife whose age gives her a perspective unique to those who find themselves dealing with getting older and can appreciate the funny silver lining of the unexpected challenges a sneeze could offer:):):)
I enjoyed it, even more for the non-pretentious tone of story telling Barbara takes with it. If we don't find laughter in the daily routine of our lives, then we are truly in trouble.
I wish you all Happy Reading and may joy permeate every stage of your life!!!
A very pleasant collection of humorous essays which reads more like a stand-up. It is very clean and tame, no danger of giving offence to anyone and perfect for those who like the cleaner approach to comedy. Most stories are about the experiences of the author, her family or their pets. It is a very quick read and in my opinion, the target audience is mostly middle-aged women, who would be able to relate to a lot of the situations. That is not to say that most women would not enjoy it, although I am not sure the guys out there would be as enthusiastic about it:)
Definitely a pleasant short read to take the edge of the day or in between some more demanding tasks or reads. Meant for pure enjoyment, it does not bring up or solve political or worldly problems. It is told from the view of a suburban Florida mother and wife whose age gives her a perspective unique to those who find themselves dealing with getting older and can appreciate the funny silver lining of the unexpected challenges a sneeze could offer:):):)
I enjoyed it, even more for the non-pretentious tone of story telling Barbara takes with it. If we don't find laughter in the daily routine of our lives, then we are truly in trouble.
I wish you all Happy Reading and may joy permeate every stage of your life!!!
December 14, 2016
(Quirky Essays for Quirky People Book 1)
This is a very fast read of 28 pages. It humorously covers insights into the important topics that most of all have faced at least once in our lives.
I think my favorite was the chapter on animal lovers, specifically dogs. The author recounts a laugh-out-loud story about her father and her dog.
The cooking segment had me almost in tears I was laughing so hard.
And It Started With a Sneeze is priceless!
If you need a reason to laugh out loud or chuckle quietly ... you might want to read this one. Right now it's free on Amazon.
I'm hanging onto this one ... who knows when I'll feel the need to laugh out loud again.
Winner of the "Indie Book of the Day" award for June 7, 2014.
This is a very fast read of 28 pages. It humorously covers insights into the important topics that most of all have faced at least once in our lives.
I think my favorite was the chapter on animal lovers, specifically dogs. The author recounts a laugh-out-loud story about her father and her dog.
The cooking segment had me almost in tears I was laughing so hard.
And It Started With a Sneeze is priceless!
If you need a reason to laugh out loud or chuckle quietly ... you might want to read this one. Right now it's free on Amazon.
I'm hanging onto this one ... who knows when I'll feel the need to laugh out loud again.
Winner of the "Indie Book of the Day" award for June 7, 2014.
June 30, 2017
This is a very short book of essays. My complaint: It's too short! The story about the author's kitchen disaster reminded me of Erma Bombeck.
March 29, 2014
This is the funniest thing I have ever read.
I got my email today from digitalbooktoday.com and it was on the freebies list. I did not pick it because it was short but because it was listed under humor. And I laughed and laughed and smiled wide and long.
It is just a few stories of things that happened to Barbara but she has such a wit she makes it from just a plain funny story into a hilarious one.
Just a few examples - Her friend the frog, the kitchen disaster, and people who love their pets too much. (Don't worry, she has two dogs).
If you have about a half an hour, and it is raining out and you are stuck inside, grab this while it is still free and grab it if it is not free because you will be laughing all day as you remember these stories.
I got my email today from digitalbooktoday.com and it was on the freebies list. I did not pick it because it was short but because it was listed under humor. And I laughed and laughed and smiled wide and long.
It is just a few stories of things that happened to Barbara but she has such a wit she makes it from just a plain funny story into a hilarious one.
Just a few examples - Her friend the frog, the kitchen disaster, and people who love their pets too much. (Don't worry, she has two dogs).
If you have about a half an hour, and it is raining out and you are stuck inside, grab this while it is still free and grab it if it is not free because you will be laughing all day as you remember these stories.
February 18, 2017
This book is brilliant!! Barbara takes quirky things that happen in life and finds the funny. The book is full of laugh bites. So much fun! She talks about a dog with OCD, phobias, (btw, I suffer from abibliophobia, fear of running out of reading material. That's the excuse I use at the bookstore. It's legit, really.
February 2, 2017
I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course... by Barbara Venkataraman... Took off with the book to see some Indianisation on the pages, but its purely the Americanisation. Good read... yes you are not talking about me but US.
February 24, 2023
After reading some of Barbara Venkataraman’s other work, I decided to pick up this collection of essays. This book is very short and each entry is no more than a few pages long. Truthfully, I’m pretty sure that most readers can easily identify with most essays. She covers topics ranging from household pets to irrational fear, dealing with hurricane season, hobbies, and a dinner time kitchen crisis.
Barbara Venkataraman has a way with words…and this book made me smile.
Barbara Venkataraman has a way with words…and this book made me smile.
April 4, 2023
Interesting insights on everyday and life occurrences with added humor and sarcasm. I found myself nodding and chuckling.
September 17, 2016
This author just keeps me laughing! She writes with such great humor. The author did send me this book. If you need a laugh be sure to try her quirky stories. They are sooo funny!
January 6, 2015
the author Barbara Venkataraman gave me a free copy of this book on my kindle.This is the second book of essays I have read by the author. This is another fun and humorous book of essays. there are topics on pets, frogs, Kitchen disasters, and hobbies to name a few. I can sure relate to some of these essays. Pets and kitchen disasters for sure. Barbara Venkataraman has a terrific sense of humor. I had a lot of fun reading her essays on life. both of my books are on my kindle. Glad I got the chance to read these humorous essays.
March 29, 2014
very funny!! laughed a lot great fun quick read!
July 16, 2014
This was just what I needed today. I was a great light read, truly enjoyed it.
March 21, 2018
kindle unlimited but got some on freebie day and some went to ku to read the rest. They tend to be good-not great though, and amusing but not hilarious type funny but did like.
This work is a collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people (“I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”), to analyzing your inner child (“Irrational Fears”), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane (“A Jolt of Electricity”). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze (“It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste (“Ask Me No Questions”), how not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), how a parent’s obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex (“Crazy Hobbies”), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens (“Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic”). If you don’t see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I’m not talking about you, of course.
I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course... (Quirky Essays for Quirky People #1)
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities (Quirky Essays for Quirky People, #2)
Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place...
Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person
The Fight for Magicallus
Death by Didgeridoo (Jamie Quinn Mystery #1)
The Case of the Killer Divorce (Jamie Quinn Mystery #2)
Peril in the Park (Jamie Quinn Mystery #3)
Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3
Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Mystery #4)
Jeopardy in July (Jamie Quinn Mystery #5)
This work is a collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people (“I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”), to analyzing your inner child (“Irrational Fears”), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane (“A Jolt of Electricity”). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze (“It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste (“Ask Me No Questions”), how not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), how a parent’s obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex (“Crazy Hobbies”), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens (“Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic”). If you don’t see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I’m not talking about you, of course.
I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course... (Quirky Essays for Quirky People #1)
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities (Quirky Essays for Quirky People, #2)
Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place...
Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person
The Fight for Magicallus
Death by Didgeridoo (Jamie Quinn Mystery #1)
The Case of the Killer Divorce (Jamie Quinn Mystery #2)
Peril in the Park (Jamie Quinn Mystery #3)
Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3
Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Mystery #4)
Jeopardy in July (Jamie Quinn Mystery #5)
October 9, 2020
So funny, with laugh out loud moments! The vignettes throw a hilarious slant on everyday life and events.
Barbara Venkataram gently pokes fun but it’s mostly self-directed. There is her College flatmate’s hostile cat which hissed and nipped at her any time she encroached on its territory - which was the entire apartment with the exception of Barbara’s own room. The frog in the pool took on a more philosophical slant while her father could be any parent with a penchant for hobbies, including coin, then stamp, collecting; cactus gardens, jewelers making, to name just a few. So, while she may not be talking about any one of us, the essays are all relatable.
