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Tinaca Jones
Please Note: This content is not for kids. This audio comedy features adult language (hurled especially at one malicious, phony Kelly Smith). Discretion is advised.
In this dramatic comedy, Parks and Recreation and Good Girls star Retta brings humor and strength to her role as the unforgettable Tinaca Jones.
What’s in a name? A lot. The name Tinaca, for example, has been passed down in the Jones family for generations of women. In fact, the Joneses name a Tinaca every other generation, to let the name breathe a little. To let each Tinaca shine. And shine is exactly what Tinaca Jones intends to do.
A grocery cashier by day and household name in the making by night, Tinaca Jones pays her dues, saves her coins, and takes business and marketing classes. She spends every second readying to launch her lifestyle brand for anyone who wants to live like her—that is, intentionally and fabulously. But when a basic blonde with an even more basic name, Kelly Smith, approaches her register and peeps her nametag, Tinaca’s plans come crashing down all around her.
The next thing Tinaca knows, Kelly Smith has launched herself into overnight fame with a pathetic, old-as-time, red-carpet stunt, using the stage name "Tinaca Jones." But Kelly Smith messed with the wrong woman. What follows is Tinaca Jones’s wild and triumphant account of the battle to reclaim her name, told over the course of an epic and hilarious deposition.
©2019 Matt Boren (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC
In this dramatic comedy, Parks and Recreation and Good Girls star Retta brings humor and strength to her role as the unforgettable Tinaca Jones.
What’s in a name? A lot. The name Tinaca, for example, has been passed down in the Jones family for generations of women. In fact, the Joneses name a Tinaca every other generation, to let the name breathe a little. To let each Tinaca shine. And shine is exactly what Tinaca Jones intends to do.
A grocery cashier by day and household name in the making by night, Tinaca Jones pays her dues, saves her coins, and takes business and marketing classes. She spends every second readying to launch her lifestyle brand for anyone who wants to live like her—that is, intentionally and fabulously. But when a basic blonde with an even more basic name, Kelly Smith, approaches her register and peeps her nametag, Tinaca’s plans come crashing down all around her.
The next thing Tinaca knows, Kelly Smith has launched herself into overnight fame with a pathetic, old-as-time, red-carpet stunt, using the stage name "Tinaca Jones." But Kelly Smith messed with the wrong woman. What follows is Tinaca Jones’s wild and triumphant account of the battle to reclaim her name, told over the course of an epic and hilarious deposition.
©2019 Matt Boren (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2020
13 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
October 15, 2020
OK, “Tinaca Jones” is a total romp, but not for anyone given “adult” language. I previously was on a literary track, wanting a divergence from elaborate prose. This is an audible original, narrated by Retta, Matt Boren, and Stephanie Lemelin. It’s a bit over 2 hours of silliness about a woman whose name is stolen. Tinaca is a name that has been in the Jones family forever. Every other generation of the Jones family names a “Tinaca”. Tinaca takes her name seriously, as she intends to launch a lifestyle brand with her name. A woman named Kelly Smith needs a catchy name and steals Tinaca’s name. Tinaca (the real one) is a very resourceful woman who enlists a gambit of friends to regain her name.
It’s fun, it’s irreverent, and I LOVED it!!
It’s fun, it’s irreverent, and I LOVED it!!
September 2, 2020
I'd seen Retta (the main voice actor portraying Tinaca Jones) previously on the hit TV show Parks and Rec. She's sassy and hilarious, I wanted to see her character a little more so I checked this out on Audible.
The character she portrays in this is loud, in your face, and won't let anyone drag her name through the mud. Don't ask Tinaca Jones "what's in a name?", if you aren't prepared to be told what's what...
We all know that take no sh*t, champagne-sipping, center of attention, undercover sleuth, boss- you can either join them or get run over by them... if you like that type of personality, you'll enjoy this telling about a woman of color building her empire and taking back what was hers all along. Her claim to fame isn't what she thought it would be, funny how life always seems to work out that way.
I thought this was alright. Different but interesting. I laughed out loud a lot. There is quite a bit of swearing and confrontation, so if you don't like oh sh*t moments, you may want to skip this one. If you are here for that, the tea gets spilled, so to say.
I didn't really know what I was getting into. Now that I've listened and learned it's a fictional comedy, I'm a tad disappointed. I was thinking the whole time that maybe this really could be Retta's rocky road to fame, but this story was written by an author featuring her as the main voice-acting role. I was all prepared to do some intense celebrity research for the day, looking for the Tinaca Jones Tea Show, the scandal, everything, now I'm left hanging. Haha. Fiction written well, this storyline is something that I wouldn't be surprised if it had happened.
I'm definitely interested in checking out Retta's debut book- So Close To Being The Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know. I love her voice and spicy attitude. I'd like to learn more about her because she is someone whose roles are always secondary; when her talents radiate from her being herself, I could easily see her staring some leading roles. She's best in roles where they just let her be herself, that's why I'd like to read a story by her, not her fitting into someone else's role.
I borrowed this title from the Amazon Audible Program. I cannot remember if I used a credit on this, or if it was included in my membership. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.
The character she portrays in this is loud, in your face, and won't let anyone drag her name through the mud. Don't ask Tinaca Jones "what's in a name?", if you aren't prepared to be told what's what...
We all know that take no sh*t, champagne-sipping, center of attention, undercover sleuth, boss- you can either join them or get run over by them... if you like that type of personality, you'll enjoy this telling about a woman of color building her empire and taking back what was hers all along. Her claim to fame isn't what she thought it would be, funny how life always seems to work out that way.
I thought this was alright. Different but interesting. I laughed out loud a lot. There is quite a bit of swearing and confrontation, so if you don't like oh sh*t moments, you may want to skip this one. If you are here for that, the tea gets spilled, so to say.
I didn't really know what I was getting into. Now that I've listened and learned it's a fictional comedy, I'm a tad disappointed. I was thinking the whole time that maybe this really could be Retta's rocky road to fame, but this story was written by an author featuring her as the main voice-acting role. I was all prepared to do some intense celebrity research for the day, looking for the Tinaca Jones Tea Show, the scandal, everything, now I'm left hanging. Haha. Fiction written well, this storyline is something that I wouldn't be surprised if it had happened.
I'm definitely interested in checking out Retta's debut book- So Close To Being The Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know. I love her voice and spicy attitude. I'd like to learn more about her because she is someone whose roles are always secondary; when her talents radiate from her being herself, I could easily see her staring some leading roles. She's best in roles where they just let her be herself, that's why I'd like to read a story by her, not her fitting into someone else's role.
I borrowed this title from the Amazon Audible Program. I cannot remember if I used a credit on this, or if it was included in my membership. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.
May 19, 2020
MY ENTIRE REVIEW WAS DELETED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE😡 I wouldn’t have noticed, but realized my books read was one short. Why am I spending so much energy on this site if my work can disappear and be discarded so easily?🤦🏽♀️
The language was jarring, but Retta is so entertaining and I laughed out loud many times. It’s a quick ridiculous romp.
The language was jarring, but Retta is so entertaining and I laughed out loud many times. It’s a quick ridiculous romp.
April 12, 2020
Okay I do understand that not everyone enjoys the swears . . . but this is HILARIOUS. I needed it. Retta made it happen. And it was delightful.
April 2, 2021
Not Only was this story Offensive...it was boring and corny AF...I’m not sure where the story originated, but something was definitely missing. The narration was decent.
March 13, 2020
This is the 3rd posting as the original & 2nd audiobook, ratings and reviews were deleted in the 2020 Audible Original new purge by misinformed Goodreads librarians who are not following the Librarian Manual but instead basing their deletions on false information & opinions such as Audible Originals being "behind a paywall", "available only by subscription", "are podcasts" or "not books".
You can temporarily still see the NOT A BOOK status of the 2nd posting here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
but likely in a few days it will be entirely wiped from the Goodreads system.
