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A Knack for Embarrassment  By  cover art

A Knack for Embarrassment

By: James D. Beers
Narrated by: Chris Brinkley
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Publisher's summary

Have you ever wondered why a rock thrown flat never flies straight? Have you ever survived a night in a den of 40 snorers? Did you ever blow up cuisine in the microwave and then try and hide it from your clairvoyant mother?

If so, then these stories are right up your alley!

Follow the author and his family and friends in their rollicking adventures as they sled down the dreaded Sleddin' Road, ride in a Volkswagen Rabbit that smokes more than a steam locomotive, and practice "Premeditated Bear Situation Thinking" while out in the woods. Just try not to laugh as you hear about the cutthroat cookie-decorating contest of Christmas 2007 or as the author guinea-pigs his younger brother in a game of spit wads. Reminiscent of Patrick McManus yarns, these stories are sure to get you laughing.

Born in Idaho, raised on ice cream, and schooled in calamity and disaster, author James D. Beers tells the stories of his life from a unique and humorous perspective in A Knack for Embarrassment, his first collection of short stories.

©2017 James D. Beers (P)2018 James D. Beers

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What listeners say about A Knack for Embarrassment

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Q & A for A Knack for Embarrassment

Who is the target audience?

The target audience for this audiobook is anybody looking for a good laugh. If you’ve grown up in a family that ever experienced camping, snoring, family contests, or anything of the sort, this audiobook is for you. Similarly, if you enjoy stories that include humor such as “a little pee coming out of me,” or other bodily functions, you’ll be right at home.

Truth be told, I’ll rank some of these stories up there with comedian Tim Hawkins. It’s good clean humor which is a rare find these days!

What did you enjoy most about A Knack for Embarrassment? How was the story/content?

The book is essentially a number of short stories shared back to back. Admittedly, some are more entertaining than others, but there’s a general flow to them so that on first listen, you don’t want to skip ahead. That said, I found myself laughing out loud, even to the point of tears during some of the stories.

Do you have any input on the language, violence, and/or other adult themes?

My kids are currently ages 11 & 13. I would have zero concerns listening to this with them. In fact, after listening to the whole of the book in a day, our family immediately listened to the first two stories before bed. Ending the day in laughter together as a family is always a good thing.

If I recall correctly, the only adult language may have occurred during a story in which there was a huge commotion and the author’s dad ran in to say, “What in the hell is going on?!” Again, it was very, very mild and I would have zero concerns listening with my kids.

At what playback speed did you listen? How long did it take you to get through the entire book?

I listened to it at 1.25x. As noted above, I was so entertained I was able to get through the entire book in a day.

How was the narrator and/or voice actors?

Honestly, I can’t think of a better narrator. For the content of the book, it was outstanding.

Will you listen to it again?

Yes. Some of these stories will be a go-to during family travel and/or other seasons in which we’re just looking for a laugh.

Final Thoughts?

Admittedly, I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest and fair review. I believe I’m being fair. I haven’t laughed this hard in weeks, maybe months. A Knack for Embarrassment was a great listen!

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Uproariously funny

Warning: These stories contain many laugh-out-loud moments. If you're listening with headphones or earbuds, make sure you're out in nature or somewhere that sudden, uncontrollable snort-laughter will not cause embarrassment.

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  • TU
  • 02-13-19

a very fun listen

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I thought this was a truly funny listen. The collection of stories were very fun to listen to. The narration is well done. All in all, well worth a listen.

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Super Entertaining Life Stories

This was hilarious, from the first sentences all the way to the end of the book James Beers had my attention and, barring the fact that I listen mainly at a work environment, I would've audibly laughed for a good portion of the presented content. The narrator lends a bombastic delivery which really aides the humor and light heartedness, a perfect fit. I definitely recommend this collection, and honestly the only negative I have for it is that there isn't enough of it.

I received this audiobook review code at my request and have honestly left this review.

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Great Sense Of Humour

These are hilarious stories. Campy, fun and perfectly narrated. There were several moments where I laughed out loud. And it's helpful, too, I really know how to defend myself from bears now.

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Knack

This guy lived a lot like we did,except his Rabbits were Bugs at our house.Some pretty funny stuff! Chris Brinkley was a fine narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

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A LOT OF FUN!

OMG this had me rolling!
LOL great collection of stories, I laughed my you know what off and really enjoyed the listen.
Can't go wrong with this one, it's great!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Please take a moment to click the "YES" ("Helpful") button below if you found this review helpful :) Thank you!

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Funny!!!

I laughed all the way through this book. I could relate to some of these stories and some of the people sounded like people I may have known while growing up myself. This was good clean fun to listen to. Chris Brinkley was fantastic with the narration. He was perfect for this book and made it a joy to listen to. He wasn't just reading to me, he was making me see the events. I love when a narrator is able to do that! I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.
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A Knack for Embarrassment

I loved the stories that the author shared from his life. I could totally see these stories playing out as they were presented, and boy did I have a good laugh!

The narration was well done. I would not hesitate to listen to another narration by Chris Brinkley.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

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Okay

I found Chris Brinkley to do a great job of narrating this audiobook. I kept thinking I am so glad I didn't grow up with a crazy family like this. Having grown up without brothers might have been a good thing. Maybe because I didn't live through things like this is why I didn't find it fall on the floor laughable. That said it was a good listen. James Beers is a great story teller. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.

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