The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in The New Yorker : Book Review

"The Rejection Collection" by Matthew Diffee is a captivating compilation of cartoons that were turned down by The New Yorker magazine. Diffee, a talented cartoonist himself, gathered these rejected pieces from various artists, unveiling the challenging reality of the creative process. This book provides a delightful and enlightening glimpse into the world of cartooning and the relentless pursuit of humor.

One of the standout features of this collection is the incredible range of artistic styles and themes on display in the rejected cartoons. From quick-witted one-liners to clever visual gags, each cartoon brings a unique flavor to the mix. It's truly fascinating to witness the diverse approaches that cartoonists take in their quest to secure a coveted spot in The New Yorker. Diffee's careful curation allows us to appreciate the immense talent that often remains unnoticed.

What distinguishes "The Rejection Collection" from other cartoon compilations is the insightful commentary that accompanies each rejected cartoon. Diffee offers background information and anecdotes about the submission process, exposing the vulnerability and resilience of cartoonists. These behind-the-scenes glimpses serve as a reminder that rejection is an inevitable part of the creative journey and can sometimes even lead to greater success.

While this book delivers plenty of laughs through its humorous cartoons, it also serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of humor. What tickles one person's funny bone may leave another unimpressed. "The Rejection Collection" beautifully captures the elusive essence of comedy and highlights the challenges faced by established publications like The New Yorker in selecting cartoons that will resonate with a wide audience.

All in all, "The Rejection Collection" is a delightful and thought-provoking read for those interested in humor, creativity, or the publishing industry. With its clever cartoons and insightful commentary, it offers a fresh perspective on the art of cartooning and the tenacity required to succeed in a fiercely competitive field.

What are readers saying?

Matthew Diffee's book "The Rejection Collection" garnered a range of opinions from readers, with some thoroughly entertained and others feeling underwhelmed.

Many readers found the book to be a delightful compilation of cartoons, praising Diffee's wit and creativity. They appreciated the fresh and humorous perspective his rejection-themed cartoons offered on life's disappointments. These readers enjoyed the book's ability to make them laugh and found it an overall enjoyable read.

However, some reviewers felt that the book didn't meet their expectations. They acknowledged that while there were genuinely funny cartoons, there were also many that missed the mark and didn't resonate with them. These readers were disappointed by the inconsistency in cartoon quality, feeling that mediocre or weak ones outnumbered the humorous ones.

An additional criticism was the lack of diversity within the book. Some readers noticed that the majority of cartoons focused on white male protagonists, which limited the book's appeal to a wider audience. They believed that a more diverse range of characters and experiences would have made the book more relatable and engaging.

Nevertheless, despite these criticisms, there were still readers who thoroughly enjoyed the book for what it was – a collection of witty and amusing cartoons. They recognized that not every cartoon would resonate with every reader but found enough enjoyment in the book to recommend it to others.

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