Review by Lucille27 -- Winners and Losers in words and c...
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Lucille27
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Review by Lucille27 -- Winners and Losers in words and c...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Winners and Losers in words and cartoons" by Arthur Hartz.]
Winners and Losers: In Words and Cartoons, by Arthur Hartz, is an illustrated book with aphorisms. It was illustrated by Aleksander Jovic, Mike Wolfe, and Heroud Ramos. It also includes a final comment by Elena Whitcombe. Throughout the book, Hartz explores the duality of a society focused on winners and losers. He explores the American core value of succeeding despite everything and its dangerous effects on people. However, he does this with a fresh and smart approach: through a series of aphorisms and vignettes.
What I like about this book is the style. It confronts people with some uncomfortable topics. Seeing them comically makes it easier. I really like Hartz’s sense of humor. I think that it was very refreshing to read a book that confronts the ideology of the United States. When several of the main narratives that are produced refer to the culture of individual success, it is worth noticing what they have in common: a lack of empathy, considerable stress on the individual, and obliviousness towards material conditions. I think it is very important to listen to everyone’s stories, yet I think we should question how they are being crafted and their effects. Hartz’s approach is an amazing starting point. Finally, I loved Whitcombe’s final words. I think they are excellent for starting a dialogue and going further into the issues mentioned in this work: using empathy and integrity. We should never forget that if there are winners, there are also losers, and we should try to find a path to provide solutions, create bridges, and alternative approaches for a better society in which we can all live in better conditions.
There is probably only one minor thing I disliked from the book: the different fonts from the illustrations. This is a very minor issue. Probably, I would have also liked a bit more coherence between the illustrations, or a comment from Hartz at the beginning of each chapter. However, the final words by Whitcombe provide nice closure. I think she highlights an important feature of the book: its structure strikes at first, and then the meaning comes. So, in a sense, this lack of more words from Hartz’s part is a space for the reader to fill the gaps and think more about the proposal of the book.
The book had very professional editing. I only found two minor typos, and one of them could even be considered a format thing. They do not disturb the reading. I think the book does not go against anyone’s religious beliefs. It only contains one instance or minor or borderline profanity. It does not contain erotic or sexual descriptions. Thus, the general public can enjoy it equally. Anyway, I think more mature audiences could enjoy it more because of the topics.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I really enjoyed it, it was a very refreshing reading, and it will remain in my mind for a while. As Hartz mentions at the beginning, this book can be read in one sitting, but it will stay with you for longer. I think the more you return to it, the more you will remember the vignettes and their meanings. I would recommend this book to those who are enthusiastic about smart humor, and like seeing things from another perspective. I also would recommend this for those who are enthusiastic about success stories, so they can start having a dialogue and questioning their own beliefs.
******
Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Winners and Losers: In Words and Cartoons, by Arthur Hartz, is an illustrated book with aphorisms. It was illustrated by Aleksander Jovic, Mike Wolfe, and Heroud Ramos. It also includes a final comment by Elena Whitcombe. Throughout the book, Hartz explores the duality of a society focused on winners and losers. He explores the American core value of succeeding despite everything and its dangerous effects on people. However, he does this with a fresh and smart approach: through a series of aphorisms and vignettes.
What I like about this book is the style. It confronts people with some uncomfortable topics. Seeing them comically makes it easier. I really like Hartz’s sense of humor. I think that it was very refreshing to read a book that confronts the ideology of the United States. When several of the main narratives that are produced refer to the culture of individual success, it is worth noticing what they have in common: a lack of empathy, considerable stress on the individual, and obliviousness towards material conditions. I think it is very important to listen to everyone’s stories, yet I think we should question how they are being crafted and their effects. Hartz’s approach is an amazing starting point. Finally, I loved Whitcombe’s final words. I think they are excellent for starting a dialogue and going further into the issues mentioned in this work: using empathy and integrity. We should never forget that if there are winners, there are also losers, and we should try to find a path to provide solutions, create bridges, and alternative approaches for a better society in which we can all live in better conditions.
There is probably only one minor thing I disliked from the book: the different fonts from the illustrations. This is a very minor issue. Probably, I would have also liked a bit more coherence between the illustrations, or a comment from Hartz at the beginning of each chapter. However, the final words by Whitcombe provide nice closure. I think she highlights an important feature of the book: its structure strikes at first, and then the meaning comes. So, in a sense, this lack of more words from Hartz’s part is a space for the reader to fill the gaps and think more about the proposal of the book.
The book had very professional editing. I only found two minor typos, and one of them could even be considered a format thing. They do not disturb the reading. I think the book does not go against anyone’s religious beliefs. It only contains one instance or minor or borderline profanity. It does not contain erotic or sexual descriptions. Thus, the general public can enjoy it equally. Anyway, I think more mature audiences could enjoy it more because of the topics.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I really enjoyed it, it was a very refreshing reading, and it will remain in my mind for a while. As Hartz mentions at the beginning, this book can be read in one sitting, but it will stay with you for longer. I think the more you return to it, the more you will remember the vignettes and their meanings. I would recommend this book to those who are enthusiastic about smart humor, and like seeing things from another perspective. I also would recommend this for those who are enthusiastic about success stories, so they can start having a dialogue and questioning their own beliefs.
******
Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Zonas de quema by Jorge P. Newbery