There is nothing in the Librarian Manual that excludes these audiobooks, but for some reason, there is misinformation that leads some to believe that there is. Goodreads Authors are also supposed to be contacted prior to their books being NABed (ie. turned into NOT A BOOK) but it is unlikely that this policy in the Librarian Manual is even being followed. Also, due to Audible's exclusivity contracts on Originals, authors cannot go to print or ebook formats until after 6 months, at which point further editions may appear. This nuance about the possible appearance of print versions is not covered in the faulty Librarian Manual which adds to the confusion. Based on 2019's experience new postings and/or outlier editions of these audiobooks will appear that will allow you to restore your rating and review if you have written and saved it offline.
Follow the ongoing debate about this issue at Why Audible Originals are being considered NOT A BOOK.
Original Review:
Obscenity-laced Cliché-ridden Urban Parody
Review of the Audible Original audiobook (Jan. 2, 2020)
I had thought this might have more drama with a possible identity theft crime theme, but it is only a case of a wannabe actress adopting a stage name from a merchandising empire wannabe. The product placements and consumerism here is off the charts. I did laugh at the line about Martha Stewart being an "OG influencer." Otherwise the constant string of f***s and m*****f***s with the lead character constantly referring to herself and others as a b**** and b****es just felt demeaning and down-heartening. The urban slang was so clichéd and outdated that even this old white man understood it. Things were constantly "lit" or "fly" for instance. The retro soul-music instrumental interludes made me start to think of 70s Blaxploitation films and wonder whether the whole thing wasn't actually a parody.
Tinaca Jones was one of the free Audible Original audiobooks for members in January 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price.
You can temporarily still see the NOT A BOOK status of the 2nd posting here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
but likely in a few days it will be entirely wiped from the Goodreads system.
There is nothing in the Librarian Manual that excludes these audiobooks, but for some reason, there is misinformation that leads some to believe that there is. Goodreads Authors are also supposed to be contacted prior to their books being NABed (ie. turned into NOT A BOOK) but it is unlikely that this policy in the Librarian Manual is even being followed. Also, due to Audible's exclusivity contracts on Originals, authors cannot go to print or ebook formats until after 6 months, at which point further editions may appear. This nuance about the possible appearance of print versions is not covered in the faulty Librarian Manual which adds to the confusion. Based on 2019's experience new postings and/or outlier editions of these audiobooks will appear that will allow you to restore your rating and review if you have written and saved it offline.
Follow the ongoing debate about this issue at Why Audible Originals are being considered NOT A BOOK.
Original Review:
Obscenity-laced Cliché-ridden Urban Parody
Review of the Audible Original audiobook (Jan. 2, 2020)
I had thought this might have more drama with a possible identity theft crime theme, but it is only a case of a wannabe actress adopting a stage name from a merchandising empire wannabe. The product placements and consumerism here is off the charts. I did laugh at the line about Martha Stewart being an "OG influencer." Otherwise the constant string of f***s and m*****f***s with the lead character constantly referring to herself and others as a b**** and b****es just felt demeaning and down-heartening. The urban slang was so clichéd and outdated that even this old white man understood it. Things were constantly "lit" or "fly" for instance. The retro soul-music instrumental interludes made me start to think of 70s Blaxploitation films and wonder whether the whole thing wasn't actually a parody.
Tinaca Jones was one of the free Audible Original audiobooks for members in January 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price.
March 14, 2020
There's some language in this. Ok, there's A LOT of language in this, but I loved Tinaca (the original). She's clever and funny and she swears a lot. You've been warned.
December 1, 2020
Tinaca Jones
I Picked Up This Book Because: Retta
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible Plus
Stars: 5
The Characters:
Tinaca Jones:
The Story:
I really had no expectations when I picked this up. I saw Retta was a narrator and I wanted to read it. Then when it was available during my Audible Plus preview I was all in. This story was impeccable. It was crazy, funny and just plain fun.
The narrators were exceptional and I hope I get to listen to more from this author in the future.
The Random Thoughts:
I Picked Up This Book Because: Retta
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible Plus
Stars: 5
The Characters:
Tinaca Jones:
The Story:
I really had no expectations when I picked this up. I saw Retta was a narrator and I wanted to read it. Then when it was available during my Audible Plus preview I was all in. This story was impeccable. It was crazy, funny and just plain fun.
The narrators were exceptional and I hope I get to listen to more from this author in the future.
The Random Thoughts:
June 4, 2020
Exactly what you want it to be - a comedic two-hour Retta rant dripping with pop culture references. Perfect brain break!
March 28, 2020
I thought I would enjoy this because I love Retta from Parks and Rec, but this was truly awful. She does bring a lot of life to the story, but the writing is overkill. I have no problem with cussing or raunchy material, but this reminds me a lot of the TV show 2 Broke Girls: in your face, punchline after punchline for shock factor. This is a case of a white man writing an extremely stereotypical caricature of a black woman, and it doesn’t work.
February 10, 2023
I wanted to like it. The blurb sounded so interesting and fun but it was just annoying.
Tinaca spent the entire book complaining how Kelly Smith stole her name. That’s fine, it’s a legacy but enough is enough. I understand it’s the whole plot behind this book but damn… just do amazing things so the name is associated to you and not other person 😂
I give her that she is a strong woman and I wouldn’t want to mess with her.
It had some fun moments but overall… I’m glad it’s a short book.
Tinaca spent the entire book complaining how Kelly Smith stole her name. That’s fine, it’s a legacy but enough is enough. I understand it’s the whole plot behind this book but damn… just do amazing things so the name is associated to you and not other person 😂
I give her that she is a strong woman and I wouldn’t want to mess with her.
It had some fun moments but overall… I’m glad it’s a short book.
September 21, 2023
UPDATE: I JUST LEARNED THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A WHITE MAN AND IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW?? THE RACISM AND TERRIBLE STEREOTYPES WERE NOT ALL IN MY HEAD, THE VALIDATION AND RAGE I FEEL RIGHT NOW IS INSANE!!!!
This audiobook is literally only 2 hours long but I DNFed 1 hour in. I can see how it can be entertaining to some but I was not invested in the story line at all.
This audiobook is literally only 2 hours long but I DNFed 1 hour in. I can see how it can be entertaining to some but I was not invested in the story line at all.
August 12, 2020
Audiobook performed by Retta, Matt Boren, and Stephanie Lemelin 2hrs 2 minutes
Now, this is the type of Audible Original a person wants to click just for the performance. Retta is fantastic as Tinaca Jones, a woman who finds herself the victim of identity theft. Matt Boren is the detective taking Tinaca's deposition and the nine scenes had me laughing. Plenty of pop culture references that suit the narrative fantastically. Made me smile for the rest of the day!
Goodreads review 12/08/20
Now, this is the type of Audible Original a person wants to click just for the performance. Retta is fantastic as Tinaca Jones, a woman who finds herself the victim of identity theft. Matt Boren is the detective taking Tinaca's deposition and the nine scenes had me laughing. Plenty of pop culture references that suit the narrative fantastically. Made me smile for the rest of the day!
Goodreads review 12/08/20
May 14, 2020
Tinaca Jones was a good quick read by Matt Boren. The name Tinaca has been passed down the Jones family women for many generations. They name a girl Tinaca every other generation, to let each woman shine. Tinaca is a grocery cashier while also trying to make herself a household name. A basic girl named Kelly Smith comes to her register one day and changes everything for Tinaca. Kelly has become famous using the name Tinaca. Unfortunately for Kelly, Tinaca won’t go down without a fight. I really enjoyed this quick read narrated by Retta.
June 8, 2020
What a fun, name dropping, pop culture referencing, breath of fresh air, romp.
A tale of a wronged woman reclaiming what's hers, without any reservation, and getting all the likes she can. Loved Retta as the voice of Tinaca, she comes across with all that.
Most definitely want more, please!!
#freeTinacaNow!!
A tale of a wronged woman reclaiming what's hers, without any reservation, and getting all the likes she can. Loved Retta as the voice of Tinaca, she comes across with all that.
Most definitely want more, please!!
#freeTinacaNow!!
August 26, 2020
I love how this audible is done.
July 7, 2020
This is hilariously performed by Retta and just so, so good. Also, there's totally a Xanadu reference, so I am there.
October 25, 2024
This was funny af !!!!
September 28, 2020
3.5 this one was fun
January 4, 2021
3.5 stars
This was very funny, but not the greatest storyline. It's an audiobook and the woman who "reads" this book is so funny the way that she tells it. It's almost like a short play.
This was very funny, but not the greatest storyline. It's an audiobook and the woman who "reads" this book is so funny the way that she tells it. It's almost like a short play.
April 16, 2020
Firstly, the performance (it was more a performance than narration) of this audiobook was brilliant, but unfortunately the actual story was awful. There is no real plot and the story does not make a lot of sense. It took me 2 days to listen to this audiobook that is just over 2 hours long as I just could not continuously listen to this nonsensical story that is more of a rant than an actual story.
August 9, 2020
This was fantastic!!! so entertaining and funny
April 25, 2024
Okay, I don't normally write reviews, but this book SLAYED!!! Brilliantly written and even more brilliantly performed. I honestly can't believe a man wrote this. Retta is incredible as Tinaca, a woman as powerful, vivid, and dazzling as her name. I'm obsessed with Tinaca Jones (the REAL one, not the "busted ass" name-thief) and I want to be her friend. She's my people. I'm her people.
I laughed out loud listening to this book. I loved it so much, I felt like Ryan Gosling as Ken when he screams "SUBLIME!" On occasion, I laughed so hard I peed a little. This is a MUST listen-to.
To quote Tinaca, "you riveted? You riveted, ain't you?" Don't walk, RUN to this audio book.
I laughed out loud listening to this book. I loved it so much, I felt like Ryan Gosling as Ken when he screams "SUBLIME!" On occasion, I laughed so hard I peed a little. This is a MUST listen-to.
To quote Tinaca, "you riveted? You riveted, ain't you?" Don't walk, RUN to this audio book.
September 15, 2021
This was a laugh out loud journey about Tineca taking back her name. This was a great audio. There is some strong language, so beware if you are sensitive to that, but I think I laughed out loud through the whole book.
February 4, 2022
I love Retta! She makes me laugh. This was a short and fun story that gained some much character with Retta's narration. I was finishing up my Friday workday and wanted something shirt to end the day. This short story did the trick and it made me laugh.
If you are searching for depth and character relation, this is not it. Tinaca Jones was light, fun, and a nice change of pace from my typical reading/listening habits of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy, and light romance.
If you are searching for depth and character relation, this is not it. Tinaca Jones was light, fun, and a nice change of pace from my typical reading/listening habits of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy, and light romance.
February 28, 2022
**5 Stars**
This audiobook short story was absolutely wonderful. Like many, I picked this up for free on some audible offer, mainly because it was starring Retta as the main voice for the story. I was not at all disappointed. Retta did an amazing job, and certainly sold the story, and the storyline itself was so entertaining and it had me hooked on every word. I might be checking out more of Matt Boren's work now!
Highly recommend!
This audiobook short story was absolutely wonderful. Like many, I picked this up for free on some audible offer, mainly because it was starring Retta as the main voice for the story. I was not at all disappointed. Retta did an amazing job, and certainly sold the story, and the storyline itself was so entertaining and it had me hooked on every word. I might be checking out more of Matt Boren's work now!
Highly recommend!
September 24, 2020
This was enjoyable, funny, with a little dash of mystery. Not my favorite but it was a fun light read.
October 3, 2021
Quick listen on a short trip. Cute story and narration is fun but ends a bit too abruptly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews