Lisa in Italy Lisa just got back from a short book tour in Rome for the Italian edition of KILLER SMILE, which is published by Sperling & Kupfer under the title IL PREZZO DEL SILENCIO. The title means The PRICE OF SILENCE. Here is a bit of what Lisa had to say about the tour. "I had a great time in Rome, mostly doing interviews in the incredibly chic (if too-cool-for-school) hotel, and met with reporters who had uniformly READ THE BOOK (a rarity) and all of whom asked thoughtful questions about the plot and the historical backdrop — the Italian internment during World War II. Many of them hadn't known about the internment (as I hadn't) and had an obvious special interest in the subject. Italian culture tends to be very politically attuned (to their credit), and many of the reporters understood instinctively the difficult balance between freedom and security which must be struck during wartime — whether it's World War II or more current conflicts around the world. One radio show even located one of the Italian prisoners who had been in the camp at Fort Missoula, one Umberto Benedetti, whom I acknowledged in my book, and he came on the radio and told stories about life in the camp. And the Mayor of Ascoli-Piceno, my father's hometown in the province of Marche, called in and offered to take me around the city, which made me cry like a baby — on the air. Mamma mia! Very hormonal for a woman with no estrogen left, and oh-so-professional." Me, genius publicist Maria Elisa Foresto, and the incredible Marinella Marinari, who translated every word I said for three straight days and still managed not to have her head explode. Left: Ace publicist Marta Bellini of Sperling, who saved my wallet and passport after I left them in the cab. Right: At Vatican Radio, about to talk with Alessandro De Carolis, his assistant, and the lovely Marinella. Hamming it up for the totally fun and talented photographer Giliola Chiste. Me and Giliola! Everyone hugs in Italy, which is only one reason it ROCKS! Sperling editor Anna Pastore, Publisher Carla Tanzi, me, and journalist Antonella Barina. Marinella Marinari the Genius Translator, Eugenio Zacchi, a very sweet reporter, me, and ace publicist from Sperling & Kupfer, Maria Elisa Foresto. On RAI Radio, chatting up Laura Faggin. Being interviewed by Carlotta Tamberlich from TG2. What I want for Christmas!