This is a great mood elevator - especially in a year that has been anything but!
Barbara Venkataram gently pokes fun but it’s mostly self-directed. There is her College flatmate’s hostile cat which hissed and nipped at her any time she encroached on its territory - which was the entire apartment with the exception of Barbara’s own room. The frog in the pool took on a more philosophical slant while her father could be any parent with a penchant for hobbies, including coin, then stamp, collecting; cactus gardens, jewelers making, to name just a few. So, while she may not be talking about any one of us, the essays are all relatable.
This is a great mood elevator - especially in a year that has been anything but!
December 2, 2018
This is a humorous collection of essays that covered a wide range of topics such as pets, home repairs, and dinner parties. This is a quick read that you can read in one day or over a few days between your errands. I would like to warn you that you may laugh out loud while reading. I recommend this book to anyone that would like to read about an entertaining view of everyday life and problems.
I received a copy of this book from the author in hopes I would submit a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I received a copy of this book from the author in hopes I would submit a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
September 11, 2018
Silly things I too have done
It's always fun to laugh at ones self. These short stories bring back some funny and no so funny moments in life I'm sure we would all like to forget but even still I enjoy the memories that were brought back. Book was a refreshing break from the day to day world. THANKS so much.
It's always fun to laugh at ones self. These short stories bring back some funny and no so funny moments in life I'm sure we would all like to forget but even still I enjoy the memories that were brought back. Book was a refreshing break from the day to day world. THANKS so much.
October 30, 2020
This was fun. I mean laugh out loud entertaining. A book of short humorous views of life and so many I could so relate to. Quick read and because the chapters are independent and short you can read a couple and easily come back for more. I have read several of the author's novels so thought I'd give this a go. Was not disappointed and will certainly read more of hers.
June 2, 2020
A quick read but funny as hell from beginning to end. Full of amusing stories and some experiences that probably most of us have encountered at some point in our lives. This book is great as a pick me up if you need a lighthearted book. Its definitely made me laugh. Its well worth a read
May 31, 2020
Ebook
I read this book after a week of dealing with quirky people, it made me laugh and realize that it will pass. Thanks for the humor and seeing ourselves with a kind heart!
I read this book after a week of dealing with quirky people, it made me laugh and realize that it will pass. Thanks for the humor and seeing ourselves with a kind heart!
September 26, 2021
This book made me laugh. It was the perfect break from the craziness of life. Friends in Low Places was my favorite and made me laugh out loud, especially since I search my pool for scorpions before swimming. Thanks for the laughs Barbara!
August 31, 2020
Cute little essays that make you think but are for fun. Just something light to read. It was good
November 14, 2014
The best line in the book appears early in the story called “A Jolt of Electricity” and it is
“If Amish people could time-travel to the past, would they notice?” The story is a retrospective on the consequences of the passage of hurricane Wilma that left the author and her family without power for approximately two weeks. Like most Floridians, the author had stocked a significant supply of emergency supplies such as batteries, flashlights, food and propane so they basically just had to wait out the power outage.
Venkataraman makes the experience sound amusing, frustrating, revealing and stressful, all at the same time. It was an experience that brought her family and the neighbors closer together, which was a good thing. However, as is the modern way, once the power was back on it was back to the individual activities involving televisions, video games and other activities not involving human interaction. The brief time of talking to other people was over to be replaced by interaction consisting of little more than an occasional wave.
There are eight short stories in the book, all of which are an expression of frustration at what can go wrong in life, even when you have the best of intentions. “Martha, I Let You Down” is a story about starting meal preparations with the best of intentions but having everything go wrong, leading to the ultimate plan B, ordering pizza.
Many people will be able to relate to the story “Nightmare at The Sleep Clinic” where the expansion of the body due to the onset of middle age takes place in the roof of her mouth. This leads to breathing problems during the evenings as the flab of the palate tries to do the natural thing and flow downhill. This leads to failed surgery in an attempt to repair the problem and finally a trip to a sleep clinic and the wearing of a mask in the night.
