Gregory Levey at TINARS

Have you ever suspected that international diplomats simply make it up as they go along? If so, author and academic Gregory Levey will confirm your worst fears at the launch of his memoir, Shut Up I’m Talking – And Other Lessons I Learned In The Israeli Government (Simon & Schuster Canada). Levey will recount his hilarious, bizarre encounters with Middle East politics and engage in an extended Q&A with the audience. A This Is Not A Reading Series event presented by Pages Books & Magazines, Simon & Schuster Canada and EYE WEEKLY. At the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen St West, Toronto. On Tuesday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.). Free.

Shut Up, I'm Talking Salon contributor Gregory Levey applied for an internship at the Israeli Consulate in New York and soon found himself living on the other side of the world, embroiled in an utterly improbable situation. When speechwriter for the Israeli delegation to the United Nations abruptly quit, Levey was conscripted to fill the vacancy. His complete lack of formal training almost thrust Israeli into the centre of a dicey international incident. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to Jerusalem to write speeches for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during one of the most turbulent times in Israeli history. Levey quickly realized that he is not the only person within the inner sanctum of the Israel government who is bluffing his way through politics. Shut Up, I'm Talking – And Other Lessons I Learned In The Israeli Government offers a thoughtful and hilarious combination of memoir and social commentary that reads like the bastard child of Thomas Friedman and David Sedaris.

Gregory Levey is a regular contributor to Salon.com who has also written for The New Republic, New York Post, The Globe and Mail, and other publications. He served as a speechwriter and delegate for the Israeli government at the United Nations and as Senior Foreign Communications Coordinator for Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert. He is on the faculty of Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. Visit: www.gregorylevey.com