What do you think about the Title?

Use this forum to discuss the January 2019 Book of the month "Winning the War on Cancer" by Sylvie Beljanski
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anthro
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Re: What do you think about the Title?

Post by anthro »

In my personal opinion, the strong definitive of "Winning the War on Cancer" makes it more appealing. In general, I am uninterested in reading the type of book that typically falls under this title, but the stong stance immediately piques my interest. I have lost family members to cancer, and I have some family members who have defeated cancer, and to me, it brings more of a positive note when approaching the subject optimistically, instead if "Maybe Winning" or "Trying to Win" you are "Winning".
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Post by timd »

I think that this is an overly optimistic title that may not relate to the efficacy of the natural or alternative cure described in the book. I have seen survivors of cancer both from the results of conventional cures as well, like a few from alternative approaches. Unfortunately, there are no records of research to prove many alternative claims. Therefore I do feel that this title is a bit misleading and overly optimistic.
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Post by Zora C Penter »

anthro wrote: 11 Feb 2019, 20:20 In my personal opinion, the strong definitive of "Winning the War on Cancer" makes it more appealing. In general, I am uninterested in reading the type of book that typically falls under this title, but the stong stance immediately piques my interest. I have lost family members to cancer, and I have some family members who have defeated cancer, and to me, it brings more of a positive note when approaching the subject optimistically, instead if "Maybe Winning" or "Trying to Win" you are "Winning".
I agree wholeheartedly! I do understand that this title may seem overly optimistic, but it is trying to take a firm stance and provide a bit of hope. That is not much different than what the research of the author's father was trying to do. I was very happy while reading the book to learn that the mission was not to replace conventional medicine but to support it and help alleviate some side effects of chemo.
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Post by DogoMulla »

The title is quite catchy. If, anything, this issue of cancer is war-like. Consequently, by all means necessary, we have to win this war!
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Post by Zora C Penter »

DogoMulla wrote: 12 Feb 2019, 19:04 The title is quite catchy. If, anything, this issue of cancer is war-like. Consequently, by all means necessary, we have to win this war!
It is even one of the things that the US has actually declared war on. Just like the "War on Drugs." Both are long running and entrenched though, sadly.
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Post by Robby Chandra »

I think the more appropriate title is, win against cancer or fight cancer! of the majority of cancer sufferers, only a small percentage can recover or survive cancer, with this book can give hope to cancer sufferers to be able to recover.
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Post by nanglada »

stacie k wrote: 02 Jan 2019, 09:30 I appreciate that the title imparts a sense of hope to the reader. We all need hope, whether the diagnosis comes to us personally or to someone we care about. The title makes me want to hear what the author has to say.
I agree with this opinion. Even though fighting cancer isn't easy and, sadly, most people don't make it, people need hope and the title gives them that.
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Post by Zhariah »

The title definitely put me off reading the book. To me, winning is more of a game-related reference, and cancer is about the furthest from a game you can get. It also seems to imply that anyone can 'win' and beat cancer by following this book, which just isn't true for everyone.
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Post by yoda4ever »

I like the title because it offers hope. I lost my dad to non hodgkin's lymphoma 18 years ago. He was misdiagnosed as having arthritis and when they found it, it was too late. I think this book will be helpful to others and give them the hope they need.
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Post by Jagiine »

I fully agree with your sentiments. Cancer is a complex phenomena with many subcategories that differ on just as many levels as they hold similarity in. I know the message is meant to grab attention, and it may or may not be reflective off the author's depth of belief, but it's too strong for my taste.
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Post by labibliofile »

briellejee wrote: 01 Jan 2019, 20:58 I am curious as to what your reaction in seeing the title. As for me, I lost loved ones because of cancer; and seeing the "Winning the War on Cancer" as the title of the book made me not want to read the it since it sounded like it claims that its like a done deal, that we are actually winning it when in truth there is only an alternative that may or may not work.

I appreciate the author's intention of being positive using the word "winning", especially to those who are still battling with it. But for me, who had loved ones that lost to the war, it sounded a bit ridiculous to say "winning". I think it could have been "In Trying to Win the War on Cancer". A little longer but at least a bit practical.

What about your thoughts on the title? Do you think it's fine the way it is? Or do you think it gives a bit of false hope to some, especially in the later stages of cancer?
I do agree with you to a certain extent. When I first saw the title, my immediate reaction was that the title seems like an assumption or maybe it would give a sure way to win the battle against cancer, which of course it's not and can never be! But again at the same time, it could help to remain optimistic especially during such a time where everything around you is filled with negativity!
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Post by DakotaA »

Cancer is such a broad term, so I don't think the title would give anybody false hope. I do, though, find it to be intriguing and it inspired me to look into the book.
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Post by Vickie Noel »

I think the title is two-fold: one on battling the disease itself, and the other on tackling the fight between traditional and alternative medicine, especially with the former somewhat trying to discredit the latter. The use of the term "winning" sounds like a positive, confident assertion that could inspire hope in anyone reading.
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Post by Cheshire_wolf »

briellejee wrote: 01 Jan 2019, 20:58 I am curious as to what your reaction in seeing the title. As for me, I lost loved ones because of cancer; and seeing the "Winning the War on Cancer" as the title of the book made me not want to read the it since it sounded like it claims that its like a done deal, that we are actually winning it when in truth there is only an alternative that may or may not work.

I appreciate the author's intention of being positive using the word "winning", especially to those who are still battling with it. But for me, who had loved ones that lost to the war, it sounded a bit ridiculous to say "winning". I think it could have been "In Trying to Win the War on Cancer". A little longer but at least a bit practical.

What about your thoughts on the title? Do you think it's fine the way it is? Or do you think it gives a bit of false hope to some, especially in the later stages of cancer?

I agree with your feelings completely. My late grandmother died because of Cancer and now my last grandmother, who is like my second mother, is diagnosed with it. Having a book with that title would give some people a bit of hope if they didn't know better. So yes I think the title should be altered slightly.
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Post by _Delly_01 »

briellejee wrote: 01 Jan 2019, 20:58 I am curious as to what your reaction in seeing the title. As for me, I lost loved ones because of cancer; and seeing the "Winning the War on Cancer" as the title of the book made me not want to read the it since it sounded like it claims that its like a done deal, that we are actually winning it when in truth there is only an alternative that may or may not work.

I appreciate the author's intention of being positive using the word "winning", especially to those who are still battling with it. But for me, who had loved ones that lost to the war, it sounded a bit ridiculous to say "winning". I think it could have been "In Trying to Win the War on Cancer". A little longer but at least a bit practical.

What about your thoughts on the title? Do you think it's fine the way it is? Or do you think it gives a bit of false hope to some, especially in the later stages of cancer?
I think you raise a valid point about the title. It does give false hope, which isn't a good thing-- depending on who you ask. But I also feel that the word 'trying' instils a pessimistic vibe. It brings focus to the energy a person uses. And if a person is already feeling mentally and physically weak, 'trying' rings in the mind very differently compared to a person who is amped up, has plenty of energy to burn, and is willing. When a person has cancer, 'trying' is synonymous with 'straining'... A mentally half-lost battle because they feel discouraged.
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