Younger people may find these stories amusing, but they may not really understand all of the points being made. For many of these vexing problems are best viewed through the lens of having put several decades, probably at least four, behind you. While they may not be funny at the time of their happening, all people forty and over have experiences that remind us of these tribulations. Not necessarily exactly like them but close enough to recognize and sympathize. In many ways the title is wrong, she is talking about you.
This book was made available for free for review purposes.
“If Amish people could time-travel to the past, would they notice?” The story is a retrospective on the consequences of the passage of hurricane Wilma that left the author and her family without power for approximately two weeks. Like most Floridians, the author had stocked a significant supply of emergency supplies such as batteries, flashlights, food and propane so they basically just had to wait out the power outage.
Venkataraman makes the experience sound amusing, frustrating, revealing and stressful, all at the same time. It was an experience that brought her family and the neighbors closer together, which was a good thing. However, as is the modern way, once the power was back on it was back to the individual activities involving televisions, video games and other activities not involving human interaction. The brief time of talking to other people was over to be replaced by interaction consisting of little more than an occasional wave.
There are eight short stories in the book, all of which are an expression of frustration at what can go wrong in life, even when you have the best of intentions. “Martha, I Let You Down” is a story about starting meal preparations with the best of intentions but having everything go wrong, leading to the ultimate plan B, ordering pizza.
Many people will be able to relate to the story “Nightmare at The Sleep Clinic” where the expansion of the body due to the onset of middle age takes place in the roof of her mouth. This leads to breathing problems during the evenings as the flab of the palate tries to do the natural thing and flow downhill. This leads to failed surgery in an attempt to repair the problem and finally a trip to a sleep clinic and the wearing of a mask in the night.
Younger people may find these stories amusing, but they may not really understand all of the points being made. For many of these vexing problems are best viewed through the lens of having put several decades, probably at least four, behind you. While they may not be funny at the time of their happening, all people forty and over have experiences that remind us of these tribulations. Not necessarily exactly like them but close enough to recognize and sympathize. In many ways the title is wrong, she is talking about you.
This book was made available for free for review purposes.
January 20, 2015
Venkataraman takes us through snippets of her life via these quirky little essays. She touches on phobias, the odd (and often boring) hobbies of a parent, living without electricity, pet owner obsessions, and much more. If you need a little something to break the ice or just want to read out loud during a long car trip, the folks confined with you will probably find these stories amusing and have their own to tell.
The essay on pet owners and how they can go on and on about their pets was amusing. The essay starts off with the writer complaining about how boring these pet stories can be and then launches into pet stories of their own. Of course, I ended up feeling sorry for the pets in the stories. Then the short bit about various phobias was amusing too. There seems to be a phobia for every strange fear out there, and each phobia has a fun, tongue-twisting name.
I chuckled out loud at the essay on boring parental hobbies and how the kids all get forced into participating. From stamp collecting to coin collections. Yep, I can definitely relate. The essay on living without electricity (following a hurricane) for two weeks was also interesting. I live in a rural part of the country, in an older house. There is no central AC or heat. We have fire places and fans. Before they put in the substation, it wasn’t unusual to go several hours a week without electricity and phone. So listening to this family missing their tv shows and music at first and then morphing into a family that spent time outside and doing things together was entertaining. Yep, without electricity, you have to entertain yourself.
There’s plenty more in this slim collection of essays to entertain yourself, or a group of people. Each story was easy to relate to and I almost felt like I was having a conversation with the author as I nodded my head and thought of my own similar tales. Great for family entertainment!
The Narration: Martz did another fine job (she also narrates Venkataraman’s Jamie Quinn mysteries). She was fun and entertaining as she read these essays, seeming to enjoy telling the tales.
What I Liked: Entertaining, relate-able tales; pet stories; living without electricity; great for family car rides.
What I Disliked: Nothing – it is an amusing collection of essays!
The essay on pet owners and how they can go on and on about their pets was amusing. The essay starts off with the writer complaining about how boring these pet stories can be and then launches into pet stories of their own. Of course, I ended up feeling sorry for the pets in the stories. Then the short bit about various phobias was amusing too. There seems to be a phobia for every strange fear out there, and each phobia has a fun, tongue-twisting name.
I chuckled out loud at the essay on boring parental hobbies and how the kids all get forced into participating. From stamp collecting to coin collections. Yep, I can definitely relate. The essay on living without electricity (following a hurricane) for two weeks was also interesting. I live in a rural part of the country, in an older house. There is no central AC or heat. We have fire places and fans. Before they put in the substation, it wasn’t unusual to go several hours a week without electricity and phone. So listening to this family missing their tv shows and music at first and then morphing into a family that spent time outside and doing things together was entertaining. Yep, without electricity, you have to entertain yourself.
There’s plenty more in this slim collection of essays to entertain yourself, or a group of people. Each story was easy to relate to and I almost felt like I was having a conversation with the author as I nodded my head and thought of my own similar tales. Great for family entertainment!
The Narration: Martz did another fine job (she also narrates Venkataraman’s Jamie Quinn mysteries). She was fun and entertaining as she read these essays, seeming to enjoy telling the tales.
What I Liked: Entertaining, relate-able tales; pet stories; living without electricity; great for family car rides.
What I Disliked: Nothing – it is an amusing collection of essays!
January 3, 2020
I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course… by Barbara Venkataraman
Have read one of the author's other books and enjoyed it so much that I opted to review this one as well.
What I like about these books are the multiple stories. Not too long and not too short, touching on very similiar life events for me.
Funny stories about pet ownership and what over the years, it means to the author.
Next section is irrational fears. There are others out there who have fears, you are not alone. The author really does an excellent job here of naming the most common fears and some not so common-lots of work researching all this for us.
Loud sneeze is next - starts out with doc appts where each wants her to spend more time dedicated to their profession: dentist/teeth, dermatologist/skin care, etc and funny how many hours a day it all takes up, at her age...
a jolt of electricity reminds me of the time we were building our house and we did not have electric, used sterno to make hot dogs and beans before the house was assembled in 3 days time. We have also gone days without electric due to storms mostly during the winter months. You do adapt.
Crazy hobbies-love hearing of the time spent with others while doing the different crafts, many of which i still do.
Ask me no questions-pain scale or other large numbers explained.
Friends in Low places-life of a frog.
This one is my favorite and I can see myself doing this! Martha I Let you down-cooking multiple dishes as Martha would do
Nightmare at the sleep clinic-experimenting with breathing apparatus and other techniques.
Other works by the author are mentioned at the back of the book.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Have read one of the author's other books and enjoyed it so much that I opted to review this one as well.
What I like about these books are the multiple stories. Not too long and not too short, touching on very similiar life events for me.
Funny stories about pet ownership and what over the years, it means to the author.
Next section is irrational fears. There are others out there who have fears, you are not alone. The author really does an excellent job here of naming the most common fears and some not so common-lots of work researching all this for us.
Loud sneeze is next - starts out with doc appts where each wants her to spend more time dedicated to their profession: dentist/teeth, dermatologist/skin care, etc and funny how many hours a day it all takes up, at her age...
a jolt of electricity reminds me of the time we were building our house and we did not have electric, used sterno to make hot dogs and beans before the house was assembled in 3 days time. We have also gone days without electric due to storms mostly during the winter months. You do adapt.
Crazy hobbies-love hearing of the time spent with others while doing the different crafts, many of which i still do.
Ask me no questions-pain scale or other large numbers explained.
Friends in Low places-life of a frog.
This one is my favorite and I can see myself doing this! Martha I Let you down-cooking multiple dishes as Martha would do
Nightmare at the sleep clinic-experimenting with breathing apparatus and other techniques.
