Here's the story: my publisher and I just learned that a book from Harper Collins will be published in 2013 by the name 'Shrapnel,' which was to be the name of my memoir.
In order not to generate confusion among readers, it's probably wise to change the name of my book. However, I'm simply stumped. I can't come up with anything, and editor suggestions so far haven't sparked. Since I love this community so much (and crowdsourcing), I thought suddenly, "Hey, maybe you can help?"
For those of you who don't know the story -- it's about how I try to seek out the Hamas terrorist who tried to kill my wife (and ultimately reconcile with his family) -- you can read exerpts at the books site if you like.
And here's the synopsis:
What should I buy for the children of the terrorist who tried to kill my wife?
I'm sorry, that was a bit forward. We hardly know each other. Let me explain:
In the summer of 2002, Hamas terrorists, targeting both Israelis and Americans, struck a cafeteria at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The blast threw my wife, Jamie, across the blood-streaked linoleum floor and killed the two friends with whom she was sitting.
The bombing sent me on a psychological journey which, years later, led me to East Jerusalem and the childhood home of the Hamas terrorist who set everything in motion.
Not out of revenge. Out of desperation.
This is the story of one man's personal attempt to heal by understanding his enemy – an enemy who inexplicably expressed remorse upon being captured by Israeli police. It is the story of reconciliation between an American Jew and the terrorist's East Jerusalem family. And it is the story of digging, of unearthing shadowy decisions made by Israel which undermined a (possibly) historic cease-fire attempt by Hamas just days before the Hebrew University attack.
This book is a story embedded within a larger historical story: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which refuses to end.
I apologize for posting this "help" diary -- it always makes me uncomfortable. But my heartfelt thanks in advance if you can somehow come up with something.
And if anyone actually suggests a title that we decide to use, I'll buy you pie! (And maybe even make it a road trip and drive to your neck of the wood sand hand-deliver it.