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Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time
Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time is part comical call to arms and part tongue-in-cheek tirade. It's a good-natured rant about what brings us down during the day and keeps us up through the night, a collection of humorous essays that laugh at the nuisances of modern life: spammers and scammers, clutter and litter, bad manners and uncivil discourse. Too much stuff, too much noise, too much technology. Not enough patience, not enough kindness, not enough…chocolate?
- GenresHumorNonfiction
348 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2020
18 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Rosby
7 books135 followersDorothy Rosby is a syndicated humor columnist whose work appears in ten Western and Midwestern states. She's the author of four books of humor collections including her latest, ‘Tis the Season to Feel Inadequate: Holidays, Special Occasions and Other Times Our Celebrations Get Out of Hand.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 20, 2020
These essays cover just about every annoying thing that can possibly happen in a modern life: struggles with technology, littering, or even hoarding cups and glasses. Everyone, no matter what age, can find something in this book that they can relate to.
Not only was this book a great distraction from everything going on this year, but it was also pretty educational. She included statistics and facts about pollution, littering, and recycling. Though I don't think the point of the essay was scrabble pieces, I did learn how many tiles are in Scrabble (the answer is 100, if you were wondering; two blank pieces and 98 letters).
Of course, as it is with other books similar, there are likely going to be some things you won't relate to, and some that may even confuse you. There are a couple essays about kids and married life, which I didn't relate to at all. Even so, they were still humorous.
A lot of the books I've read recently have been fairly dark and at times extremely emotional, so this book was a great book to read while processing the others. If you need a break from everything going on in the world right now, this might be the perfect book for you.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via iRead Book Tours and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not only was this book a great distraction from everything going on this year, but it was also pretty educational. She included statistics and facts about pollution, littering, and recycling. Though I don't think the point of the essay was scrabble pieces, I did learn how many tiles are in Scrabble (the answer is 100, if you were wondering; two blank pieces and 98 letters).
Of course, as it is with other books similar, there are likely going to be some things you won't relate to, and some that may even confuse you. There are a couple essays about kids and married life, which I didn't relate to at all. Even so, they were still humorous.
A lot of the books I've read recently have been fairly dark and at times extremely emotional, so this book was a great book to read while processing the others. If you need a break from everything going on in the world right now, this might be the perfect book for you.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via iRead Book Tours and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2020
Sometimes when life is too scary, upsetting or confusing—or all three at the same time—you just need to check out for a while.
I was at the stage when I started reading Dorothy Rosby’s Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. In Alexa’s a Spy, Dorothy mines everyday experiences for nuggets and then turns them into golden grins and silver smiles. Nothing escapes her notice, and everything is food for thought—and then humor.
The beauty of reading Alexa’s a Spy is that you can open it to any chapter and fall into the rabbit hole of humor that she creates. Read the chapters in order or skip around. Dorothy is such a gifted humor writer that I suspect you could even read the book backwards and still be entertained!
Yes, the world is a dark place and there is plenty to worry about. That makes it all the more necessary, important and even essential that you spend some time each day in Dorothy Rosby’s world.
I was at the stage when I started reading Dorothy Rosby’s Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. In Alexa’s a Spy, Dorothy mines everyday experiences for nuggets and then turns them into golden grins and silver smiles. Nothing escapes her notice, and everything is food for thought—and then humor.
The beauty of reading Alexa’s a Spy is that you can open it to any chapter and fall into the rabbit hole of humor that she creates. Read the chapters in order or skip around. Dorothy is such a gifted humor writer that I suspect you could even read the book backwards and still be entertained!
Yes, the world is a dark place and there is plenty to worry about. That makes it all the more necessary, important and even essential that you spend some time each day in Dorothy Rosby’s world.
August 18, 2020
In my teens I was introduced to writer Erma Bombeck who found a way to see life's frustrations through the lens of humor. Fortunately many new authors have arisen to fill that void. Dorothy Rosby is one. Alexa's A Spy is her third book in this genre and after reading it, I am definitely going to have to check out her first two.
Rosby has the knack of writing as if she's sitting at a table with you, telling you something hilarious, all while sharing a cuppa. The slices of life she writes about are personal, everyday occurrences we can all roll our eyes at, and and shared in a way that will put a smile on your face. I was not surprised to learn she won awards for doing humorous speeches. That skill shows here. Each chapter stands alone making the book perfect for today's busy lifestyle. Having a tough moment? Try taking a 5 - 10 minute break to read a single hilarious chapter to lift those spirits. As I read, I found myself thinking time and time again, what great fodder these chapters would be for a stand-up comedy routine.
Be Glad You Can't Take it With You - "If you’re ever tasked with cleaning out your parents’ home, I can almost guarantee that as you’re working you’ll be repeating the following mantra: 'I will never do this to my children. I will never do this to my children.' And while you’re chanting, you’ll be filling boxes with everything you want to keep."
May I Speak to a Real Person, Please? - Ahh speaking to those recordings, "Now we spend our days emailing faceless companies, being put on hold by people who may or may not go to lunch while we wait, live chatting on our computer with technicians who can type faster than we can and talking to recordings, my personal favorite."
Vexation and Obfuscation in Communication - I know I'm tired of trying to read legalese. "As it is my best translation of any financial document I get in the mail is, 'Oh! Is that you, customer? We didn’t really think anyone would read this far.”
Lake Heyhowareya - "The whole ritual [of greeting someone] is so automatic that I can envision my coming across someone who’s just fallen off a ladder and saying, “Heyhowareya.”
A great read to help you let go of those frustrations and find a way to just laugh at them. I highly recommend it.
Rosby has the knack of writing as if she's sitting at a table with you, telling you something hilarious, all while sharing a cuppa. The slices of life she writes about are personal, everyday occurrences we can all roll our eyes at, and and shared in a way that will put a smile on your face. I was not surprised to learn she won awards for doing humorous speeches. That skill shows here. Each chapter stands alone making the book perfect for today's busy lifestyle. Having a tough moment? Try taking a 5 - 10 minute break to read a single hilarious chapter to lift those spirits. As I read, I found myself thinking time and time again, what great fodder these chapters would be for a stand-up comedy routine.
Be Glad You Can't Take it With You - "If you’re ever tasked with cleaning out your parents’ home, I can almost guarantee that as you’re working you’ll be repeating the following mantra: 'I will never do this to my children. I will never do this to my children.' And while you’re chanting, you’ll be filling boxes with everything you want to keep."
May I Speak to a Real Person, Please? - Ahh speaking to those recordings, "Now we spend our days emailing faceless companies, being put on hold by people who may or may not go to lunch while we wait, live chatting on our computer with technicians who can type faster than we can and talking to recordings, my personal favorite."
Vexation and Obfuscation in Communication - I know I'm tired of trying to read legalese. "As it is my best translation of any financial document I get in the mail is, 'Oh! Is that you, customer? We didn’t really think anyone would read this far.”
Lake Heyhowareya - "The whole ritual [of greeting someone] is so automatic that I can envision my coming across someone who’s just fallen off a ladder and saying, “Heyhowareya.”
A great read to help you let go of those frustrations and find a way to just laugh at them. I highly recommend it.
August 31, 2020
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Has life got you down and you just need a good laugh? “Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time” may just be the medicine you need! This book is hilarious! I think I laughed on just about every page in this laugh until you cry book. Syndicated humor columnist Dorothy Rosby hits on just about every subject imaginable as she tells story after story in this oh so funny book about our favorite voice, Alexa! Anywhere you go, this is an amazing book to take with you. I’m sure going to take it on my next Dr. visit to read while I’m waiting for hours. One thing about it, this book will take the frustrations of waiting. And in today’s world where everything has been so unsettling and unpredictable lately, everyone needs a bit of humor in their life, and this is the best book out there I have read on hilarious humor!!
