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Cuckoo Cuckoo
Charles Abernathy Vanderough has been dead for nineteen years. But when his clone shows up on the doorstep of the old Vanderough estate, a family is forced to confront their troubled past and face their darkest secrets.
Cuckoo Cuckoo is the story of Charlie B, a penniless clone and conman, who goes in search of the family fortune, only to find deception and tragedy at every turn. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential primary, the proliferation of gun violence in America, and the apotheosis of selfie culture, Cuckoo Cuckoo reminds us that nobody can outrun their demons in an increasingly technological world.
Cuckoo Cuckoo is the story of Charlie B, a penniless clone and conman, who goes in search of the family fortune, only to find deception and tragedy at every turn. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential primary, the proliferation of gun violence in America, and the apotheosis of selfie culture, Cuckoo Cuckoo reminds us that nobody can outrun their demons in an increasingly technological world.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Ponticello
10 books40 followersNicholas Ponticello is an educator and writer in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with degrees in mathematics and astrophysics and later earned his masters in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ponticello is interested in exploring the intersection of science, sustainability, mental health, and education, and hopes to encourage more systems thinking and sustainability-themed curricula at the secondary school level.
Mr. Ponticello is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. In 2020, he was awarded the Sue Alexander Grant for his work on a YA novel provisionally titled WHAT IF I DID? What If I Did? is based on his experience coping with debilitating OCD and his struggle to overcome it through years of cognitive behavioral therapy. Mr. Ponticello completed the six-week intensive outpatient clinic at UCLA and went on to become an advocate for the International OCD Foundation. He has written for the IOCDF blog and has spoken on a panel about relationships and OCD at the annual IOCDF Conference.
Mr. Ponticello grew up in Northern California and began his career as the operations manager at KOMENAR Publishing in Oakland, CA. He is a longtime runner, and has coached champion cross-country and track & field teams at the high school level. Mr. Ponticello is also the author of Do Not Resuscitate, a fictional biography that considers transhumanism and the intersection of technology and sustainability. He has studied writing under Kim Krizan (Before Sunrise, Zombie Tales 2061) and Bruce Miller (Handmaid's Tale, ER). Do Not Resuscitate won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, and a CIPA EVVY Award. His second novel, The Maiden Voyage of the Destiny Unknown, also won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and was listed as one of 100 Notable Books from the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.
Mr. Ponticello is also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. In 2020, he was awarded the Sue Alexander Grant for his work on a YA novel provisionally titled WHAT IF I DID? What If I Did? is based on his experience coping with debilitating OCD and his struggle to overcome it through years of cognitive behavioral therapy. Mr. Ponticello completed the six-week intensive outpatient clinic at UCLA and went on to become an advocate for the International OCD Foundation. He has written for the IOCDF blog and has spoken on a panel about relationships and OCD at the annual IOCDF Conference.
Mr. Ponticello grew up in Northern California and began his career as the operations manager at KOMENAR Publishing in Oakland, CA. He is a longtime runner, and has coached champion cross-country and track & field teams at the high school level. Mr. Ponticello is also the author of Do Not Resuscitate, a fictional biography that considers transhumanism and the intersection of technology and sustainability. He has studied writing under Kim Krizan (Before Sunrise, Zombie Tales 2061) and Bruce Miller (Handmaid's Tale, ER). Do Not Resuscitate won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, and a CIPA EVVY Award. His second novel, The Maiden Voyage of the Destiny Unknown, also won a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and was listed as one of 100 Notable Books from the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 20, 2022
3.25 stars
a light,quick and fun read. the novel started out brilliantly with its sci-fi theme (cloning) but its minimal. also i did hope some things would be explained a bit more but overall i read it in one sitting and it was enjoyable :)
thank you to net galley and publisher for providing this ARC
a light,quick and fun read. the novel started out brilliantly with its sci-fi theme (cloning) but its minimal. also i did hope some things would be explained a bit more but overall i read it in one sitting and it was enjoyable :)
thank you to net galley and publisher for providing this ARC
October 26, 2022
Charles Abernathy Vanderough, also known as Charlie B, has just graduated from the Price-Harold School for Boys. What makes this school distinctive is that is a private school for clones. Charlie had a donor, rather than a father. Expecting to graduate with great wealth, like his classmates, Charlie is dismayed when he discovers that his donor, Charlie A, wanted him to have a different life than one of great wealth and privilege, and left him barely enough to support himself for a year. Charlie A wanted to help Charlie B escape committing suicide, as he and his predecessor had done. He felt a meaningful life could help prevent this. By meaningful, he meant a life where you have to earn a living. Charlie B is furious! So, he decides to go to Charlie A’s mansion and deceitfully insinuate himself in with his family. This family is a cast of eccentric characters that harbor their own secrets. Unusual circumstances occur and Charlie finds himself remembering things that he should not be able to, and he sees an apparition that helps guide him to critical information. While engaging in deceptive activities, he soon discovers that he is not alone in creating a false image. The house is full of secrets. Charlie must make huge changes to try to escape the same fate as his predecessors. Can he do it?
“Cuckoo Cuckoo,” is such a uniquely creative tale. I felt like I was on a roller coaster! I loved the inventiveness of Nicholas Ponticello. I liked how well he incorporated real current events into the storyline. He also did a wonderful job of creating a cast of quirky, eccentric people. The protagonist is not very likeable because he is a greedy little monster who feels that he should override his donor’s wishes, even though his donor was trying to do what was best for him. While I noted that his behavior was not very nice, I also could understand why he felt he was entitled to a huge inheritance. He does have the same exact genes as his donor, so why not let him be rich too?
Interspersed in with the story are current events that were actually taking place around 2015-16. It was refreshing to see all the actual life events that were mentioned in this story. It was also nice that it was pre-pandemic, so we did not get over exhausted from a situation that seems never ending. The current events and the politics were all too realistic! It was funny to note that some of those famous, real life politicians that were portrayed also had clones getting ready to graduate. I cannot wait to read more books by this author. Readers will love “Cuckoo Cuckoo!”
“Cuckoo Cuckoo,” is such a uniquely creative tale. I felt like I was on a roller coaster! I loved the inventiveness of Nicholas Ponticello. I liked how well he incorporated real current events into the storyline. He also did a wonderful job of creating a cast of quirky, eccentric people. The protagonist is not very likeable because he is a greedy little monster who feels that he should override his donor’s wishes, even though his donor was trying to do what was best for him. While I noted that his behavior was not very nice, I also could understand why he felt he was entitled to a huge inheritance. He does have the same exact genes as his donor, so why not let him be rich too?
Interspersed in with the story are current events that were actually taking place around 2015-16. It was refreshing to see all the actual life events that were mentioned in this story. It was also nice that it was pre-pandemic, so we did not get over exhausted from a situation that seems never ending. The current events and the politics were all too realistic! It was funny to note that some of those famous, real life politicians that were portrayed also had clones getting ready to graduate. I cannot wait to read more books by this author. Readers will love “Cuckoo Cuckoo!”
July 13, 2022
This is a short book, novella perhaps, and even its scant running time is bulked out by asides by a talk radio station discussing the first few days of Trump declaring to run for President. Its a little unclear why. The story itself is the tale of a clone (Charles B) of a very rich man (Charles A), educated in a private school who when he reaches 18 discovers that unlike many of his clone classmates, he is not fabulously wealthy and that his benefactor (clone original) has suggested he earn an honest living. There is - of course - a soft satire here about the wealthy wanting to cling on to money which could tie to Trump, but bar setting in in 2015 there seems to be no reason to remind ourselves of those dark days. Its a zingingly venal piece of work though which isn't all that worried about the narrative destination - the book is narrated by a third clone (Charles C) who was activated by the second clones suicide which we are told on the first page.
That the first though Charles B has when he doesn't get his inheritance is to go an inveigle it out of those who have got it (his originals brother and her wife) underpins the kind of satire this is. There is enough flesh on Charles B's bones to make him a compelling lead, and as you might imagine everyone has secrets and everyone is a fair bit awful. Its messy enough to feel like an approximation of well off life, but the length does mean that its mainly waiting for a twist reveal at the end rather then deep personal growth (not least, as we are told on page one, out lead character commits suicide). The cloning setup is the only thing that sets it outside our world (and it could totally take place in it if the secrecy the book suggests is there), but its a neat if slight satire.
That the first though Charles B has when he doesn't get his inheritance is to go an inveigle it out of those who have got it (his originals brother and her wife) underpins the kind of satire this is. There is enough flesh on Charles B's bones to make him a compelling lead, and as you might imagine everyone has secrets and everyone is a fair bit awful. Its messy enough to feel like an approximation of well off life, but the length does mean that its mainly waiting for a twist reveal at the end rather then deep personal growth (not least, as we are told on page one, out lead character commits suicide). The cloning setup is the only thing that sets it outside our world (and it could totally take place in it if the secrecy the book suggests is there), but its a neat if slight satire.
August 28, 2022
This was not the type of book I would normally give a second glance to since it is labeled sci-fi. But something told me to give it a chance..I am so glad I did. The author piqueted my attention with the knock on the door. Then I could not put it down until the very quiet end. There was an overall arc with smaller stories that explained so much. Overall it is a story of a clone who goes back to the family home upon his graduation from a special school just for clones.at the age of pof 18 he graduates and goes home to see where his father lived believing the money his father would’ve bequeathed to his family would have been millions and he wanted ihis portion. The family still resides in the family’s estate.. His brother, his wife and son. and his mother lives there however, she has dementia He remembers her and calls her mom. She is more interested in watching her tv shows than visiting with anyone. Quite a few humorous moments through the book. Albeit some is of it is dark humorwhich I like. I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review. I put it on my to read pile and it didn’t surface until after the publication date but I can easily say this was a gem of a book I happened upon. I might even try more sci-fi. So, if I can do it, you can too. I chose to read this coming off an intense thriller. A perfect segue way before the next intense novel. I don’t know if this was the author’s first novella, but I will be watching for his next. Special thanks to #NetGalley,, #NicholasPorticello, #CuckooCuckoo for allowing me to review early.
July 16, 2022
Cuckoo Cuckoo is the perfect blend of sci-fi, mystery, and humor. Cuckoo Cuckoo tells the story of Charlie B Vanderough, an 18 year old clone that has recently graduated from boarding school. Charlie B is the clone of an extremely wealthy man, and after graduating from boarding school, he seeks to obtain the fortune that his father left behind. The journey to get that inheritance, however, is not going to come as simply as he hopes. With several curve-balls and twists along the way, the ending left me with a genuine sense of disbelief. Lots of fun to be had here! 5/5
P.S. Thanks to GoodReads giveaways for the book!
P.S. Thanks to GoodReads giveaways for the book!
August 10, 2022
Steeped in Ponticello's dark, modern humor, Cuckoo Cuckoo is an absurd story of clones and inheritance that manages to feel completely appropriate, even expected in our modern world. Like Do Not Resuscitate (another great book by this author), the scifi element is almost non-existent and should not bother readers of modern fiction who prefer to avoid the genre.
There is some excellent planting and payoff as well as laugh out loud moments, but the general theme of bad people conning each other badly is really what drives the story. Set against the backdrop of Trump's presidential run, this book is a parable for the times in which we live.
There is some excellent planting and payoff as well as laugh out loud moments, but the general theme of bad people conning each other badly is really what drives the story. Set against the backdrop of Trump's presidential run, this book is a parable for the times in which we live.
July 19, 2022
#goodreadsgiveawaywinner
#giveaway
#grgiveawaywinner
#giveaway
#grgiveawaywinner
January 27, 2024
Very good
This story is a warning written by a clone to his clone. Once you get past the first chapter the story gets really good.
There are heavy subject tackled with humor in this story: Greed and gun violence. I love how it was all handled.
Don't forget to read the forward. It ties the whole story up well.
This story is a warning written by a clone to his clone. Once you get past the first chapter the story gets really good.
There are heavy subject tackled with humor in this story: Greed and gun violence. I love how it was all handled.
Don't forget to read the forward. It ties the whole story up well.
July 12, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of Cuckoo Cuckoo for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Narrated by Charles C. Vanderough, a clone of the protagonist Charles B. Vanderough (or Charlie B), who, himself, is a clone of the original Charles Abernathy Vanderough, Cuckoo Cuckoo sees Charlie B, who upon grauating from the Price-Harold School for Boys, is ready for what he is certain will be a life of luxury, funded by the original's fortune. Upon learning the original Charles has only provided a small allowance to find somewhere to live and survive until finding a job, Charlie B determines the best course of action is to move into the original's estate, now occupied by Charles A's brother, Ron, Ron's wife, Maggie, and their son, Ethan. Seeing this as his means to secure the inheritance he believes is rightly his, Charlie B sets his plan in motion.
The fun of this novella starts from the very outset, packed with ark humour that fits perfectly with its high concept plot; something that ensured I had a smile plastered on my face from beginning to end. While its core plot is fairly straightforward, the author has added various scenes set outside the core story that comment on the state of the world. He has written these sections with a wonderfully dry wit, and they juxtapose brilliantly with Charlie B, who while an eighteen-year-old of our time, is, in many ways, an old soul. As the book reaches its crescendo, these sections that initially read like asides come to the fore, connecting to the finale in a beautiful way.
