How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less is a comic book travelogue of Glidden's experiences in Israel. And while nothing dramatic happens to her on the trip—this isn't a Joe Sacco-style investigation—Glidden's honesty creates its own kind of drama. She admits to being cynical at first, and she cops to the moments when she on occasion kind of falls for the advertisement that is a Birthright trip. A casual reader probably won't come away from the book with a new opinion about Israel, but their view might be a little more three-dimensional.
Glidden's art is perfect for this book. Her figures are simple and expressive, and the watercolor artwork makes the backdrop and scenery feel realistic but slightly tinged with a shadow of memory, like a postcard. Glidden employs a few different techniques to make her internal struggle visible to the viewer. Some of the techniques, like a discussion with a ghost, feel maudlin. Others, like a mock trial with Glidden playing all the different roles simultaneously, are a little more inventive. She's at her best when combining reportage with memoir, and the book plays to her strengths. It's a powerful, interesting comic book debut, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