Other works by the author are mentioned at the back of the book.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2014
This author is a natural story teller. Her style is so soft that makes reading a pleasure, very light experience, that will really bright your day. This collection of small chronicles or essays is a description of everyday's life situation like crossing paths with pet people and how annoying they can be, living without electricity, collecting everything that is in front of you etc..., and you will be able to identify yourself with most of them. A Jolt of Electricity and Crazy Hobbies are my favorites!
I recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader who loves a good laugh and enjoys a very well written collection of short stories.
I received this book from the author and I was not requested to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.
I recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader who loves a good laugh and enjoys a very well written collection of short stories.
I received this book from the author and I was not requested to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.
January 10, 2015
I started reading this with the expectations of "gossip" type of things about the neighbors or something silly. I never thought that my very sides would split as I could relate to things she said about herself. The killer one for me was "THE SLEEP STUDY". Oh My word, was that EVER absolutely true!!!!! They do strap things on you and wire you up like they are going to make you into a Frankenstein's Monster. But the absolute worst is when they put that mask on your face and ask you questions, and when you try to open your mouth to speak, it feels like you are drowning in the nonstop influx of air in your nose. Then you are expected to sleep normally while they watch. This terrific book is filled with great essays that will amuse and entertain you. You will want to read it again and again.
January 13, 2015
I'm Not Talking about You, of Course: Quirky Essays for Quirky People, Book 1 is a collection of short essays of life's observations that is extremely funny and thoroughly enjoyable. All of the stories were well written and I could easily imagine my own quirky family in many of the scenes. It even includes a reference to Doctor Who!
Barbara Venkataraman's writing style is very similar to the late Erma Bombeck, who could take the most mundane of tasks and make it sound entertaining. At almost one hour, this collection of essays was the perfect length for my commute to and from work.
Carrie Lee Martz did a great job narrating. She reads with enthusiasm and spunk, both of which really contributed to my enjoyment of the collection.
Highly recommended!
Barbara Venkataraman's writing style is very similar to the late Erma Bombeck, who could take the most mundane of tasks and make it sound entertaining. At almost one hour, this collection of essays was the perfect length for my commute to and from work.
Carrie Lee Martz did a great job narrating. She reads with enthusiasm and spunk, both of which really contributed to my enjoyment of the collection.
Highly recommended!
May 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this audiobook for an honest review.
I had listened to A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities and I like Barbara Venkataraman’s sense of humor so I was happy to listen to this book, too. I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course has several cute stories that we can all relate to. While the stories didn’t make me laugh out loud, I did find myself smiling or giggling a few times.
I could relate to many of the things that were talked about but the one that really hit home was the pain scale. You know, rating your pain on a scale from 1-10. Not only is what she says funny, but it is so true.
If you like cute, short stories and life observations, you’ll enjoy I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course.
I had listened to A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities and I like Barbara Venkataraman’s sense of humor so I was happy to listen to this book, too. I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course has several cute stories that we can all relate to. While the stories didn’t make me laugh out loud, I did find myself smiling or giggling a few times.
I could relate to many of the things that were talked about but the one that really hit home was the pain scale. You know, rating your pain on a scale from 1-10. Not only is what she says funny, but it is so true.
If you like cute, short stories and life observations, you’ll enjoy I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course.
July 1, 2014
The title and cover picture made me check out this free Kindle book today. And I am so glad that I did!
It is a short book of essays about just ordinary things in life. What makes it so funny is the writing of this quirky author. She definitely has a way with words. The story of her artsy, crafty father was my favorite. I saw a lot of myself and my numerous craft projects in that essay and had to smile. I look forward to reading more of her books.
If you are looking for a short book of entertaining family stories, this is a fun read that I would recommend. You will not be disappointed!
It is a short book of essays about just ordinary things in life. What makes it so funny is the writing of this quirky author. She definitely has a way with words. The story of her artsy, crafty father was my favorite. I saw a lot of myself and my numerous craft projects in that essay and had to smile. I look forward to reading more of her books.
If you are looking for a short book of entertaining family stories, this is a fun read that I would recommend. You will not be disappointed!
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