today is the official release of the italian version of BE by sonzogno. they're calling it "the new nick hornby." check it out here. author, stefano bortolussi did, what i gather, is a very funny and accurate translation. so if you're reading this in italy, go plunk down 15 euros for a copy and let us know what you think. better yet, if you like it, tell roberto benigni what you think, and how perfect it would be for his next film. tell him if he acts now, we'll throw in a free iPod...or a tomato slicer-dicer-doo-hickey.

i'll be going to milan for a couple days next month to promote the book. stay tuned for more on that.