No Smiling Allowed: Growing Up in Soviet Russia and Other Funny Stories from a Jewish Immigrant

By: Julia Bendis

Narrated by: Julia Bendis

No Smiling Allowed is a comedic take on life in the former Soviet Union, as an immigrant in America. Julia Bendis has compiled many years of funny stories about her old-fashioned and traditional Russian parents, their understanding of how life works in the United States, their hilarious adventures, and her own younger generation's view of what it was like to blend in as a weird-looking kid from Russia. The audiobook follows Julia and her family from their life in Riga, Latvia, which was part of the former Soviet Union, through their move to California and all the adventures in between. Who knew that assimilation in a new country could have so many hilarious twists and turns? "Grandma started running around with a metal pot, asking all the neighborhood kids to sit and pee in it. That's a sight I will never forget. She was a tough Ukrainian Jew that survived the war, so no kid wanted to ask questions. They just sat on it and peed in that pot".

©2019 2020 Julia Bendis (P)2020 Julia Bendis

Hilarious and relatable!

Julia’s tales from her childhood in Russia and as a new immigrant to LA are detailed and hilarious! I love a story about a specific culture and point of view. Hers is funny, sometimes awkward, and always proud!
Love it!

My new favorite delightful break

Oh my goodness! What a delightful surprise. The voice of the author telling her growing up in former communism with a wry, so funny, straightforward voice, was such a wonderful escape. Each chapter was a joyful morsel. I wanted to buy it as a gift for several friends but wasn’t able to in audible so I hope the author will make it available too as a book. If you’re looking for cheerful, warm story break in your day, this might be a nice choice.