I'm Not Talking about You, of Course

Quirky Essays for Quirky People, Book 1

By: Barbara Venkataraman

Narrated by: Carrie Lee Martz

Winner of the "Indie Book of the Day" award for June 7, 2014.

This work is 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 not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), 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.

©2012 Barbara Venkataraman (P)2014 Barbara Venkataraman

Funny

Where does I'm Not Talking about You, of Course rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the second title I have listened too by this author and narrator. This one is just as good as the last (which was A Trip to the Hardware Store). The stories are short–which I like because I can listen to them between working on various projects. I loved the one about the didgeridoo–really funny. But they are all good. The writing reminds me of a cross between Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry.

The narrator adds a lot–she has a light, perky, slightly quirky voice that strikes a perfect note for a volume of humorous stories .

What was one of the most memorable moments of I'm Not Talking about You, of Course?

The part about the many phobias. Funny, yet informative!

Which scene was your favorite?

The didgeridoo, of course.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The didgeridoo with the african bees.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to further adventures.

Laugh out loud, yet informative.

Would you listen to I'm Not Talking about You, of Course again? Why?

Yes! I plan on listening to it again. The phobia essay was especially pleasing, and I want to learn all of them by heart!

What was one of the most memorable moments of I'm Not Talking about You, of Course?

I think it's a tie between the doghouse her dad built, and the kitchen disaster. Both were hilarious and relatable!

Which scene was your favorite?

Definitely the part during the kitchen disaster when she's sitting in front of the fridge, dripping club soda, and laughing like a loon!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes I laughed several times over the course of this very enjoyable book.

Any additional comments?

Just want to add that the narrator, Carrie Lee Martz, is one of my favorites. Her expressive and multi-octave voice is pleasing to the ear, and unlike some voice actors, does not change in volume when it changes in pitch. It's very appropriate for listening to while driving, as you won't have to keep changing the volume to suit the character. Awesome job!

Cute

I had listened to A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities and I like Barbara Venkataraman’s sense of humor so I was happy to listen to this book, too. I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course has several cute stories that we can all relate to. While the stories didn’t make me laugh out loud, I did find myself smiling or giggling a few times.

I could relate to many of the things that were talked about but the one that really hit home was the pain scale. You know, rating your pain on a scale from 1-10. Not only is what she says funny, but it is so true.

If you like cute, short stories and life observations, you’ll enjoy I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course.

Short and Fun

Short and good humor. I appreciate the smiles! Quick and fun read, well, listen, actually.

Quirky essays

Which scene was your favorite?

All stories are refreshingly creative. It is a collection of short stories which are an ideal read in the waiting room or on the beach. "I am not talking about you..." is a pleasure to listen to.