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If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place...
Meet Ella Boudreaux, a self-confessed nag. By no means -- as Ella herself insisted -- is she a negative person. Persistent might be a better word; she is the kind of person you'd ask
for directions if you were lost, or provides you with a long chat while waiting
in line at the grocery store.
"Nobody, and I mean nobody, can nag like I can." Written from a first person point of view, protagonist Ella Boudreaux immediately establishes her unique skill set.
And where has it gotten her? Nowhere, that's where.
She can't hold onto a job and she can't find her true calling, but she knows it's out there. Could a handsome stranger help her find her destiny? Or maybe he was her destiny...
for directions if you were lost, or provides you with a long chat while waiting
in line at the grocery store.
"Nobody, and I mean nobody, can nag like I can." Written from a first person point of view, protagonist Ella Boudreaux immediately establishes her unique skill set.
And where has it gotten her? Nowhere, that's where.
She can't hold onto a job and she can't find her true calling, but she knows it's out there. Could a handsome stranger help her find her destiny? Or maybe he was her destiny...
Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
9 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Venkataraman
26 books433 followersAward-winning author Barbara Venkataraman is an attorney and mediator specializing in family law. Her works include: "The Fight for Magicallus", a children's fantasy; "If you'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place", a humorous short story; and three books of humorous essays: "I'm Not Talking about You, Of Course," "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "A Smidge of Crazy", from her series, "Quirky Essays for Quirky People."
Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.
Her Jamie Quinn cozy mystery series includes: "Death by Didgeridoo", "The Case of the Killer Divorce", "Peril in the Park", "Engaged in Danger" and "Jeopardy in July".
Her newest book has just been released: "Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four", a memoir she co-authored with her son about lessons he learned while working to exonerate four men falsely convicted of a terrible crime in the Jim Crow South. All of her books are available on Amazon Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 24, 2017
Barbara Venkataraman's If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place... is a wonderful short story that you should absolutely read as an introduction to this author and her literary style. I first read a few of her mystery novellas (the "Jamie Quinn" series) and found myself intrigued and laughing over their conversational tone and engaging prose. But when I learned of these other fiction works, I quickly wanted to dive in for a read -- especially when the author has been extremely friendly and charismatic across a few social media platforms.
In this story, Ella provides little snippets of her relationship with a man named Charlie (not giving away any spoilers!) and various short-term jobs that very few of us would ever want to hold. She's funny, charming and someone you would enjoy talking to -- especially when the narrator crosses that invisible line and talks directly to the person who is reading her words (another spoiler, you should just go read it to see what I mean). It's a great opportunity to take a break from reality for 20 to 30 minutes and see the world from someone else's perspective. So give her a chance.
I have a few others she's written on my list but I am purposely saving them for that day when I need a little pick-me-up. Kudos!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
In this story, Ella provides little snippets of her relationship with a man named Charlie (not giving away any spoilers!) and various short-term jobs that very few of us would ever want to hold. She's funny, charming and someone you would enjoy talking to -- especially when the narrator crosses that invisible line and talks directly to the person who is reading her words (another spoiler, you should just go read it to see what I mean). It's a great opportunity to take a break from reality for 20 to 30 minutes and see the world from someone else's perspective. So give her a chance.
I have a few others she's written on my list but I am purposely saving them for that day when I need a little pick-me-up. Kudos!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
July 20, 2017
*** 4 ***
As always, a pure pleasure to spend some time reading this delightful writer's musings. SHe is a natural at telling her stories and you feel like she has been your pal for ever:) This time she tells us about her first forays in the job market and how that led her to meet her husband:) Adorable and very, very fast once you open the book:) I completely understand the inability to have people stop telling you their life stories and enjoying yourself while they do so. Once again, Barbara Venkataraman made me smile:)
As always, a pure pleasure to spend some time reading this delightful writer's musings. SHe is a natural at telling her stories and you feel like she has been your pal for ever:) This time she tells us about her first forays in the job market and how that led her to meet her husband:) Adorable and very, very fast once you open the book:) I completely understand the inability to have people stop telling you their life stories and enjoying yourself while they do so. Once again, Barbara Venkataraman made me smile:)
February 21, 2017
“it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission..."
He gave me a look. "You mean, like what you just did to me?"
Well, I hadn't thought about it that way, but he was right. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to help. I guess I got carried away…”
This was a really quick, enjoyable read about how Ella Boudreaux, the girl who isn’t afraid to give her opinion about anything, found her true calling!! I found Ella's excitement to engage with everyone very contagious and humorous.
December 19, 2016
This is a funny little story about Ella Boudreaux. She's a nagger ... at least according to her husband, Charlie.
Actually, she's quite good at nagging .... but nagging is so negative, don't you think?
This is a fun romp through part of Ella's life .... a humorous look at various jobs she held, even though it seems like she was never employed for long. Cleaning the barnacles with her friend was well worth the telling.
If you've got a few minutes and you need a few chuckles, I would recommend this one. It's only 21 pages and loaded to the brim with things that will make you smile .. or laugh out loud.
I wish to thank Barbara Venkataraman for the digital copy of this very short story. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Actually, she's quite good at nagging .... but nagging is so negative, don't you think?
This is a fun romp through part of Ella's life .... a humorous look at various jobs she held, even though it seems like she was never employed for long. Cleaning the barnacles with her friend was well worth the telling.
If you've got a few minutes and you need a few chuckles, I would recommend this one. It's only 21 pages and loaded to the brim with things that will make you smile .. or laugh out loud.
I wish to thank Barbara Venkataraman for the digital copy of this very short story. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
January 28, 2017
This book is ADORABLE! A cute girl is telling her 'meet cute.' And it is cute but also so funny! I thought I had some crazy jobs once upon a time. Ahh, the summer I drove an ice cream truck. Ate up all my profit.
But I never cleaned barnacles. Lord have mercy!
It's a great book you can read on your lunch hour and then go back to work with a smile and a chuckle.
But I never cleaned barnacles. Lord have mercy!
It's a great book you can read on your lunch hour and then go back to work with a smile and a chuckle.
February 5, 2017
This was a super cute short story about a gal who just hasn't quite found her niche in life. She's had every job under the sun and she tells a sweet/cute story about one said job that led her to meet the love of her life Charlie. It was a well spent 20 minutes.
February 3, 2015
First let me say, I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I always go for the audios when possible as they are so much more entertaining then reading them myself. Plus I get to be hands free to clean the house, play online games, even listen on long road trips! This is never more thru than it is with this book. It is so funny, but even funnier in audio!
I had laughed my but off with (not at) poor Ella who states right away that she is a nag. Ella can't seem to keep a job. Hang out with Ella while she tells us about why she failed at every job she has held. Ella reminds her husband that she still wanted to go to culinary school and don't laugh at her because the fire in the kitchen wasn't her fault. It seems that anything that can go wrong does in Ella's life, but she has a reason for everything.
This was so funny, I just had to start the book again when it ended! (Yup, I read this book twice before writing this review!) The author, Barbara Venkataraman did yet another fantastic job at entertaining us in such comical ways! The narrator, Carrie Lee Martz did great delivering it this story to us with her wonderful voices and accents.
I had laughed my but off with (not at) poor Ella who states right away that she is a nag. Ella can't seem to keep a job. Hang out with Ella while she tells us about why she failed at every job she has held. Ella reminds her husband that she still wanted to go to culinary school and don't laugh at her because the fire in the kitchen wasn't her fault. It seems that anything that can go wrong does in Ella's life, but she has a reason for everything.
This was so funny, I just had to start the book again when it ended! (Yup, I read this book twice before writing this review!) The author, Barbara Venkataraman did yet another fantastic job at entertaining us in such comical ways! The narrator, Carrie Lee Martz did great delivering it this story to us with her wonderful voices and accents.
February 7, 2017
A very short and very entertaining story. I love the writing style – too funny how she addressed her husband in between telling the story. As if a friend was sitting on my couch telling me something and every now and then raising the voice and talking to her husband in the next room….
A lovely story that left me with a smile on my face :)
A lovely story that left me with a smile on my face :)
January 27, 2017
This little story made me chuckle after a hard day at school and work. I never knew anything about barnacle cleaning but the author made is sound so funny about how the girls did it. It's short, funny and sweet--a good story to read and relax by.
May 30, 2017
It gave you a new perspective on a lot of things. Some of the imagery was fabulous. I could totally picture two teenage girls in bikinis and Elton John sunglasses. I am sure if she never saw a barnacle again, she would be content.
March 4, 2017
Entertaining short story. A well-worth 20 minutes out of your day for a mini-break. I've said it before, but I just love this author's sense of humor and writing style.
February 9, 2015
Ella Boudreaux tells her tale of one failed attempt after another at finding and holding on to a job. Her mouth and chatty ways seems to have something to do with it. One summer, her friend, Jen, and her decide to give barnacle removal a try at a Louisiana marine. Ella is in for a surprise!
This was a fun short story about a woman trying to figure out her place in this world. She’s comfortable with trial and error, which is good since finding her true calling didn’t come easy. Chatty and friendly, her words can stray into the realm of nagging. But never fear, there is actually very little of that in this tale, so the reader doesn’t weary of the main character.
For those who like a touch of romance, there is Charlie, who is Captain Jack’s son. Captain Jack runs the marina and is quite attached to the old way of running things. His son has new ideas, but the two of them could come to rough words over them.
I can see the author continuing on with Ella. She was very likable and I believe she definitely has the penchant to get into the thick of things. That would make her an exciting center for mysteries or mayhem. If you’re looking for great little tale to keep you company over lunch, then this is worth your time!
The Narration: Martz, who also narrates Venkataraman’s Jamie Quinn mysteries, was great as Ella. She was able to put her southern drawl to good use in this Louisiana story. She also had great voices for Charlie and Captain Jack. Another great performance!
This was a fun short story about a woman trying to figure out her place in this world. She’s comfortable with trial and error, which is good since finding her true calling didn’t come easy. Chatty and friendly, her words can stray into the realm of nagging. But never fear, there is actually very little of that in this tale, so the reader doesn’t weary of the main character.
For those who like a touch of romance, there is Charlie, who is Captain Jack’s son. Captain Jack runs the marina and is quite attached to the old way of running things. His son has new ideas, but the two of them could come to rough words over them.
I can see the author continuing on with Ella. She was very likable and I believe she definitely has the penchant to get into the thick of things. That would make her an exciting center for mysteries or mayhem. If you’re looking for great little tale to keep you company over lunch, then this is worth your time!
The Narration: Martz, who also narrates Venkataraman’s Jamie Quinn mysteries, was great as Ella. She was able to put her southern drawl to good use in this Louisiana story. She also had great voices for Charlie and Captain Jack. Another great performance!
February 6, 2015
Once again Barbara VEnkataraman is able to hit my funny bone with such remarkable, re-memorable, and hilarious characters. This is a very short story at only 42 minutes so my hubby and I listened on our way to grocery shopping. The entire trip was filled with laughs, and a few cringes!
The job hopping Ella is the main character and narrator so we get to see exactly how she feels about her life. Funnily enough there are portions where she is talking to the hubby behind her, just as if she is telling the story to you right there. I loved those little additions! They were cute and added a bit of realness to this. Although Ella is as real as they get! I loved that she met Charlie at a job she got to scrape barnacles. And the fact that she and her gal friend showed up in bathing suits had me laughing out loud!
I was able to listen to this and easily kept with the pace, even with the back and forth of future and past tenses. And the narration was done beautifully. Carrie Lee Martz did a great job of narration but also at emphasizing when needed.
In short: Another cute one from Barbara Venkataraman! She has a style that is her own and I love it!
The job hopping Ella is the main character and narrator so we get to see exactly how she feels about her life. Funnily enough there are portions where she is talking to the hubby behind her, just as if she is telling the story to you right there. I loved those little additions! They were cute and added a bit of realness to this. Although Ella is as real as they get! I loved that she met Charlie at a job she got to scrape barnacles. And the fact that she and her gal friend showed up in bathing suits had me laughing out loud!
I was able to listen to this and easily kept with the pace, even with the back and forth of future and past tenses. And the narration was done beautifully. Carrie Lee Martz did a great job of narration but also at emphasizing when needed.
In short: Another cute one from Barbara Venkataraman! She has a style that is her own and I love it!
February 27, 2015
If You’d Just Listened to Me in the First Place… by Barbara Venkataraman, was the funniest 42 mins I have listen to in quite a while. I felt that it I was listening to my own life of a rambling voice except in a southern accent. At least this what my husband told me as Ella’s husband told her. Barbara takes what some of us only wish we could put down in writing. The narrator Carrie Lee Martz southern accent was so perfect for this short story. Taking Barbara’s story from Ella’s young youth and her best friend. The ideas she always got them in and never went well. When Ella meets her now husband in the current life. She continues her many jobs. Each one so funny from start to going on the next one. I do hope that there is a follow up to this hilarious story!
This story was provided to me by the author for an honest review. So all my views are my own and all I can say, “Get it and listen for a great laugh and wishing that there was more of it!”
This story was provided to me by the author for an honest review. So all my views are my own and all I can say, “Get it and listen for a great laugh and wishing that there was more of it!”
September 18, 2016
The book was funny. It tells how the author was looking for a job and found a husband at the Marina where she was hired to scrape barnacles off of boats. Charlie was the boss's son and she liked him from the start. That was the reason why she went back to work at the Marina.
They both tried many things that did not sit well with Captain Jack. So she was fired on her scene day working by CaptIn Jack himself. Charlie left the same day. She was taken back, but t Charlie would not go.
It is a cute little story about love, relationships and family. It is funny, well written and makes me want to read more by Barbara. She does a good job of making you laugh which we need more.
Well worth the time to read.
They both tried many things that did not sit well with Captain Jack. So she was fired on her scene day working by CaptIn Jack himself. Charlie left the same day. She was taken back, but t Charlie would not go.
It is a cute little story about love, relationships and family. It is funny, well written and makes me want to read more by Barbara. She does a good job of making you laugh which we need more.
Well worth the time to read.
April 6, 2018
This title already put a smile on my face. Who does not use this sentence? I took me back to some situations in my own life. :) It's not bad to have an arugment. Why do you always have to agree with everybody? You have to right to have your own opinion, but are you man enough to admit it when you are wrong? Are you strong enough to keep the relationship going between your family, friends,... or are you too pigheaded?
If the relationship is strong enough, you will work it out, but it might take a while and a little help might be needed.
It does not surprise me that the author is an award winning one. Making people smile is one of the most difficult things to do.
Thank you, once again, Barbara.
If the relationship is strong enough, you will work it out, but it might take a while and a little help might be needed.
It does not surprise me that the author is an award winning one. Making people smile is one of the most difficult things to do.
Thank you, once again, Barbara.
December 13, 2014
If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place by Barbara Venkataraman
Ella Boudreaux is a negative person, actually she knows she is a nag. She can't hold a job, and is not sure where she is going in life. As she ventures on her quest to find herself and her true calling she meets a handsome stranger. Is he what she has been looking for all along?
A fast paced short story. Although Ella is a negative person, she is a pure delight and truly funny. I really liked Ella. The situations she puts herself in, and her job hopping really adds some (unique) fun to this laugh out loud story. I recommend to readers who need some sunshine in their day. Fantastically fun! A great read.
Ella Boudreaux is a negative person, actually she knows she is a nag. She can't hold a job, and is not sure where she is going in life. As she ventures on her quest to find herself and her true calling she meets a handsome stranger. Is he what she has been looking for all along?
A fast paced short story. Although Ella is a negative person, she is a pure delight and truly funny. I really liked Ella. The situations she puts herself in, and her job hopping really adds some (unique) fun to this laugh out loud story. I recommend to readers who need some sunshine in their day. Fantastically fun! A great read.
February 8, 2015
If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place is another extremely entertaining short story by Barbara Venkataraman. It's a comical look at how one can meet a future spouse in the unlikeliest of places - like at a summer job working at a marina scrapping barnacles off of boats. What I like most about Barbara's writing is her easy banter between characters. It's as if I'm sitting with my sisters or my BFF where I can be candid, a little quirky, and still affectionate without being mushy.
Carrie Lee Martz did a great job narrating with a southern accent. She reads with enthusiasm and spunk, and has differing voices for both male and female characters. Great job!
Carrie Lee Martz did a great job narrating with a southern accent. She reads with enthusiasm and spunk, and has differing voices for both male and female characters. Great job!
August 21, 2013
IF YOU'D LISTENED TO ME IN THE FIRST PLACE.....by Barbara Venkataraman is an interesting,witty Marriage/Relationships story. A quick, whimsical read on how to find a career and things in between. The career,destiny, and journey of one Ella Boudreaux. Well written with an interesting,funny,storyline. A quirky,fun,light read! Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: Sweet
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: Sweet
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 9, 2015
I was fortune enough to have gotten this book from the Author as a gift and I found it such a charming and funny read. Perfect for a quick pick me up if you need it. I found myself laughing out loud and reading the book in one sitting. I have quickly become a huge fan of Barbara Venkataraman because she has managed to bring me out of a slump with laughter, and as we all know, laughter is the best medicine.
February 5, 2015
In this economy, books about the perils of job hunting are appreciated. When said book is written by Barbara Venkataraman, they are both insightful, and hilarious! From the lowly burger flipper, to the highly acclaimed barnacle scraper, poor Ella can't seem to catch a break! She does, however, manage to catch a man... AND find her perfect job!
January 30, 2017
I chuckled out loud reading this adorable short story about Ella "the nag" and her stubborn husband Charlie. I highly recommend this story if you, like me, need to put your feet up, relax, and savor an enjoyable hour with Ella.
September 17, 2016
This author just keeps me laughing! She writes with such great humor.
May 30, 2017
A very quick short story. A Southern Belle quirkily tells the story of hoe she found her ideal job by telling the tale of how she met and got together with her husband. A fast, fun read.
September 10, 2020
Entertaining
Fun, light, easy-read short story. Good for a break between serious books. I liked how the main character quickly moved through a variety of jobs in an entertaining way.
Fun, light, easy-read short story. Good for a break between serious books. I liked how the main character quickly moved through a variety of jobs in an entertaining way.
January 20, 2020
I always enjoy reading Barbara Venkataraman's books and this one is my favorite so far. This is a quick, lighthearted read. One of the best short stories I've read lately.
April 29, 2020
This was a short story that had me grinning all the way.
July 18, 2020
This was a fun, quick read.
July 10, 2023
This story is so much fun! I really heard her talking to me while reading, just someone I would really like to meet
February 9, 2023
Most enjoyable thing I’ve read in years.
In the interest of full disclosure I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I rarely give a book 5 out of 5 stars. This was absolutely deserving. It’s hilariously funny and very cute.
I actually listened to this as an audio book but for some reason goodreads doesn’t have the audio book listed as a choice of editions.
The audio performance was excellent. Just flawless. A great short story with a great audio performance. What else can one ask for?
I love the ending I was laughing and crying and just happy. It’s just a really good short story. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to have listened to it. It’s absolutely one of the best things I’ve read in a long time.
Get yourself a copy and enjoy it!
In the interest of full disclosure I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I rarely give a book 5 out of 5 stars. This was absolutely deserving. It’s hilariously funny and very cute.
I actually listened to this as an audio book but for some reason goodreads doesn’t have the audio book listed as a choice of editions.
The audio performance was excellent. Just flawless. A great short story with a great audio performance. What else can one ask for?
I love the ending I was laughing and crying and just happy. It’s just a really good short story. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to have listened to it. It’s absolutely one of the best things I’ve read in a long time.
Get yourself a copy and enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews