Who Asked You?

By: Terry McMillan

Narrated by: Terry McMillan, Carole DeSanti, Phylicia Rashad, Michael Boatman

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

From the number one New York Times best-selling author.

Betty Jean already has her hands full when her grown daughter leaves her two young sons in her care. In between dealing with her other adult children, two opinionated sisters, an ill husband, and her own postponed dreams - BJ still manages to hold down a job delivering room service at a hotel.

Her son Dexter is about to be paroled from prison; Quentin, the family success, can’t be bothered to lend a hand; and taking care of two lively grandsons is the last thing BJ thinks she needs. But who asked her?

©2013 Terry McMillan (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A well-crafted story of acceptance, forgiveness, and hope. McMillan deftly weaves her tale of a black Los Angeles family’s disharmony around the narratives of bickering sisters Betty Jean, Arlene, and Venetia as they watch their kids stumble into adulthood.... Strong-hearted kids lead the family back to each other - but McMillan’s story belongs to the middle-aged steel magnolias who value loyalty above all." (Publishers Weekly)

"McMillan writes jauntily and with customary good humor.... Her story affirms the value of love and family, to say nothing of the strength of resolute women in the absence of much strength on the part of those few men who happen to be in the vicinity.... A solid, well-told story." (Kirkus Reviews)

“Remember Getting to Happy, Waiting to Exhale, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back? Well, you won’t likely forget Terry McMillan’s Who Asked You? either” (Raleigh News & Observer)

Excellent!

Love books about us and our family, friends and experiences! Looking forward to the next experience!

Another Awesome & Amazing Read!

Ms McMillan has done it again! I just love her writing style! It’s so very relatable…. She really knows how to tell a good story. This was so good that I’m putting it on my list of “Re-reads” at a later time. Thnx again, Ms McMillan! 🥰❤️👍🏽✅

The Love of a Grandmother

The characters were relatable but that Nurse Kim in the beginning made me want to call APS.

The Funniest Book You Will Ever Read!

Would you consider the audio edition of Who Asked You? to be better than the print version?

Yes. I am sure the print would have been excellent; however, with this type of book, nothing better than a talented writer and excellent performers-- which are made for the character's part. Each of these performers were five star quality, and you could envision each unique character within each setting.

I had purchased the book; however, had to drive from West Palm Beach, FL to Amelia Island, FL (south to north) and from there to North Carolina---could not wait to start so purchased the audio for my road trip. I had to buy the audio, as could not wait--have read all Terry McMillan's books and when I listened to the audio sample - I knew this would be the ideal book to listen to on my iPod for the long trip.

It exceeded all my expectations and more. Turned out, it rained the entire two days of travel and I did not even mind, as I laughed out loud at all the funny characters and it made the time go by faster. I actually finished the entire book about an hour before I reached my destination. I could not even listen to another book, as wanted to just bask in the wonder of this incredible book and smile as I wanted to meet each one of these characters.
I loved all the many different characters! My favorite character was BJ, and of course the banter with her sisters and oh did I love Luther, Omar, and Quinten. It was hard to choose a favorite as each of them had a take away.

If you love humor, wit, family drama- this book is for you. Movie worthy and can only image the cast! Tyler Perry needs to be all over this on OWN. Would definitely listen to this again!

What did you like best about this story?

The real emotions, the humor, life stories with heart felt takeaway. Will make you cry and laugh. Shows how much impression adults make on children.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Loved them all but BJ, Omar, Luther, Vanessa and Quinten were my favorites.

If you could take any character from Who Asked You? out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Luther as he is smart and is an old soul with a heart of gold. I also would like Omar and Quinten as both of them would make me laugh all night! Hard to choose as all the women were sassy and witty.

Any additional comments?

One of the best books - Terry you outdid yourself! I see another movie based on this book!

Emotional and Relevant

I found this story to relevant and emotional. I believe that the basic premise transcend race, color, and sexual identity. It spoke of things often from both sides of the the tracks... some things that black rarely speak of you just know (taboo). Terri’s writing is hard hitting, relevant, funny, and heart dropping. I recommended this book to my friends some who are not even readers! I have read or listened to 3 books this month!!!!!

A good story about family

I haven't read Terry McMillan in a while and I am glad I picked this up.it was an engaging story about complicated family relationships. The narration was great, for the most part - I adored Phylicia Rashad, though I have to add that I didn't love Terry McMillan as a narrator.

OMG!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book to my sistah's. I did not want to stop listening to this book. It reminds me of me and my sisters with all the drama. The story-line had me laughing how a book can relate to your own situations.

Who was your favorite character and why?

BB and Ms Kim were the funniest

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The narration was different for me because I never knew Phylicia Rashad had that in her, she cracked me up getting to know the other side of her through this book. I loved when she said "Crazy as a Christmas Turkey" I laughed so hard the whole office said dang what is so funny!

Who was the most memorable character of Who Asked You? and why?

Ms Kim - I look at nurses and laugh, lol, too funny

Any additional comments?

Start a mini tv series.

Great storyline and the narrating what Fabiola !

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The storytellers enabled me to visualize the neighborhood and characters in vivid color. Such a good read.

What a great book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. The story was compelling and the points of views of the characters were fascinating.

What other book might you compare Who Asked You? to and why?

Very unique book - hard to compare

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

All of the characters were pitch-perfect; probably the central character, Betty Jean, was my favorite, but it is really hard to decide

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have listened to it in one sitting. However, I listened to it while running for exercise and found myself yearning to go running so I could listen to more of the story. It was the best motivator!

Any additional comments?

I could relate to so many of the characters. They were alive. The narration was as good as watching any hit stage performance.

Loved the Storyline

What did you love best about Who Asked You??

It was a good book.

What did you like best about this story?

The storyline was delightful. As a grandmother raising my 18 month old granddaughter, I can totally relate to BJ.

What aspect of the narrators’s performance would you have changed?

I didn't particularly care for the actor who voiced the character "Tammy". She seemed to "try too hard". And I love Ms. McMillian's writing, but she isn't a good voice actor.

If you could rename Who Asked You?, what would you call it?

When My Season Comes

Any additional comments?

Loved Ms. Rashad's voice. I would listen to anything read by her!