ebooks Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me by Harvey Pekar in History

Review

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Pekar's posthumous take on Jews IsraelBy Frank L. Greenagel IIHarvey Pekar discusses his parents' religious views; the history of Judaism; the creation and governance of Israel and his problems with the Jewish faith Israel.I continue to be amazed by how much Pekar read; and wish he had a larger forum to air his knowledge/views when he was alive. Despite not going to college; he is a true intellectual and a rare American original.Another reviewer wrote that this book is controversial because it deals with religion. There are currently 3 negative reviews of this book up on ; and they all take exception with Pekar's views. He absolutely takes a side; but he is balanced in his presentation and he never claims to be all-knowing (like so many media pundits).3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Underappreciated!By paschimoHarvey' work has always been under-appreciated by the mainstream. To me; he's an existentialist; with a very deep compassion for humanity and the predicament. Much more emotional; not so much in the words; but in the milieu; when compared to others. Steinbeck comes to mind in some way. But Harvey never had the same level of sheer literary prowess -- he had the images; the scenes; and others helped bring them to life.The history of the middle east is very complicated; and this; like all other works I've seen; don't account for all the subtleties in the relationships. But he represents a voice that disaffected American Jews have struggled to articulate: how one can believe in Judaism; but not in Israel. The Jewish religion has always been based on hard questions; but questioning the motives of modern Israel has been a third rail. This is a disservice to the entire religion worldwide. This book exposes some of this hypocrisy; and it's "middle road" view will do nothing but anger all sides. But for people with a brain in their head; it's a very thought provoking book that is worth reading.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A few interesting moments; but this is no "Our ...By J. D. BaldwinA few interesting moments; but this is no "Our Cancer Year;" to put it mildly. Another reviewer called it "infantile." I won't really go that far; but Harvey puts a lot of value here on "questioning" without really enough (or any) value on really serious probing for answers to those questions.Basically; this book is little more than a long; extended kvetch.