Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
by Barbara Venkataraman
File Size: 2389 KB
Print Length: 71 pages
Publication Date: May 13, 2014
ASIN: B00KC7BNNY
Genre: Essays, Humor
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning books, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "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.
by Barbara Venkataraman
File Size: 2389 KB
Print Length: 71 pages
Publication Date: May 13, 2014
ASIN: B00KC7BNNY
Genre: Essays, Humor
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning books, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "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.
Review:
These are delightful vignettes that read very quickly. I imagine there is at least one topic in the group that most everyone could relate to. I would listen to one and nod my head with a smile. Then the next would resonate too! Some of the stories are tongue-in-cheek and some are laugh out loud delightful. The stories deal with family, friends, people at work and strangers.
I am a loud sneezer so I could appreciate "It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”. I have lived without electricity during a hurricane so I smiled at "A Jolt of Electricity". “Dinner is Served” was wonderfully funny. The hostess hopes to prepare special dishes for her friends until she realizes some have allergies, some have restrictive diets and they all have different tastes. What to do?
My absolute favorite though is “Words of Wisdom”. Barbara speaks with her usual humor of rushing to her grandmother’s bedside when summoned. She hopes for some true words of wisdom but is given a task instead. Only later does she recognize the gem of wisdom that Nana provided. It is just so lovely.
This is a short, quick read which will lighten your day and bring a smile to your face. Pick it up, make yourself your favorite side drink (coffee, tea, wine), kick off your shoes and be prepared to chuckle.
The author was kind to let me know when this came up free on Kindle.
I am so glad! It qualifies for "Q" on my Alphabet Challenge.
I am so glad! It qualifies for "Q" on my Alphabet Challenge.