When this book came up for review on iREAD Book Tours I almost didn’t join the tour but I am so very glad I did. And I am thrilled to be introduced to this book and this author. This one is for sure a Keeper for me. And I’ll be telling everyone I know about Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About. And if you find yourself needed a good pick me up, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. Today. Don’t wait!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Tr
Has life got you down and you just need a good laugh? “Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time” may just be the medicine you need! This book is hilarious! I think I laughed on just about every page in this laugh until you cry book. Syndicated humor columnist Dorothy Rosby hits on just about every subject imaginable as she tells story after story in this oh so funny book about our favorite voice, Alexa! Anywhere you go, this is an amazing book to take with you. I’m sure going to take it on my next Dr. visit to read while I’m waiting for hours. One thing about it, this book will take the frustrations of waiting. And in today’s world where everything has been so unsettling and unpredictable lately, everyone needs a bit of humor in their life, and this is the best book out there I have read on hilarious humor!!
When this book came up for review on iREAD Book Tours I almost didn’t join the tour but I am so very glad I did. And I am thrilled to be introduced to this book and this author. This one is for sure a Keeper for me. And I’ll be telling everyone I know about Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About. And if you find yourself needed a good pick me up, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. Today. Don’t wait!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Tr
August 17, 2020
Alexa's a Spy Takes a Light-Hearted Look at Modern Irritations. I will admit that I share many (many many many) of the author's views on the minor annoyances and irritations that plague our busy, modern existences. Many of us struggle with the issues that the author notes--and so many of us have tried to "fix" our lives in the ways that she discusses. I loved the author's writing style--and her knack for putting words to the feelings and ideas that many of us have had ourselves from time to time! With notes of humor, sarcasm, realism, and even some practical advice thrown in--the author helps us take a break from beating ourselves up over the millions of little things cluttering our world!
The Author Gives Readers an Organized Collections of Essays. The author divides her collection into themes--or chapters--and gives readers a handy table of contents at the front of the book. I read the first few chapters in order--then, I began to skip around through the book. The essays do not build on one another in each section--and it was nice to come back to the book and pick a random essay on a topic that I had yet to read.
Would I Recommend Alexa's a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked Off About by Dorothy Rosby? The author gives readers some entertaining distractions as she shares thoughts on the many ways we find ourselves bothered and cluttered in our daily lives. I loved her writing style and found myself laughing at least a little with each essay. If you are looking for some quick to read, intelligently written and well-thought-out reflections on life--this book was definitely a hit with me! I am planning to add more from this author to my reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
The Author Gives Readers an Organized Collections of Essays. The author divides her collection into themes--or chapters--and gives readers a handy table of contents at the front of the book. I read the first few chapters in order--then, I began to skip around through the book. The essays do not build on one another in each section--and it was nice to come back to the book and pick a random essay on a topic that I had yet to read.
Would I Recommend Alexa's a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked Off About by Dorothy Rosby? The author gives readers some entertaining distractions as she shares thoughts on the many ways we find ourselves bothered and cluttered in our daily lives. I loved her writing style and found myself laughing at least a little with each essay. If you are looking for some quick to read, intelligently written and well-thought-out reflections on life--this book was definitely a hit with me! I am planning to add more from this author to my reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
July 13, 2020
Dorothy Rosby makes me feel like I’m not alone. How welcome is that! From her keen observations on technology to customer service to those alien people we live with -- Dorothy manages to identify and lacerate, in the most delightful way, the absurd and annoying aspects of life. Then she helps us laugh them off so we just plain feel better. Sometimes I think she’s replaying my thoughts. Was she actually there when I complained people don’t eat what I eat, don’t drive like I do, don’t know appetizers are way more important than apps? When the going gets tough, it’s a real treat to take Dorothy and her stories out to my patio. She’s like having a good meeting of the minds and a cup of tea with a wise, witty, funny friend.
August 20, 2020
Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About gets to the heart of where people are today. The essays use humor and wit to tackle the overwhelm, frustration, and general feelings of irritation. While reading Dorothy Rosby’s book, I was reminded of the great Erma Bombeck, who tackled life’s headaches of the late 1960s through the early 1990s. Dorothy has the same sarcastic wit that touches the everyday reader making them exclaim, “That’s me!” She sums up life’s frustrations perfectly from robocalls to spam emails and Alexa to Siri.
Each essay is long enough to get to the heart of the problem while not becoming too long-winded. The lead-in from one essay to the next is a smooth transition.
The author’s self-deprecating style works extremely well in this book. I believe nearly every reader will enjoy “Alexa’s a Spy…” no matter their age or station. Dorothy speaks to every person at their own level. The entire group of essays is very relatable.
I highly recommend this book to everyone looking to lighten their day. You are sure to find a nugget or two that changes your outlook.
Each essay is long enough to get to the heart of the problem while not becoming too long-winded. The lead-in from one essay to the next is a smooth transition.
The author’s self-deprecating style works extremely well in this book. I believe nearly every reader will enjoy “Alexa’s a Spy…” no matter their age or station. Dorothy speaks to every person at their own level. The entire group of essays is very relatable.
I highly recommend this book to everyone looking to lighten their day. You are sure to find a nugget or two that changes your outlook.
August 20, 2020
Alexa's a Spy is a fun (and funny) collection of essays that tend to rant about everything and anything. There are technology rants. Grocery store rants. Spam email and scam phone call rants. And, yes, even some political rants. I have to admit, I kinda rolled my eyes when I got to the political essays, only because I'm so burned out on politics. I don't care which side it is; they both bum me out. However, the rest of the book had me laughing and nodding my head, agreeing with so many of the things that were brought up. I even read some of the snippets to my husband (at 2 AM), and as I was laughing so hard I was crying, my husband was like, "Why are you like this at 2 AM?" That's a good question. I have no idea why. But I find things more amusing in the early morning hours. But, also, my husband also found some of the stuff I read him amusing (and true) too. So there's that.
Honestly, this book is a much needed comic relief nowadays, and I would definitely recommend picking up a copy. Read it and laugh a little. Things will look a little brighter when you're done.
4 stars.
Honestly, this book is a much needed comic relief nowadays, and I would definitely recommend picking up a copy. Read it and laugh a little. Things will look a little brighter when you're done.
4 stars.
June 9, 2020
In this very funny book, Author Dorothy Rosby has thoroughly compiled and analyzed the most annoying aspects of modern life. Her witty anecdotes contain so many accurate and hilarious observations about our every day lives, from the ridiculous to the superfluous and everything in between. It was as if Rosby knows exactly how I felt and put my thoughts into words for me. (I, too, am particular about preferring fountain drinks and crushed ice!) Also, I was surprised that the humorous "advice" lists in the book actually contained a lot of really practical, useful information about simplifying our complicated lives. I found this book to be a very entertaining and affirming reality check. I highly recommend it!
September 2, 2020
I am in the mood for some fun and laughter, so I jumped on the chance to read Alexa’s A Spy by Dorothy Rosby, and I was not disappointed. Right away I felt an affinity towards her. I think we can be friends. She had me nodding my head, saying, “Yup. Yup. Been There Done That.” I smiled and laughed my way through some of my biggest pet peeves in this humorously written, fun, entertaining, collection of easy to read essays.
Maybe next time, I’ll think twice about flipping that driver off, exccept I already do. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Alexa’s A Spy by Dorothy Rosby.
See more at fundinmental
Maybe next time, I’ll think twice about flipping that driver off, exccept I already do. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Alexa’s A Spy by Dorothy Rosby.
See more at fundinmental
August 17, 2020
I found Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time to be a fun read. It made me laugh so hard at times that I had tears in my eyes. It has been a very difficult year for me and this book gave me exactly what I needed for a bit. Dorothy Rosby covers about everything that any reader would be able to relate to in this book. She proved to me that I am not the only one that questions different areas of life. It was so amusing to see what she came up with. It was so so funny. Readers will be able to see her humorous thoughts on tech, manners, noises, spammers, clutter, scammers, and so much more. It seems like nothing was left out. It is such a good way to laugh at ourselves. I thought it was great much needed entertainment. I know I had a great reading and am so glad I gave it chance.
I am giving Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time four and half stars. It is most definitely worth and not one to be missed. I would want to read more by this author in the future. I recommend this one for readers who need a good laugh.
i received this book from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time four and half stars. It is most definitely worth and not one to be missed. I would want to read more by this author in the future. I recommend this one for readers who need a good laugh.
i received this book from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 8, 2023
Such a refreshing read. My friend gifted me this book because she knew I would enjoy it. Observational humor is usually funny if done correctly and relatable. This book was both.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews