Review by Lunastella -- Winners and Losers in words and ...
Posted: 06 Aug 2020, 10:35
[Following is a volunteer review of "Winners and Losers in words and cartoons" by Arthur Hartz.]
We’ve all heard common quotes about success, and how to achieve it, such as “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”, a quote from Thomas Edison. We might even have used phrases as “that’s the difference between winners and whiners” or something of the sort. But what does success really mean? Is our culture obsessed with it? What are we willing to overlook in the pursuit to be admired?
Arthur Hartz and a talented group of cartoonists make a satire of the American culture of success in Winners and Losers in words and cartoons, a graphic novel that combines drawings, aphorisms, quotes, and commentaries to make us laugh but most of all, make us think if we should continue with our success-obsessed society.
As in his other books, I admire the author’s capacity to make fun of himself. Even being a medical professional he pokes fun at psychiatrists and psychologists. Actually, he makes fun of all of us in the Western culture: nobody is safe from Mr. Hartz’ sardonic remarks. However, the book ends on a very positive note that could even be considered a life motto, so potential readers shouldn’t be discouraged.
I won’t spoil the book for future readers, but one of the parts that hit me harder is how we, as a society, deify celebrities. I think in the current global crisis we’ve seen that there are so many overlooked heroes in our society: nurses, doctors, teachers, and so on that probably deserve much more praise than most celebrities.
The only thing I didn’t like was that women are often portrayed as using their appearance to get success, usually in the form of a rich partner. I don’t say this doesn’t happen, but I don’t think it’s exclusive to females.
The book is exceptionally well-edited. I only found two minor mistakes. It contains some profanities and sexual references, but nothing that merits a warning. There is one joke, referencing a biblical passage, that might upset devout Christian readers. Readers who dislike philosophy, deep subjects and satirical humor might not enjoy this book. People who lean towards the conservative side of the political spectrum could feel offended by a couple of cartoons. Some jokes are culturally exclusive, so this book is better suited for Americans or people familiar with American culture. This is not as light as other books by the author, and even if the book is brief, digesting it takes time. I would recommend this graphic novel to people who enjoy philosophy, sociology and deep thinking, as well as any reader who wants to have a good laugh at our society.
I gladly grant Winners and Losers in words and cartoons by Arthur Hartz 4 out of 4 stars for its outstanding illustrations, thought-provoking remarks and witty humor.
******
Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We’ve all heard common quotes about success, and how to achieve it, such as “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”, a quote from Thomas Edison. We might even have used phrases as “that’s the difference between winners and whiners” or something of the sort. But what does success really mean? Is our culture obsessed with it? What are we willing to overlook in the pursuit to be admired?
Arthur Hartz and a talented group of cartoonists make a satire of the American culture of success in Winners and Losers in words and cartoons, a graphic novel that combines drawings, aphorisms, quotes, and commentaries to make us laugh but most of all, make us think if we should continue with our success-obsessed society.
As in his other books, I admire the author’s capacity to make fun of himself. Even being a medical professional he pokes fun at psychiatrists and psychologists. Actually, he makes fun of all of us in the Western culture: nobody is safe from Mr. Hartz’ sardonic remarks. However, the book ends on a very positive note that could even be considered a life motto, so potential readers shouldn’t be discouraged.
I won’t spoil the book for future readers, but one of the parts that hit me harder is how we, as a society, deify celebrities. I think in the current global crisis we’ve seen that there are so many overlooked heroes in our society: nurses, doctors, teachers, and so on that probably deserve much more praise than most celebrities.
The only thing I didn’t like was that women are often portrayed as using their appearance to get success, usually in the form of a rich partner. I don’t say this doesn’t happen, but I don’t think it’s exclusive to females.
The book is exceptionally well-edited. I only found two minor mistakes. It contains some profanities and sexual references, but nothing that merits a warning. There is one joke, referencing a biblical passage, that might upset devout Christian readers. Readers who dislike philosophy, deep subjects and satirical humor might not enjoy this book. People who lean towards the conservative side of the political spectrum could feel offended by a couple of cartoons. Some jokes are culturally exclusive, so this book is better suited for Americans or people familiar with American culture. This is not as light as other books by the author, and even if the book is brief, digesting it takes time. I would recommend this graphic novel to people who enjoy philosophy, sociology and deep thinking, as well as any reader who wants to have a good laugh at our society.
I gladly grant Winners and Losers in words and cartoons by Arthur Hartz 4 out of 4 stars for its outstanding illustrations, thought-provoking remarks and witty humor.
******
Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon