Review by Nqobile771 -- Winners and Losers in words and ...

25 Feb 2021, 02:20

[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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Winners and Losers by Arthur Hartz is a graphic book that combines heretical cartoons, aphorisms, quotes, and commentary on the culture of winning and losing that is deeply entrenched in today’s society.

Society is conditioned to look down on losers and celebrate winners. Having ambition and desiring to succeed are excellent traits. However, we need to be realistic and understand that winning is not always possible. The book puts forth reasons and scenarios of why winning does not always equal success. It also sheds light on ways to cope with losing.

Partitioning the book into chapters enabled it to have a coherent structure and made it easy to follow the story. The book begins with a discussion on the concept of success and winning, followed by a discussion on losing. Losers face a myriad of challenges in society. These challenges can negatively affect a person’s outlook on life and can affect their psychological health negatively.

The illustrations in the book are in black and white, while the book cover has bright and colorful illustrations. Although this monochrome color scheme did not take away from my reading experience, colorful visuals would have enhanced the book’s aesthetics and added a lively element. Three different illustrators were used in this book, and they all had distinct styles that were noticeable throughout the book. The varying illustration styles added vibrancy to the cartoons.

There were many positive aspects in this book as it highlighted the importance of detaching self-worth from tangible and material things. When we fail to obtain the first position or win despite putting in the effort, does that make us lesser human beings? Does that diminish our worth? Questions like these came to mind as I was reading through the pages. The book prompted me to introspect and re-define the concepts of winning and losing.

The author delivers the book’s serious message in a light-hearted and satirical manner. I liked this approach as it added an element of entertainment. I did not come across any typographical or grammatical errors. The absence of errors proves the book was professionally edited. The book contains profanities and sexual content.

The book is educational, thought-provoking, and fun to read. For these reasons, I am awarding it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

The book is suitable for readers who enjoy cartoons. It might be offensive to Christian as there is a section that ridicules some teachings in the Bible.

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Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
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Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 26 Feb 2021, 03:32

It seems like a very interesting graphic novel, and the idea is appealing. I guess the reader will have some surprises, besides the classic winners and losers. Thank you for this great review!

zainherb · Post by **zainherb** » 01 Mar 2021, 03:05

I love the premise of this novel. This is something i have always known too. Winning does not always equal success and it is okay to not win all the time. Besides, society should redefine the idea of success. I am glad there is a book discussing this.

I am not a Christian, but ridiculing biblical teachings or beliefs of any religion is offensive to those who are affiliated with that religion. I wish people would not do that and respect others' beliefs.

Thank you for an amazing review!

Upeksha · Post by **Upeksha** » 01 Mar 2021, 03:36

Sounds like a great book, which is worth reading. I'm interested on reading this book, so will add it ro my shelf. Thanks for the great review!

Chizioboli · Post by **Chizioboli** » 01 Mar 2021, 17:07

What an eloquent and detailed review! I have yet to read a graphic novel and I am sure this would be my first. Thank you for this amazing review

Josephe-Anne · Post by **Josephe-Anne** » 01 Mar 2021, 18:53

I also read and enjoyed this book. The cartoon illustrations were very humorous despite the profound messages the author conveyed through his quotes.

Thank you for a great review.

Saint Bruno · Post by **Saint Bruno** » 02 Mar 2021, 02:41

I agree with you on the illustrations that were in monochrome. The eyes love colors, so they would have been more appealing with colors. Thanks for the detailed review and recommendation.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 02 Mar 2021, 05:57

Wow, this book touches on quite important topics, and I love that the author does it in a light manner

Thanks for this amazing review!

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 02 Mar 2021, 10:52

Thank you for sharing this great review. I will be on the lookout for this one.

smolbird · Post by **smolbird** » 04 Mar 2021, 08:27

I've always been pressured to be always be a "winner" because of the expectations of people around me. I think I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you for the review.

Mariana Figueira · Post by **Mariana Figueira** » 06 Mar 2021, 20:02

I think I need this book in my life. Not only I'm very competitive but I'm also very into that dark humor about religion. Thank you so much for the recommendation and the incredible review

Naaya123 · Post by **Naaya123** » 09 Mar 2021, 09:08

I definitely want to try this book out. Lovely review!

Yvonne Monique · Post by **Yvonne Monique** » 11 Mar 2021, 14:23

Sounds like a fun reading experience, with satire, cartoons and a decent message.

15 Mar 2021, 02:07

raluca_mihaila wrote: ↑26 Feb 2021, 03:32 It seems like a very interesting graphic novel, and the idea is appealing. I guess the reader will have some surprises, besides the classic winners and losers. Thank you for this great review!

It's an eye-opening and thought provoking book. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Raluca! I appreciate that.

15 Mar 2021, 02:11

zainherb wrote: ↑01 Mar 2021, 03:05 I love the premise of this novel. This is something i have always known too. Winning does not always equal success and it is okay to not win all the time. Besides, society should redefine the idea of success. I am glad there is a book discussing this.

I am not a Christian, but ridiculing biblical teachings or beliefs of any religion is offensive to those who are affiliated with that religion. I wish people would not do that and respect others' beliefs.

Thank you for an amazing review!

It is impossible for individuals to win EVERYTIME and this expectation is unrealistic. We really need to redefine success. As for putting other religions down, that's sad. We can all co-exist peacefully if we respect each other. I suppose we should go back to the statement: If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.

Thanks for taking the time to engage. I really appreciate it and I enjoyed reading your take.