Book Review: Because It's Israel, An Aliyah Odyssey

NOTE: I was not paid to review this book. It is an unbiased and objective review. If you have a book with Jewish or Israel related content and would like me to write a review, contact me for details of where to send me a review copy of the book.

Book Review: Because It's Israel, An Aliyah Odyssey, by Arthur Miller

I like a good, fun book as much as the next guy, and that is exactly what Because It's Israel, an Aliyah Odyssey, by Arthur Miller is. It is actually more than just a good, fun book. This is the love story of Arthur and Ronnie Miller with Israel. The setting is their aliyah story and experiences, but it is actually Arthur's, and Ronnie's, lifelong quest to emigrate to Israel, with tens of trips along the way.

Many people want to move to Israel but their plans get sidelined for a variety of reasons. Far be it from me to judge why someone does or does not make aliyah. Most people who not make aliyah have good reasons preventing them from doing so. The Millers wanted to make aliyah for decades before they were actually able to, and from the stories they relate and the desires expressed, the reader can see how much they really loved Israel and just could not make aliyah, until they finally could.

Once they did make aliyah, they fully embraced Israel, and Israel, it seems, fully embraced the Millers. They delight in every story and experience, even the ones that did not end to their expected satisfaction. Because it's Israel. They delight in relating all the strange stories and experiences, many of which can only be understood in light of the title of the book - because it's Israel. And that's just the way it is here.

 Besides for the many fun individual stories related by the author that make up their odyssey, what I particularly liked is the inclusion of so much history before making aliyah; how Arthur Miller was a devoted defender of Israel in his professional life and in writing to newspapers in defense of Israel and through his work on the board of the Jewish Federation and through his communal work. Israel was the center of the author's life long before he actually made aliyah with his wife. 

Because It's Israel is a fun book to read. If you live in Israel already, you will easily relate to the stories and identify them as similar to many things you experienced. You will completely understand what the author is talking about. And if you don't [yet?] live in Israel, you will laugh at the craziness and maybe it will help help you somewhat understand the attitude of people and the culture here. It is easy to read and it is hard to put down once you start. 

• buy Because It's Israel, An Aliyah Odyssey on Amazon.com
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NOTE: I was not paid to review this book. It is an unbiased and objective review. If you have a book with Jewish or Israel related content and would like me to write a review, contact me for details of where to send me a review copy of the book.

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