...or maybe 2 by Amos Oz that I think are pretty fundamental to getting a grip on the Israeli mind state in a very short time. Neither are too verbose or heavy and both are fun to read.

The one that I recommend most is "In the Land of Israel" which is an oral history that explains Israel through many voices.

The second is "Israel, Palestine and Peace" and it is more a collection of essays on the political situation.

I would recommend the first more than the second for sure. Amos Oz is a world-respected writer and a symbol of the peace movement in Israel. He is one of the founders of Peace Now which is basically THE original peace group in Israel.

I wish I could fly out there just to see you sing. I've been to Israel a number of times and I'm positive there will be beautiful and positive people there to greet you. My best wishes while you're there.