A review by olivia_piepmeier
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden

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.