Are you in need of a long summer read? Do you like history, but have a hard time concentrating while reading line after blurry black-and-white line? I have a great comic book for you to read: Harvey Pekar’s “Not the Israel my parents promised me.”
Pekar is well-known as an underground comic book writer and generally creative man. He wrote “American Splendor,” which I reviewed awhile back.
“Not the Israel” is in Pekar’s typical autobiographical storytelling, beginning with introductions of himself as well as JT Waldman, the artist for the comic.
I am a Catholic, but history is history. I don’t think you have to be of a particular denomination or religion to appreciate Pekar’s historical story. In this graphic novel, readers learn about Jewish history outside of the Bible, and even Islamic history and how it ties into the world we know now.
Pekar made his opinions known; he wasn’t a historian and was writing an autobiographical piece. However, he was very proud of his Jewish heritage and it is apparent, as this is one of his last work before he died in 2010.
Pick up Pekar’s book either online or through your local comic book shop.
Comic Book Wednesday is a new feature that will showcase a variety of visually based books that fit into this wide category, to give a taste of this other form of reading.
