4 Stars - The Irresponsible Reader

PUB DAY REPOST: The World According to Cunk by Philomena Cunk: The Story of the World (abbreviated and only accidentally accurate)

by Philomena Cunk

DETAILS:
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 256 pg.
Read Date: November 2-5, 2024

This Was Harder to Write than I Expected

There was a part of me that wanted to just do a light edit of my post about Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena and call it good. But that seemed like cheating. But there are giant parts of it that would work.

Still, I’m borrowing a little here and there from it, just so I don’t have to re-invent the wheel. I apologize in advance if you don’t appreciate that. Also, let this section serve as an all-purpose footnote so no one accuses me of plagiarism.

What’s The World According to Cunk About?

It’s a history of the world, as much of one as Cunk can fit into 50,000 words with minimal research, anyway. The point is to get it out in time for the holiday season—targeted toward the UK and the US, so it’ll predominantly be about the history of that/those cultures, while remaining the sort of history book that recognizes that things happen in parts of the world that aren’t dominated by Western Culture.

Also, we’re told, that she’s taking the innovative approach to history and will be writing chronologically, not alphabetically or by some other standard. Whodathunk it? History in order. I tell you, what this Philomena Cunk is a gutsy maverick.

If you’ve watched YouTube videos, Instagram reels, or any of the other quick ways we share videos online (with or without copyright infringement), or if you’ve seen any of the various series/specials on Netflix or British TV networks that I can’t remember the names of, you know what you’re getting into with Philomena Cunk. If you haven’t, well, that’s trickier. It means you’re a reader or something rare like that—Cunk is a fictional documentarian (or at least the presenter of them). her approach to the documentary specials or the history in this book are a combination of naïveté, misunderstandings (especially in mispronunciation/misspellings), and cynicism.

Miscellaneous Observations

Doing a deep dive on this would be difficult for two reasons—I read an ARC, so I don’t want to quote anything (also, it would be very hard to know when to stop. Ask my wife, after you read the end). The second, and primary reason, is that if I talk too much about things, it’ll ruin the jokes for you when you read this (and you really should)

In lieu of that, here are some miscellaneous observations:
bullet Every time Cunk looks at non-English speaking cultures was a win.
bullet You’d think that there are only so many jokes you can make about “the Dark Ages” involving the absence of luminescence—and that few of them would be funny. And you’d be wrong on both counts.
bullet Best WWI humor since Black Adder Goes Forth. I don’t know that there’s a lot of competition there, but Cunk nailed that material.
bullet The technology jokes landed every time.
bullet I’m still chuckling at the phrasing for Caesar’s cause of death
bullet You are going to hear Diane Morgan’s deadpan delivery in your head whether you read this or get the audiobook. Just know that going in. (you likely assumed it that already, so know that you’re right).

It Did Falter a Bit

The last chapter, “The Global Globe” started off strong, but as the history got more and more current, the humor changed. Maybe it’s that Cunk’s particular brand of absurdity requires some distance to really work. However you explain it, this just didn’t work for me.

Now, was it funny political humor? Satisfying satire? Yes—I truly appreciated almost all of it. It just didn’t feel very Cunk-like. I couldn’t “hear” Diane Morgan’s voice. If it’d been in another book, I’d have really liked the end of this last chapter. But here? It just felt out of place.

So, what did I think about The World According to Cunk?

I didn’t see (but maybe overlooked) the writers behind this book listed anywhere—but whoever they were, they deserve a round of applause. Or two.

I chuckled and laughed out loud a lot while reading this. There’s really not much more to say—that’s what they were going for.

My wife doesn’t get the appeal of Philomena, I don’t know why, I think it’s undeniable and obvious. So I really annoyed her by reading lines or paragraphs to my daughter while the three of us were in the same room. Sometimes, I had a stockpile of parts my daughter would like from reading when we weren’t in the same room. My kid and I had a lot of fun laughing together at this while my wife just looked at us strangely. I don’t share this to give you more insight into our fun little family dynamic—but to say that at least once (maybe three times, but Mrs. Reader denies this) even she laughed.

Seriously, up to the end of the last chapter, this was about as fun as you could want. Since I discovered Dave Barry Slept Here decades ago, I’ve been a sucker for history comedy—and The World According to Cunk by Philomena Cunk is a great entry in that category. (you might want to skip most of what happens after 1980).

4 Stars

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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The World According to Cunk by Philomena Cunk: The Story of the World (abbreviated and only accidentally accurate)

By HCNewton

On November 11, 2024

In History, Humor, Non-Fiction

The World According to Cunk:
An Illustrated History of All World Events Ever*
*Space Permitting

by Philomena Cunk

DETAILS:
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 256 pg.
Read Date: November 2-5, 2024

This Was Harder to Write than I Expected

There was a part of me that wanted to just do a light edit of my post about Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena and call it good. But that seemed like cheating. But there are giant parts of it that would work.

Still, I’m borrowing a little here and there from it, just so I don’t have to re-invent the wheel. I apologize in advance if you don’t appreciate that. Also, let this section serve as an all-purpose footnote so no one accuses me of plagiarism.

What’s The World According to Cunk About?

It’s a history of the world, as much of one as Cunk can fit into 50,000 words with minimal research, anyway. The point is to get it out in time for the holiday season—targeted toward the UK and the US, so it’ll predominantly be about the history of that/those cultures, while remaining the sort of history book that recognizes that things happen in parts of the world that aren’t dominated by Western Culture.

Also, we’re told, that she’s taking the innovative approach to history and will be writing chronologically, not alphabetically or by some other standard. Whodathunk it? History in order. I tell you, what this Philomena Cunk is a gutsy maverick.

If you’ve watched YouTube videos, Instagram reels, or any of the other quick ways we share videos online (with or without copyright infringement), or if you’ve seen any of the various series/specials on Netflix or British TV networks that I can’t remember the names of, you know what you’re getting into with Philomena Cunk. If you haven’t, well, that’s trickier. It means you’re a reader or something rare like that—Cunk is a fictional documentarian (or at least the presenter of them). her approach to the documentary specials or the history in this book are a combination of naïveté, misunderstandings (especially in mispronunciation/misspellings), and cynicism.

Miscellaneous Observations

Doing a deep dive on this would be difficult for two reasons—I read an ARC, so I don’t want to quote anything (also, it would be very hard to know when to stop. Ask my wife, after you read the end). The second, and primary reason, is that if I talk too much about things, it’ll ruin the jokes for you when you read this (and you really should)

In lieu of that, here are some miscellaneous observations:
bullet Every time Cunk looks at non-English speaking cultures was a win.
bullet You’d think that there are only so many jokes you can make about “the Dark Ages” involving the absence of luminescence—and that few of them would be funny. And you’d be wrong on both counts.
bullet Best WWI humor since Black Adder Goes Forth. I don’t know that there’s a lot of competition there, but Cunk nailed that material.
bullet The technology jokes landed every time.
bullet I’m still chuckling at the phrasing for Caesar’s cause of death
bullet You are going to hear Diane Morgan’s deadpan delivery in your head whether you read this or get the audiobook. Just know that going in. (you likely assumed it that already, so know that you’re right).

It Did Falter a Bit

The last chapter, “The Global Globe” started off strong, but as the history got more and more current, the humor changed. Maybe it’s that Cunk’s particular brand of absurdity requires some distance to really work. However you explain it, this just didn’t work for me.

Now, was it funny political humor? Satisfying satire? Yes—I truly appreciated almost all of it. It just didn’t feel very Cunk-like. I couldn’t “hear” Diane Morgan’s voice. If it’d been in another book, I’d have really liked the end of this last chapter. But here? It just felt out of place.

So, what did I think about The World According to Cunk?

I didn’t see (but maybe overlooked) the writers behind this book listed anywhere—but whoever they were, they deserve a round of applause. Or two.

I chuckled and laughed out loud a lot while reading this. There’s really not much more to say—that’s what they were going for.

My wife doesn’t get the appeal of Philomena, I don’t know why, I think it’s undeniable and obvious. So I really annoyed her by reading lines or paragraphs to my daughter while the three of us were in the same room. Sometimes, I had a stockpile of parts my daughter would like from reading when we weren’t in the same room. My kid and I had a lot of fun laughing together at this while my wife just looked at us strangely. I don’t share this to give you more insight into our fun little family dynamic—but to say that at least once (maybe three times, but Mrs. Reader denies this) even she laughed.

Seriously, up to the end of the last chapter, this was about as fun as you could want. Since I discovered Dave Barry Slept Here decades ago, I’ve been a sucker for history comedy—and The World According to Cunk by Philomena Cunk is a great entry in that category. (you might want to skip most of what happens after 1980).

4 Stars

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Saint Cyril of Alexandria and the Christological Controversy by John McGuckin: More Than You Thought You Wanted to Know about the Nestorian Controversy

By HCNewton

On November 10, 2024

In History, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Saint Cyril of Alexandria and the Christological Controversy

by John McGuckin

DETAILS:
Publisher: St Vladimirs Seminary Press
Publication Date: January 1, 2004 
Format: Paperback
Length: 399 pg.
Read Date: September 1-November 3, 2024

What’s Saint Cyril of Alexandria and the Christological Controversy About?

I think if I tried to summarize this book, I’d either go on for paragraphs upon paragraphs or I’d miss something important, so I’m just going to borrow the summary on the Publisher’s site:

This important and compelling work describes the turmoil of fifth-century Christianity seeking to articulate its beliefs in the person of Christ. The policies of the Theodosian dynasty and the conflicting interests of the patriarchal sees are the context of the controversy between Nestorius of Constantinople and Cyril of Alexandria, a bitter dispute that racked the entire civilized world. The historical analysis expounds on the arguments of both sides, particularly the Christology of Cyril, which was adopted as a standard.

There are five chapters and I want to say a little about each.

Chapter One: The Context of the Ephesus Crisis

You’ve probably heard the popularized version—or the John Godfrey Saxe line about not wanting to know how the sausage is made when it comes to laws. Well, there’s a bit of truth there in theology, too. There’s a part of me that was better not knowing all the politicking, maneuvering, and PR work that went into the Nestorian Controversy. McGuckin gives us a lot of the run-up to the Ephesus Council, the convoluted way the Council got the job done—and how the various players got the Emporer to take the position he did following it.

It was interesting—and probably for someone who if better grounded in Orthodox history it was easy to follow (I didn’t find that)—but for me, it went on too long. Not only was it out of my comfort zone, I just didn’t find most of it that engaging or interesting. There were more than enough points that did pique my interest to keep me going—but I really had a hard time in this chapter.

Chapter Two: The Christology of Nestorius

McGuckin goes out of his way in this chapter to prove that he’s being (or at least attempting to be) fair to Nestorius. So much so that I was a little afraid that he was going to end up saying the differences between the two camps were overstated, and that they were closer than anyone (particularly those in the middle of the controversy) realized.

He didn’t go that far—and the next chapter demonstrates that very clearly—but he does show the root of the differences (which weren’t that great) and then how the differences were compounded and grew until Nestorious went too far.

Chapter Three: The Christology of Cyril

This chapter is the heart of the book and truly could’ve been published as a decent-sized volume by itself (maybe with Chapter Five to really make it worthwhile). McGuckin goes full Cyril fan-boy here—and it was great to see.

More importantly, he explained both the main and some of the minor points of Cyril’s Christology in depth. This was not easy reading, and I really had to think about some points—and read the occasional paragraph a few times to really get it (and I’d have to read them a few more before they’d get really ingrained).

I cannot say enough good things about this chapter, and I know I’ll be returning to it (and the last chapter) again—I’m not sure I’ll work through the rest again (just because it’s not something I really need to worth through). although I wouldn’t mind it. But these two chapters? Just gold.

Chapter Four: The Oecumenical Reception of Cyril’s Theology

This is a rather brief chapter recounting how Cyril’s teaching, largely through this conflict, affected the church immediately following him up through Chalcedon and the impact it had there. As much as I thought the first historical chapter could’ve used some trimming, I think this could’ve used a few more pages.

Chapter Five: Translated Texts

This is easily the most valuable part of the book—no disrespect to McGuckin’s analysis or recounting, but we get fifteen texts—homilies, letters, and theological writings from Cyril and Nestorius that show what both were saying—and there are a couple of appendices of other writings that play a role in the controversy.

It’s one thing to read a modern scholar’s take on these texts, it’s another to be able to read them for yourselves.

So, what did I think about Saint Cyril of Alexandria and the Christological Controversy?

Cyril’s language and preferred formulas were, as we have seen, sometimes responsible for causing more confusion than illumination in the camps of his opponents. Unlike Nestorius, however, his essential meaning always tended to emerge clearly enough from the discursive flow of his text, and so, while he cannot justly be called a confused thinker, at times he can be rightly accused of being a diffuse and discursive theologian… It would, nonetheless, be truer to conclude that it was only Cyril who possessed the moral and intellectual authority to bring matters to a head, at precisely the necessary time, by stating the issues so forcefully and so brilliantly.

When all is said and done, for the mystical and moral power his icon of Christ bears, for the profundity of his christian sense, the power of his intellect, and the unfailing purity of his literary purpose, then surely all his faults are diminished in significance.

His greatness cannot be denied.

All in all, this was a great book. It could’ve been a bit more engaging (especially in the first chapter), it could’ve been a little easier for Western laity to get into (not that we’re the audience). But those issues pale in comparison to the really good analysis, summarizing, and showing how it all plays out and is still relevant to the Church (Eastern and Western) today.

A lot of what McGuckin says about the patristic approach to exegesis here, and the characterization of Western and Eastern approaches to theology were interesting and thought-provoking—and on the whole very valuable. In fact, I wrote almost a few more notes about things like that—asides to the main controversy, than I did about the controversy. It was very helpful.

I really don’t have that much to say—it’s not an easy read, there are portions that we didn’t need (well, I didn’t need), but it’s worth the effort. I’m so glad that I read this and got this level of insight and understanding into this vital period of Church History. If you give it a shot, I imagine that you will almost certainly agree.

4 Stars

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PUB DAY REPOST: A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke: A Charming New Odd Couple of Amateur Sleuths

By HCNewton

On October 29, 2024

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

A New Lease on Death

by Olivia Blacke

DETAILS:
Series: Supernatural Mysteries, #1
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 336 pgs.
Read Date: October 11-15, 2024

Ruby

Ruby is a young twentysomething-ish woman*, new to Boston, having moved there following a bad breakup. She’s left the comforts of home and family to start again and prove to herself (and probably her ex) that she can do it on her own. She’s generally optimistic, talks to herself, is a bit overwhelmed with everything but she still has a cheerful personality—which is reflected in everything from the way she dresses to the way she looks at life. Despite Winter in Boston, which really isn’t treating her well, that is.

* Just before scheduling this post, I remembered that Ruby can’t spend time in bars. So, she’s a really young twentysomething-ish. I could probably look it up, but that’s good enough.

She’s jobless, but looking, and is getting close to the desperation point. But she’s not going to quit until she has to.

She shares her apartment with a woman who is very different than her, and their communication…well, it’s lousy. And not just because Ruby’s killed all but one of her houseplants.

Cordelia

Cordelia is noticeably older. Not truly grumpy, but optimistic and bubbly are definitely not things she’s been called (or would want to be called). She’s maybe not a huge success, but she does well enough that she’s not worried about money or comfort (there’s more to it than that, but I’ll let you read it for yourself). She likes to stay home in the evenings and read.

And drink. And drink some more. I don’t know if she’s technically an alcoholic (a functional one, for what it’s worth) or if she’s just a heavy drinker. It’s probably an academic question, really.

Cordelia doesn’t have much of a social life, she gets along with her coworkers—none of whom know that up until recently she’d been having an extended affair with their very married boss.

She doesn’t understand Ruby’s optimism, her approach to life/job hunting, resents what she’s doing to her houseplants, and just doesn’t know how to get through to her at all.

A large part of that stems from the fact that Cordelia was found dead a few months ago, and is now a ghost who likes staying in her former apartment while she gets a handle on the whole afterlife thing. Ruby, is (I should’ve said earlier, but I just assume it) very much alive and was more than happy to move into an already furnished apartment.

What’s A New Lease on Death About?

The book opens with Cordelia trying to talk the brand-new ghost of their neighbor through the opening minutes of his afterlife. He’d been murdered just outside their building and he is not taking the whole experience very well.

In one of the early attempts at actual communication between the roomies, Ruby gets the idea that Cordelia is trying to tell her they should investigate the murder like someone on one of the True Crime podcasts she’s a huge fan of. Cordelia was actually trying to keep Ruby as far as she could from all that, and seemed more than ready to accept the police’s rushed theories.

Before you know it, these two had become much more than people…entities?…sharing an apartment, they were a semi-functional team on the hunt for a killer.

The Ghostly Brass Tacks

This isn’t a book steeped in magic, supernatural creatures, and other things common in Urban Fantasy or even other supernatural mysteries I’ve talked about here. The Supernatural (at least in this book) is limited to ghosts who linger around—and not many do. We’re not really told why, but Cordelia has a theory.

It’s not easy to help someone when you’re incorporeal, invisible, and unable to make yourself heard. It’s also hard to “lean on” or assist someone if you’re not all that sure is actually around, or off doing their own thing.

And honestly, that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Blacke paints a picture of Claudia’s reality, her state, her learning curve, and her abilities to interact with the physical world and people in a way that absolutely makes sense, is consistent, well thought-out, and believable. It’s truly impressive—and darn entertaining—to watch Claudia try to be Ruby’s partner through all this.

It’s strong to say there’s a relationship between these two, but there is.

So, what did I think about A New Lease on Death?

In brief—this is everything I hoped it would be (well, I wanted a few more jokes, but I got over that). I bought in right away to everything—Blacke made that really easy—and both the plot and characters kept me fully engaged. I was faster than the pair on a thing or two (nothing applicable to this case, but what appears to be the next one), but didn’t get to the solution to the mystery until about the same time as Ruby and Cordelia.

It’s both a fun and well-executed novel and a solid introduction to a world and series (it’s at least a duology, I just don’t know how many books Blacke/Minotaur Books have in mind). There’s not a huge cast of characters that we can expect to see again—but there are some. We’ll see some of Ruby’s coworkers, I’m sure (eep—minor spoiler, she finds some kind of job); there are some figures we’ll see from the apartment building; and there’s one ghost I expect Cordelia to learn a bit more from. But it’s essentially a cast of two—and that’s more than enough to fuel this book and series.

In a step in a new direction for Blacke, this isn’t a cozy mystery—or so Blacke’s website says. And it’s true, I suppose—largely depending on how strictly you define “cozy.” But almost every cozy reader will embrace the storytelling. Blacke’s fans, in particular, will be fine with this after a little adjustment, and will likely embrace it without much trouble.

It’s not as lighthearted, warm, fuzzy, and pun-filled as The Record Shop Mysteries were. There’s little in here that’s outright funny—although you’ll smile most of the time, and the book is rarely dark. Tonally, it’s close to Darynda Jones’ mysteries, Janet Evanovich, and Lee Goldberg’s Eve Ronin (although all of those contain more jokes).

What Blacke carries over from the Record Shop Mysteries is her charm. You will like these two women right away. You’ll look for signs of friendship, camaraderie, and understanding between the two—and be pleased when you find them (and when you don’t have to look anymore).

This is the fourth book by Blacke that I’ve read, and it’s the fourth book of hers that I enjoyed. But she’s displaying a greater skill when it comes to writing, plotting, and character here than she has before. I think that’s a function of subject/subgenre rather than skill or anything. I’ve liked her books before, but this impressed me in a way the others haven’t. I don’t think it’s me comparing the two series—because I honestly want her to circle back soon to the environs of Sip & Spin Records (as little as I expect it). It’s just this is a better canvas for her to display more of her talent.

If you’ve tried her earlier material, you’ll see what I mean. If you haven’t, just realize I was dancing around a point—and maybe landed near it.

Regardless—this is a fun odd couple/buddy cop outing featuring amateur sleuths (so, yeah “buddy cop” isn’t technically right, but you know what I’m saying) with a side order of supernatural woowoo. The solution to the mystery is satisfying and fitting—and the conclusion of the novel launches into the next novel/series. What’s not to like? Very little. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next volume. I feel like there’s something I’m not saying, but I can’t figure out what it is. So I’ll just leave it at this point.

I’m looking forward to the next book, I expect almost everyone who reads A New Lease on Death will find themselves in the same boat. And I really hope many people come aboard—like you. Yes, you. Pick this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke: A Charming New Odd Couple of Amateur Sleuths

By HCNewton

On October 28, 2024

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

A New Lease on Death

by Olivia Blacke

DETAILS:
Series: Supernatural Mysteries, #1
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 336 pgs.
Read Date: October 11-15, 2024