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bookish_calirican's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
3.5
olivia_piepmeier's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this. To me, this is a primo example of excellence in non-fiction comics: lovely art, interesting story, and it helps me learn things.
As a concept, if you tell me a book is about travel and the people in it don't have an amazing time the entire trip and aren't afraid to say that, then I'll say give me the book now. Let's dispel the myth that when you travel, everything is perfect and happy! This definitely fits that category but it feels unfair to make it seem like that's the only reason. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a progressive Jewish person on a Birthright trip. I thought I knew a little about Israel/Palestine going into this, but as the author learned a lot about it, so does the reader and I'm grateful. Possibly the best part about this is there's no big resolution with these feelings. She doesn't leave affirmed to the beliefs she had going into this but she also isn't sure about anything. She's just changed.
Her narrative approach is interesting as it feels very journalistic but she peppers in a bit of magical realism, like picturing herself in a courtroom of herself judging her opinion of how propagandist the tour is or seeing ghosts that speakers as people are talking about their relatives that have died due to the conflict. To me, this just makes it all feel more personal. Our minds are always active, thinking of odd things as life happens around them, and she just illustrated them instead of ignores them.
Glidden's fine, detailed lines and enchanting watercolors felt comforting to me. Her panels don't really stray from the standard squares/rectangles but the directness helps you focus on the story vs. "oooh interesting panel shape/size choice." She's very good with backgrounds and employs them purposefully.
Like non-fiction comics and/or travel? Does reading about a "progressive Jewish American twenty-something who is both vocal and critical of Israeli politics in the Holy Land" taking a Birthright trip sound interesting? Do you just enjoy watercolors? Definitely worth a read.
As a concept, if you tell me a book is about travel and the people in it don't have an amazing time the entire trip and aren't afraid to say that, then I'll say give me the book now. Let's dispel the myth that when you travel, everything is perfect and happy! This definitely fits that category but it feels unfair to make it seem like that's the only reason. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a progressive Jewish person on a Birthright trip. I thought I knew a little about Israel/Palestine going into this, but as the author learned a lot about it, so does the reader and I'm grateful. Possibly the best part about this is there's no big resolution with these feelings. She doesn't leave affirmed to the beliefs she had going into this but she also isn't sure about anything. She's just changed.
Her narrative approach is interesting as it feels very journalistic but she peppers in a bit of magical realism, like picturing herself in a courtroom of herself judging her opinion of how propagandist the tour is or seeing ghosts that speakers as people are talking about their relatives that have died due to the conflict. To me, this just makes it all feel more personal. Our minds are always active, thinking of odd things as life happens around them, and she just illustrated them instead of ignores them.
Glidden's fine, detailed lines and enchanting watercolors felt comforting to me. Her panels don't really stray from the standard squares/rectangles but the directness helps you focus on the story vs. "oooh interesting panel shape/size choice." She's very good with backgrounds and employs them purposefully.
Like non-fiction comics and/or travel? Does reading about a "progressive Jewish American twenty-something who is both vocal and critical of Israeli politics in the Holy Land" taking a Birthright trip sound interesting? Do you just enjoy watercolors? Definitely worth a read.
cveeders's review against another edition
4.0
This graphic novel was very interesting. It was not as easy of a read as I thought it was, but very compelling. I had a hard time following the details of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict- but someone with more knowledge of it might find it easier to follow. The art was great. The storytelling was excellent too. I love how the protagonist was always trying to question her own beliefs and showed her own insecurities and doubts. I would definitely recommend this book!
sandphin's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this memoir of a young woman who goes on a Birthright trip to Israel. She is skeptical of Israel's politics and has her views challenged during the trip. This memoir is personal, honest, and complicated. Illustrated by gorgeous watercolors. Highly recommended.
sarrie's review against another edition
3.0
I'd never read anything about Israel before, sadly, so this was extremely informative. I'd like to read a bit more. For the graphic novel itself it was interesting. I don't usually like walls of tiny text on the panels of comics, but I did eventually get used to it here. I found it really honest as well, she did not shy away from making herself unlikable in the beginning to show how she changed and was challenged over the course of the trip. Good stuff, I think I'd definitely read more of her work.
lisamquinn's review against another edition
4.0
I'm very happy I read this, but it just pointed out how little I know about the situation in Isreal.
(I'm also happy that I bought it for the library, and it had holds when I checked it in.)
(I'm also happy that I bought it for the library, and it had holds when I checked it in.)
capitola's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up at first because I love travelogue comics, but I was surprised by the thoughtful political discourse contained within it. Definitely would recommend!