Review by PeterRabitt20 -- Winners and Losers in words a...

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 21 Feb 2021, 11:24

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

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Winners and Losers in words and cartoons, by Arthur Hartz, is a compilation of cartoons and aphorisms that explores the idea of winning and losing in the American culture.

The author illustrates our obsession with triumphing and our fear of losing. He argues that the need to win has made our society devalue important traits, such as honesty and integrity. Hartz provides a mix of cartoons to explain his point. Furthermore, he explores how winners and losers are treated differently; he offers examples of how they behave towards others.

This book is arranged into nine chapters. Each chapter starts with a commentary. Afterward, the author supports his opinion with various cartoons and aphorisms. At intervals, there are popular quotes from famous people—scientists, politicians, and other successful people. Hartz gives his views on those quotes and isn’t embarrassed to go against the flow.

The author, who is a professional medical researcher, has written other satire books. Winners and Losers in words and cartoons is one installment of the series entitled, ‘The Slings and Arrows of Mundane Fortune.’

My favorite aspect of this book was the cartoons and the aphorisms. They were expertly sketched by three cartoonists—their names are found at the beginning of the book. In addition to being humorous, the sketches were (the author will be pleased) thought-provoking. At first, these side-splitting maxims reminisce of the Sunday funnies—of which I am a fan. Once the laughter subsided, the general truth of the author’s message started to be evident and sobering.

Another positive aspect is that this book is short (considering the hefty topic) and without any cumbersome paragraphs. The author intentionally constructed it to be easily picked up and put down. It can be read linearly or by skipping the pages; either way, the reader will find something interesting.

In my opinion, this book has no negative aspects. As a result, I rate Winners and Losers in words and cartoons 4 out of 4 stars. It was direct, witty, and stimulating; thus, it does not merit a 3-star rating. I did not find any grave errors. Therefore, this book seemed professionally edited.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys satire comics. Some of the cartoons might be difficult to understand. Hence, I would not recommend this book to younger readers. Moreover, there are slightly crude depictions of religion and gender. I would caution sensitive readers before they select this book.

******
Winners and Losers in words and cartoons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Marcel Cantu · Post by **Marcel Cantu** » 04 Apr 2021, 08:35

This sounds like a great read! I think the topics it explores are very compelling and the style in which it is done sounds interesting. Thank you for your review!

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 04 Apr 2021, 11:22

Marcel Cantu wrote: ↑04 Apr 2021, 08:35 This sounds like a great read! I think the topics it explores are very compelling and the style in which it is done sounds interesting. Thank you for your review!

The style is definitely unique for such a philosophical topic, and I do better with pictures. You're welcome and thanks for stopping by!

Dimi1 · Post by **Dimi1** » 04 Apr 2021, 11:50

It needs a lot of talent to be able to combine cartoons and aphorisms in order to pass your message. If humour is also in there, then we are speaking about a great effort. Thanks for a great review!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 04 Apr 2021, 15:40

You have piqued my interest with your interesting review! I think that America has a string culture built upon the winner, so I would love to read the book to get the author's perspective. The cartoons seems like a great idea. Great job!

Goral · Post by **Goral** » 05 Apr 2021, 01:42

I've always appreciated the presentation of an idea through cartoons. I think this book will hold my interest! Thanks a lot for such a lovely review!

Mbrooks2518 · Post by **Mbrooks2518** » 05 Apr 2021, 14:26

Sounds like the author managed to get their point across in an interesting way with the cartoons. I'd be interested in giving this book a try. Great review!

Chizioboli · Post by **Chizioboli** » 05 Apr 2021, 17:18

I like cartoon books and you did great justice to this book via your excellent review. Keep up the good work!

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 14 Apr 2021, 09:47

Chizioboli wrote: ↑05 Apr 2021, 17:18 I like cartoon books and you did great justice to this book via your excellent review. Keep up the good work!

I hope you get a chance to sample it. I appreciate your comment and thanks for stopping by!

John Owen · Post by **John Owen** » 20 Apr 2021, 15:19

Sounds an amazing book. However, I'm wondering whether this is a children's books. I'm not sure adults are fans of cartoons (except, of course, myself. Lol). Amazing review!

John Owen · Post by **John Owen** » 20 Apr 2021, 15:20

Goral wrote: ↑05 Apr 2021, 01:42 I've always appreciated the presentation of an idea through cartoons. I think this book will hold my interest! Thanks a lot for such a lovely review!

You're like me. I don't understand why most adults don't love cartoons.

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 28 Apr 2021, 17:42

Dimi1 wrote: ↑04 Apr 2021, 11:50 It needs a lot of talent to be able to combine cartoons and aphorisms in order to pass your message. If humour is also in there, then we are speaking about a great effort. Thanks for a great review!

The author and his artist did a great job! I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks for stopping by!

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 28 Apr 2021, 17:44

John Owen wrote: ↑20 Apr 2021, 15:19 Sounds an amazing book. However, I'm wondering whether this is a children's books. I'm not sure adults are fans of cartoons (except, of course, myself. Lol). Amazing review!

No, I wouldn't classify it as a children's genre. It has profanity, and they wouldn't get the aphorisms. But I do hope you give it a try! Thanks for stopping by!

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 28 Apr 2021, 17:47

John Owen wrote: ↑20 Apr 2021, 15:20
Goral wrote: ↑05 Apr 2021, 01:42 I've always appreciated the presentation of an idea through cartoons. I think this book will hold my interest! Thanks a lot for such a lovely review!
You're like me. I don't understand why most adults don't love cartoons.

This book reminds me of the Sunday funnies. Maybe this book will change their mind

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 28 Apr 2021, 17:48

Mbrooks2518 wrote: ↑05 Apr 2021, 14:26 Sounds like the author managed to get their point across in an interesting way with the cartoons. I'd be interested in giving this book a try. Great review!

I hope you get that chance! Thanks for your comment!