Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection by Barbara Venkataraman Narrator: Carrie Lee Martz
Series: Quirky Essays for Quirky People #1
Published by Self-published on 01-14-15
Genres: Memoirs, Non-Fiction, Short Stories
Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Author
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Overal Rating:
For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning book, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," PLUS "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course," PLUS seven bonus essays. What a collection! If this doesn't make you smile, then you're not even trying.
"A Trip to the Hardware Store"
These humorous essays explore such quirky topics as: disastrous home repairs, ("A Trip to the Hardware Store"), an unfortunate dinner party ("Dinner is Served"), the truth about lazy people ("Lazy Bones"), the weird life of a debt collector ("Your Account is Past Due") and obsessions with gadgets ("Gadget Girl"). Other essays examine how surreal the aging process is ("Where Did the Time Go?"), why you shouldn't judge a person by their job ("Beyond Belief"), and how to complicate simple transactions ("High Finance").
"I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"
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 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.
This is a collection of humorous essays inspired by Barbara Venkataraman’s own life and circumstances. Some are reflections, some recollections of past events, but what many of them share is a final punch.
I was able to relate more to some stories than others but this is just due to my personal experiences. They are 24 very short stories, ideal for a light and quick listen. I laughed with most of them, but I had more troubles to relate to the one where she has to cook dinner and her friends have various allergies and intolerances. The situation pretended to be humorous and a bit ridiculous, but as a multi-allergic person who never eats out and only trusts a couple of people in the world to cook for me, I was unable to see the funny side. The rest of the stories though, were funny and some maybe even bitter because of how much I could identify with them.
Carrie Lee Martz used a light and sometimes snarky tone, a style that perfectly matched the stories. For some, I think I would have appreciated a more subtle narration, but it is just a personal preference.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.| Story (Plot) |
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My name is Elena. Since I was a little child I loved science fiction and fantasy, and I can’t resist a good novel. In 2015, while wait I started to listen to audiobooks and I discovered the pleasure in being able to read while doing my daily tasks, so there’s always an audiobook playing on my phone. If you see me with my Bluetooth headphones on, please be gentle, I get easily startled.
I live with my boyfriend, which I met during my six-year stay in Belgium, four cockatiels, eight lovebirds, and a hamster in Madrid, Spain; and I like to spend my free time knitting and sewing while listening to audiobooks.