While many novellas have a tendency of providing an underwritten story, which can result in a simplified tale, rushed events, or complexity in the story or characters, Cuckoo Cuckoo makes no such mistakes. This is the perfect length for the story being told, and makes use of its space brilliantly. It is clear the author has written this novella with a clear goal of what he wanted to achieve, and did so incredibly well.
In addition to all its humour, the author has infused the book with sci-fi, family drama and mystery. The blend of genres works brilliantly, with none of them overpowering the book. These elements work together and play off each other for a combination that draws the reader in, begging them to keep moving through the book.
At the epicentre of the book is Charlie B, an unsympathetic character who is an entitled epitome of the born to rule elite, even being left without the means he desperately believes he deserves. As unsympathetic as he is, he is entirely engaging, and one whose exploits I thoroughly enjoyed following. Most of the other characters are seen through his lens and the prism of the disruption his arrival brings the Vanderough family. through the prism of the disruption his sudden arrival means to the Abernathy family. This works well because of the story’s tight focus on Charlie B; however, the exception to this is Maggie, whose character brings some heart to the story.
Tying this book together is its wonderful prose. In place of an omniscient narrator is Charlie B's clone, Charles C. Abernathy. While it serves much the same purpose, Charles C's inclusion plays into the clone dynasty and ensures the narrator is a character unto themselves. Through this narration, the author brings much of the book's wit and does so while keeping the book moving through its limited space while still allowing all its elements to shine.
Cuckoo Cuckoo is a wonderful novella that tells a darkly comic sci-fy/mystery story. No space is wasted as it brings the reader along for Charlie B's story. This is a high concept book that that infuses all its elements brilliantly; the various asides not only provide a wry commentary, they work with the main narrative to create a superb finale. From beginning to end, it lures the reader in and ensures they have a great time.
My full review will be available on my website from 20 July 2022. To read it (and a host of other reviews), click here.
Narrated by Charles C. Vanderough, a clone of the protagonist Charles B. Vanderough (or Charlie B), who, himself, is a clone of the original Charles Abernathy Vanderough, Cuckoo Cuckoo sees Charlie B, who upon grauating from the Price-Harold School for Boys, is ready for what he is certain will be a life of luxury, funded by the original's fortune. Upon learning the original Charles has only provided a small allowance to find somewhere to live and survive until finding a job, Charlie B determines the best course of action is to move into the original's estate, now occupied by Charles A's brother, Ron, Ron's wife, Maggie, and their son, Ethan. Seeing this as his means to secure the inheritance he believes is rightly his, Charlie B sets his plan in motion.
The fun of this novella starts from the very outset, packed with ark humour that fits perfectly with its high concept plot; something that ensured I had a smile plastered on my face from beginning to end. While its core plot is fairly straightforward, the author has added various scenes set outside the core story that comment on the state of the world. He has written these sections with a wonderfully dry wit, and they juxtapose brilliantly with Charlie B, who while an eighteen-year-old of our time, is, in many ways, an old soul. As the book reaches its crescendo, these sections that initially read like asides come to the fore, connecting to the finale in a beautiful way.
While many novellas have a tendency of providing an underwritten story, which can result in a simplified tale, rushed events, or complexity in the story or characters, Cuckoo Cuckoo makes no such mistakes. This is the perfect length for the story being told, and makes use of its space brilliantly. It is clear the author has written this novella with a clear goal of what he wanted to achieve, and did so incredibly well.
In addition to all its humour, the author has infused the book with sci-fi, family drama and mystery. The blend of genres works brilliantly, with none of them overpowering the book. These elements work together and play off each other for a combination that draws the reader in, begging them to keep moving through the book.
At the epicentre of the book is Charlie B, an unsympathetic character who is an entitled epitome of the born to rule elite, even being left without the means he desperately believes he deserves. As unsympathetic as he is, he is entirely engaging, and one whose exploits I thoroughly enjoyed following. Most of the other characters are seen through his lens and the prism of the disruption his arrival brings the Vanderough family. through the prism of the disruption his sudden arrival means to the Abernathy family. This works well because of the story’s tight focus on Charlie B; however, the exception to this is Maggie, whose character brings some heart to the story.
