Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less summary
Sarah Glidden
Brief summary
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden is a graphic memoir that follows the author's journey to Israel. It offers a personal and thought-provoking exploration of the complex political and cultural landscape of the region.
Topics
Table of Contents
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
Summary of key ideas
Exploring Israel and Its Complexities
In How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, Sarah Glidden offers us a unique perspective on Israel, one that challenges her preconceived notions and forces her to question her beliefs. The graphic novel details her journey to Israel, where she participates in a Birthright tour, a free ten-day trip offered to young Jewish adults.
Initially skeptical of the tour's agenda, Glidden is determined to keep an open mind and learn about the country's culture and history. She documents her experiences and conversations with fellow participants, as well as her interactions with the tour guides, who are tasked with presenting a specific narrative about Israel.
Unveiling the Complexities of the Region
As the tour progresses, Glidden becomes increasingly aware of the complexities surrounding Israel. She witnesses the stark contrast between the modern, vibrant city of Tel Aviv and the tense, heavily guarded borders. She also learns about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a topic that is carefully navigated by the tour guides. Their narrative portrays Israel as a refuge for Jews, a perspective that Glidden finds oversimplified and incomplete.
Driven by her curiosity and desire for a more comprehensive understanding, Glidden decides to venture beyond the tour's boundaries. She travels to the West Bank, where she encounters Palestinian perspectives and witnesses the realities of life under occupation. These experiences challenge her understanding of the conflict and compel her to reconsider her initial assumptions.
Challenging Personal Beliefs
During her time in Israel, Glidden also grapples with her Jewish identity. She reflects on her upbringing in a Jewish family and her evolving relationship with the religion and its ties to Israel. This personal exploration adds another layer to her understanding of the country, as she navigates the complex intersection of religion, politics, and personal identity.
Throughout her journey, Glidden continually confronts her own biases and acknowledges the limitations of her perspective. She recognizes the inadequacy of attempting to comprehend such a multifaceted region in a short period, as implied by the title. Instead, she embraces the ongoing process of understanding, knowing that it cannot be rushed or simplified.
Concluding with Open-Ended Questions
As her trip comes to an end, Glidden doesn't claim to have fully understood Israel. Instead, she leaves us with more questions than answers, reflecting the complexity and ongoing nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She acknowledges the importance of engaging with multiple perspectives and remaining open to evolving understandings.
In conclusion, How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less is not a definitive guide to Israel, but rather a personal and thought-provoking exploration of the country's complexities. Glidden's honest and introspective approach encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and assumptions, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding this contentious region.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less about?
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less is a graphic memoir by Sarah Glidden. Through her own personal journey, Glidden explores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of understanding a deeply polarizing issue. With humor and introspection, she delves into the history, politics, and personal stories that shape the region, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective.
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less Review
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (2010) provides a graphic memoir following Sarah Glidden's personal journey to explore Israel while questioning her preconceptions. Here's why this book stands out:
- Through thought-provoking conversations and observations, it offers nuanced insights into the complex realities of Israel, challenging readers' perspectives.
- The book delves into personal reflections on identity, politics, and culture, creating a compelling narrative that captivates and educates.
- With its blend of humor, sincerity, and depth, it presents a multi-layered exploration of a hot-button issue in an accessible and engaging way.
Who should read How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less?
Individuals seeking to gain a nuanced understanding of Israel's complex political and social landscape
Readers interested in personal narratives that explore cultural identity and cross-cultural experiences
Those looking for a thought-provoking and visually engaging graphic novel format to explore a complex topic
Categories with How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
Book summaries like How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less FAQs
What is the main message of How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less?
Understanding the complexities of Israel through personal exploration and differing viewpoints.
How long does it take to read How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less?
The estimated reading time is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less a good book? Is it worth reading?
This book is worth reading for its engaging narrative and diverse perspectives. It offers unique insights in a concise format.
Who is the author of How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less?
Sarah Glidden is the author of How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less.
What to read after How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less?
If you're wondering what to read next after How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz