Hi Everyone-

A quick word about our Penguin "buy-two-get-one free" promotion, which ends tonight: thanks so much for supporting it! We were delighted by the response to the sale, and we're planning something similar with another major publisher for this summer. Stay tuned, and thanks again for your response to the April of the Penguins.

Looking for a fascinating, utterly unique read (and who isn't)? One of my favorite books of last year is now out in paperback, and I'd like to recommend it: Tom Reiss' The Orientalist studies the life and career of Kurban Said, the author of the beloved classic Ali and Nino, set in his ostensible homeland of Azerbaijan. Said, who presented himself as an exotic Muslim prince, was in fact Lev Nussimbaum, a Jewish refugee of the Russian Revolution. Ironically, Nussimbaum's life turned out to be every bit as adventurous and intriguing as the character he created for himself: his life in Azerbaijan and escape from the Revolution were breathtaking, even if he was never a prince; he became an international celebrity in his assumed persona; and, unfortunately, he had his Jewish identity revealed at an unfortunate time, while he was trying to find a place of safety in fascist Europe. Reiss has done an amazing job of unravelling the many mysterious strands of Nussimbaum's life. Give this amazing narrative a try.

And also have a look at the classic love story Nussimbaum wrote under his assumed identity: Ali and Nino, set at the beginning of World War I in his beloved Azerbaijan, is sweeping, exciting, and incredibly dramatic. It's a lovely, intense read, and the perfect companion to Tom Reiss' The Orientalist.

See you in the stores!

Joe Murphy