Tying this book together is its wonderful prose. In place of an omniscient narrator is Charlie B's clone, Charles C. Abernathy. While it serves much the same purpose, Charles C's inclusion plays into the clone dynasty and ensures the narrator is a character unto themselves. Through this narration, the author brings much of the book's wit and does so while keeping the book moving through its limited space while still allowing all its elements to shine.
Cuckoo Cuckoo is a wonderful novella that tells a darkly comic sci-fy/mystery story. No space is wasted as it brings the reader along for Charlie B's story. This is a high concept book that that infuses all its elements brilliantly; the various asides not only provide a wry commentary, they work with the main narrative to create a superb finale. From beginning to end, it lures the reader in and ensures they have a great time.
My full review will be available on my website from 20 July 2022. To read it (and a host of other reviews), click here.
August 20, 2022
I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway and I won the kindle edition. I am an honest reviewer, so here goes:
I somewhat enjoyed this book. Once I wrapped my head around the concept I was genuinely excited to read it. However, it didn't work for me unfortunately. It had random radio show hosts talking about trump building a wall for absolutely no reason whatsoever. It didn't wrap up that story line or those characters at all. Not sure why that part was added.
The next part that was weird for me was the random spaces in time. It feels like in some chapters it is really slow and other times it just jumps over weeks at a time so its hard to grasp how long this clone has been living with the family.
It was also oddly vague about many things. What some characters looked like wasn't included but it went into graphic details about the estate house down to what type of siding and roofing there was. I would have liked more description on characters or surroundings rather than details like the outside of a house. I think it was just overall a hard read for me. I would have loved more character development, completed story lines for characters or some type of an arc at all to lead up to something. They never mentioned why a random dude shoots an office, and I think I'm just one of those girls who likes closure, you know?
I hope in the future the writer hones his characters and story plots more thoroughly because honestly this could have been a fantastic book based on what is there right now! I believe in this one and hope he continues honing his craft!
I somewhat enjoyed this book. Once I wrapped my head around the concept I was genuinely excited to read it. However, it didn't work for me unfortunately. It had random radio show hosts talking about trump building a wall for absolutely no reason whatsoever. It didn't wrap up that story line or those characters at all. Not sure why that part was added.
The next part that was weird for me was the random spaces in time. It feels like in some chapters it is really slow and other times it just jumps over weeks at a time so its hard to grasp how long this clone has been living with the family.
It was also oddly vague about many things. What some characters looked like wasn't included but it went into graphic details about the estate house down to what type of siding and roofing there was. I would have liked more description on characters or surroundings rather than details like the outside of a house. I think it was just overall a hard read for me. I would have loved more character development, completed story lines for characters or some type of an arc at all to lead up to something. They never mentioned why a random dude shoots an office, and I think I'm just one of those girls who likes closure, you know?
I hope in the future the writer hones his characters and story plots more thoroughly because honestly this could have been a fantastic book based on what is there right now! I believe in this one and hope he continues honing his craft!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
Thank you for the free copy of this book for my honest review. I thought this book had such an original concept. I really like Ponticello's writing style. The plot was very engaging and interesting. The only thing is that the main character is a little bit annoying so at times I had to stop reading because I was so agitated by him. I would recommend to anyone looking for a book with an original idea.
July 19, 2022
This a shortish novel that is nominally set in 2016 during the opening days of Trump's campaign. I say nominally, because it seems to have nothing to do with main plot of the book. The main plot revolves around a clone trying to make a place for himself in his old life and resolve some issues that led to his death. Does he succeed or fail?
The author unwisely tells you in the framing device whether he does or not. It was an interesting book that I wish had dealt more the clones quest for identity than his quest for money.
The author unwisely tells you in the framing device whether he does or not. It was an interesting book that I wish had dealt more the clones quest for identity than his quest for money.
July 18, 2022
This was a very disappointing read. The premise of the story sounded interesting, but as I read the book, I found myself confused. The story of Charlie made sense to me, but the mention of his friend Brian randomly throughout the story and Brian’s support of Trump was very strange and had no bearing on the storyline. I don’t think I will be reading anything else from this author ☹️
July 23, 2022
What would you do if a clone of a dead relative showed up at your house? Charlie "B" shows up to try and reclaim the family fortune.
The best part of this book was the premise. The worst part was that it was too short.
The plot had a lot of meat on the bone, but I am puzzled as to why the author did not expand on it.
The best part of this book was the premise. The worst part was that it was too short.
The plot had a lot of meat on the bone, but I am puzzled as to why the author did not expand on it.
July 20, 2022
Not sure why this was even written.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews