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A review by ginkgotree
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden
My attitude toward Israel issues is normally best summed up by that GIF of Homer Simpson backing silently into the bushes. It's just so complicated. But that's not an epistemological responsible attitude, so I am resolved to begin actually learning a bit about the subject. This beautifully drawn graphic novel seemed like a good place to start. As Sarah travels through Israel on her Birthright trip, she relates stories from Israel's long history and wrestles with the feelings those stories create in her. It's a good introduction because it introduces numerous points of entry for further learning: various eras and issues to explore, instead of just ISRAEL as one huge daunting topic. For instance, I knew a little about the conflict with the Palestinians, but I was totally unfamiliar with the Bedouin situation.
Sarah went into Israel with, she discovered, an overly simplified view of the country and its people. That's kind of the opposite of my problem. But her experiences there are an excellent peek into a place I will probably never visit.
It's also worth noting that this book came out in 2010, which seems like a lifetime ago. I don't know how much has changed, but presumably quite a bit has.
Sarah went into Israel with, she discovered, an overly simplified view of the country and its people. That's kind of the opposite of my problem. But her experiences there are an excellent peek into a place I will probably never visit.
It's also worth noting that this book came out in 2010, which seems like a lifetime ago. I don't know how much has changed, but presumably quite a bit has.