Review by Lunastella -- Winners and Losers in words and ...

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 06 Aug 2020, 10:35

[Following is a volunteer review of "Winners and Losers in words and cartoons" by Arthur Hartz.]

4 out of 4 stars

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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.

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Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
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Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 08 Aug 2020, 12:46

This book seems quite interesting and informative. I will consider reading this someday. Thanks for your wonderful review.

Aisha_123 · Post by **Aisha_123** » 09 Aug 2020, 12:40

Success might be one of the things our society overestimates. I have seen situations where not being successful can lead one into depression. I do hope this book can change the narrative as we move on. Thanks for the insightful review!

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 09 Aug 2020, 14:01

I'm not a graphic tales fanatic, but I find the concept in the story interesting. It's so unfortunate that women were being portrayed in the story as using their physical nature for success. I appreciate your thorough review. Good job.

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 10 Aug 2020, 02:14

I enjoyed reading your review as it was both detailed and engaging. Good job and thanks for your recommendation.

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 11 Aug 2020, 00:58

This has caught my curiosity. I am a devout Christian and conservative BUT it is generally difficult to offend me. Some graphic comics are rather disgusting so this might be a change for me. I will give it a try. Great review!

Mukukamm30 · Post by **Mukukamm30** » 13 Aug 2020, 00:57

"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." Sounds quite interesting and I think he has hit the nail on the head because it's true that our societies are obsessed with success that we tend to overlook other important things.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 14 Aug 2020, 07:50

While philosophy, politics and deep thinking are not my forte, I do enjoy humor - even at society. I'm therefore quite on the fence with this one. Great review as always!

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 15 Aug 2020, 17:42

I really enjoyed this book when I read it, too. Great review!

Reader047 · Post by **Reader047** » 17 Aug 2020, 03:47

I'm not a fan of graphic novels, but after reading this insightful review, I'm convinced that this is an interesting book. Thanks for the review.

Susmita Biswas · Post by **Susmita Biswas** » 17 Aug 2020, 09:08

I liked this book, and I totally agree with you that we are so much mesmerized with the celebrities that we can't see a normal person's talent. Great review

Rashida10 · Post by **Rashida10** » 17 Aug 2020, 10:02

I like that the book comprises of graphic representations and symbolism. Thanks for this excellent review.

NDeMeer · Post by **NDeMeer** » 17 Aug 2020, 10:18

What an intriguing concept. This sounds like a fun and humorous way to deal with such issues. I do agree with you though that often portraying women as using their appearance for success seems a bit... cliche, actually. An interesting book nonetheless. I'll consider picking it up sometimes. Thanks for the review!

Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 17 Aug 2020, 11:13

I'm not American but I do familiar with American cultures (thanks to the movies and American literatures). I do enjoy witty humours. Its been so long since I read one.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 17 Aug 2020, 11:44

Susmita Biswas wrote: ↑17 Aug 2020, 09:08 I liked this book, and I totally agree with you that we are so much mesmerized with the celebrities that we can't see a normal person's talent. Great review

Isn't that sad? There are so many important jobs that get no recognition. Thanks for your comment, dear.