Press Release: THE BOOK OF MURRAY by David M. Bader
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Caroline Sill
212.782-8943
FROM ACCLAIMED JEWISH HUMORIST DAVID M. BADER, AUTHOR OF HAIKUS FOR JEWS, THE SURPRISING, HILARIOUS, AND UPLIFTHING TALE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT’S MOST UNLIKELY PROPHET
THE BOOK OF MURRAY
The Life, Teachings, and Kvetching of the Lost Prophet
by David M. Bader
At the beginning of the new millennium, a wayward golfer made a surprising discovery at the 14th hole of the Kibbitzing Pines Country Club. Buried in a sand trap was a clay vessel filled with ancient scrolls. Carbon dating on the scrolls (and the traces of brisket found on them) revealed that these scrolls were quite old. As in, Old Testament old.
For years, scholars have puzzled over the stark contrasts between modern Judaism and the world of the ancient Israelites. Leviticus contains guidance on keeping kosher, but where is the scriptural support for pocketing a dinner roll from a buffet “for later”? In this newly discovered text, scholars have finally found answers. Here is the missing link showing that today’s Jews and their ancestors have more in common than had previously seemed imaginable.
These scrolls, now known as THE BOOK OF MURRAY: The Life, Teachings, and Kvetching of the Lost Prophet (Harmony Books, 2010), chronicle the life of the Prophet Murray, son of Irving of the Tribe of Levi (Relaxed Fit). Though a poor student and a disappointment to his parents, he couldn’t escape his destiny. He heard God’s call and soon was wandering the lands with his faithful cousin Lenny, preaching his unique brand of biblical wisdom (“Love the stranger, though not on the first date”).
He reminds followers of the Ten (or So) Commandments (“Honor thy father and thy mother, but screen thy calls”). He offers up proverbs, diet tips, and other unsolicited advice. From
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the meeting of the Virgin by the Well to the dream of King Joe Bob, this is a loving and mirthful new take on the best biblical stories.
You don’t have to be a Talmudic scholar to find these stories laugh-out-loud hilarious. This is a book for the bubbe from Boca or the mensch from Manhattan, but like Haikus for Jews, it has broad appeal that will make it a fun read for anyone of any religious background.
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About the Author:
David M. Bader is a writer in New York City, a pursuit that raises the eternal question, “From this he makes a living?” He is the author of Haikus for Jews and Zen Judaism. He began work on this book after an image of the Prophet Murray appeared to him on a toasted bagel. Visit his website at: www.extremely.com
The Book of Murray
The Life, Teachings, and Kvetching of the Lost Prophet
By David M. Bader
Harmony Books
Publication Date: August 24, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-307-45324-2
Hardcover, 176 pages; $14.99
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW WITH
DAVID M. BADER, PLEASE CONTACT:
CAROLINE SILL, 212.782-8943, CSILL@RANDOMHOUSE.COM
**PLEASE SEND A TEARSHEET OF ANY REVIEW OR MENTION**