mistakes, misstatements, lies and other miscommunication tactics
Book Reviews
Review from Independant Book Review
Norm Cairns ’Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies, and Other Miscommunication Tactics’ is a witty exploration of the myriad ways communication goes awry, sprinkled with humor, philosophy, and a touch of absurdity. The book oscillates between fictional tales and reflective commentary, weaving a patchwork of anecdotes and insights that challenge readers to think critically about language and its impacts. It’s a cerebral yet playful work that doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the complexities of human interaction.
One thing I immediately enjoyed about this book is its dry humor. In the introduction, Cairns reflects on the evolution of the English language, describing it as both “a patchwork quilt of other languages” and “a disgusting lingua franca.” This sets the tone for the rest of the book—biting, unapologetic, and insightful. I chuckled at the author’s sardonic observation of American English’s global infiltration, not through admiration, but necessity. It’s a blend of erudition and irreverence that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The fictional chapters are where Cairns truly shines. “Two Detectives Meet the Mummy” exemplifies his knack for creating chaotic yet relatable dialogues. The interaction between Floyd and the narrator, discussing whether “Why?” or “What the f***?” was the first question humanity ever asked, is both absurd and oddly profound. It captures the bizarre beauty of human communication—messy, flawed, and full of unintended revelations. I found myself simultaneously laughing at Floyd’s crudeness and pondering the existential implications of their debate. “The Black Site” explores the grim underbelly of the internet, delving into themes of anonymity and morality. This chapter was a stark contrast to the humor of others and left me feeling uneasy—but in a way that felt intentional. Cairns doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of miscommunication or deceit, and this tonal shift highlights his versatility as a writer.
In the final reflection, Cairns reminds us of the power and responsibility tied to language. The chapter “The Big Reveal” is particularly memorable, with its poignant commentary on how lies, even small ones, shape relationships, and the world. This chapter left me with a lingering sense of introspection about the words I choose and the impact they have.
This book’s humor leans towards intellectual, with plenty of philosophical musings that might feel dense to some readers. That said, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of satire, sharp dialogue, and thoughtful reflection. Whether you’re a linguistics enthusiast, a fan of dark humor, or someone fascinated by the quirks of human behavior, Norm Cairns’ Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies, and Other Miscommunication Tactics offers plenty to chew on—and laugh about.
Review from Literary Titan
mistakes, misstatements, lies and other miscommunication tactics
By Norm Cairns
Genre: Short Story Collection
Reviewed by Nikolas Mavreas
An intriguing book of short stories on themes of crime and language Norm Cairns takes inspiration from
Norm Cairns takes inspiration from his long career as an attorney and a prosecutor in New Mexico with this entertaining, elaborately titled collection of short stories.
Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies and Other Miscommunication Tactics is made up of stories that are interconnected not only thematically but also, to an extent, narratively. The narrative is partly a piece of autobiographical fiction as we witness interesting slices of our protagonist’s life and legal career.
A theme running through these stories is the use of language itself. The author devotes his introduction to it, as he makes the case for America’s worldwide linguistic imperialism. Even though the cultural imperialism of the United States is undeniable, the dominance of the English language might be better attributed to the British empire rather than the American.
Beginning with a discourse at a café about the meaning of that eternal “why,” we continue with a dialogue between our protagonist and an extraordinarily prolific identity thief who is peculiarly obsessed with saying the word, if that’s an accurate descriptor for it, “baddabing.”
Reading on, we find ourselves in the midst of a delightful encounter in a New Mexico zoo, in what is a truly heartwarming piece of writing. This is an exception, as most of these stories have a characteristically cold style to them, at times bordering on the absurdist.
The main body of the book, before the pay off, closes with a scene at a New Mexico nuclear weapon testing site and a short piece about a guy who just won’t stop talking. Cairns wraps up with a science fiction story set in the closing days of the Second World War, in which Allied soldiers capture a German castle only to make a very surprising discovery, and finally a mystery story around the book’s previous themes.
There are times when the writing is wise and affectionate, as, for instance, in a comment about what “the authorities,” to which the author used to belong, really are. He believes the term simply refers to anyone who is accorded the right to hurt someone else.
Some stories are followed by relevant poems written by the author himself, which are quite attractive. The book is generously provided with images on nearly every page, the great majority of them generated by A.I. The narration tends to be conscious of itself, not abstaining from self-reference, but dialogue insists as its main force.
In Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies and Other Miscommunication Tactics, Norm Cairns spins a web of compelling scenes, dripped in humor and self-reflection, to deliver a fascinating book.