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Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies and Other Miscommunication Tactics
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.
Pages: 243 | ISBN : 978-1304081292
My Own Serious Flaws
The Songs of a Sinner is a collection of religious and personal reflections nestled within a blend of narrative and lyrical poetry. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
I wanted to spread the message of Christ, but not in a way that would offend people. The Bible is beautiful literature. Only about half of the poems are directly related to the scripture. I think that even a non-Christian can enjoy the poetry and the stories, even though they may not agree with the themes.
Poetry is difficult for me but rewarding. Sonnets and iambic pentameter are hard. I remember many a dark night trying to fit another syllable into a line of poetry. While sonnets are challenging, I think that it is important for us to continue the old formats and traditions. Otherwise, they will die out. I enjoy free verse, but it is too unstructured for me; whereas sonnets are highly rigid in form. Forcing myself to write sonnets even though I feel constrained by them, produces my best work. It can be frustrating. I do not use any artificial intelligence in my poetry and for that reason, it is not perfect. But, I hope that people will enjoy my poems even though they are written mostly by hand and have flaws. Sometimes, the flaws are what makes something human. I am not a fan of artificial intelligence as I have expressed in my book.
I want to explore other formats as well: The metric and rhyming scheme of American poets such as Emily Dickinson are very pleasing to me.
Do you have a favorite selection within The Songs of a Sinner? One that particularly resonates with you?
The poem, “The Prosecutor” is about me. It expresses my own reservations and questions about my own salvation. I sent literally thousands of people to prison during my twenty years at the Department of Justice. I destroyed lives, buried businesses, wrecked families, and punished criminals severely. It was all in the name of the law. Criminals have to pay their debts to society, but I had so much power and so much discretion that I started to wonder, “Who am I to judge people?” I have my own serious flaws. With a wave of my hand, someone could be indicted and destroyed, personally and financially. Whereas, another I might spare. I began to seriously question my own moral judgment in these decisons. I tried, honestly, to make my community a safer place to live, but looking back on my life, I certainly see a lot of destruction that I did.
How did you decide on the title for your collection?
I wish I had chosen another title because the title is very similar to others, including a popular song. When I wrote the book it was as a repentent sinner seeking atonement — or at least something like that. I know that when I die, I will face an interview with Jesus, and he is likely to say, “Norm, you could have done better,” but I am hopeful that he may say, “But, I kind liked your book of poetry.” When I first started writing poetry, I prayed to God. I said, “If you make me strong, I will never make a penny off of this book.” I plan to keep that promise. I have cut the profit margin on the book to almost zero and any money I make — so far, it’s $2.28 — I will donate to charity.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes!! I am retired as an attorney. I am practicing my iambic pentameter. I will write more books, I have submitted a second book here for review. It’s a very different book from my book of poetry. It’s a book of fiction, called Mistakes, Misstatements, Lies and Other Miscommunication Tactics. I would highly recommend this organization if you are seeking a professional independent review. Titan Literary is fair and honest, but they are also kind and forgiving of human errors. I could not ask for more.
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