Wow! Orhan Pamuk has won the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature. Two years ago I picked a book off the shelves based entirely on the cover art—My Name is Red—it became a treasured addition to my collection and my introduction to Mr. Pamuk’s amazing prowess as a storyteller. Here’s the best part: It’s a murder mystery about illustrators!!! I highly recommend, especially if you’re interested in Middle East history to boot. Some are already calling his decoration politically charged, but I would argue that his artistic merits easily validate the prize.

disclaimer: It’s not a “traditional” murder mystery so don’t write me angry e-mails if you were expecting Agatha Christie-esque plotlines.