Philly Author Wraps 30-Date Book Tour for Aruba Bestseller

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 06, 2009 -
Most new authors dream of rave reviews and bustling book signings where anxious readers line up clutching a copy of the very thing that’s taken years of hard work to create. What is a fantasy for many, has become a reality for Philadelphia writer Daniel Putkowski. His 2008 debut novel, An Island Away — currently in its third printing — has enthralled thousands of readers and caused quite a stir in Aruba, where the story is set. Putkowski explains, “Aruba has an extremely loyal following. I’ve met people who have visited annually for 20, even 30 years. They were the ones most interested in the book. I wanted to show them paradise from a different angle, an authentic Caribbean drama.”

An Aruban book launch party in July 2008, complete with live steel pan music, got the ball rolling and the momentum has been building ever since. “The story begins and ends at the island’s famous Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolaas,” says Putkowski. “I knew Charlie’s would be the perfect setting to launch the book and I was surprised by the big turnout. It was overwhelming.” Putkowski’s modern-day tale unfolds in the refinery town of San Nicolaas. His protagonist, a young Colombian mother working in Aruba to satisfy her family’s debt, is forced to make hard choices. There’s no Hollywood ending here, only a thought-provoking, heartbreaking scenario that’s left some readers in tears. “I’ve had a handful of people well-up at book signings when talking about the end. That tells me I’ve done a good job,” Putkowski adds.

Demand for the book has resulted in nearly three dozen book signing events in the United States and Aruba. Retailers have the novel available at 27 locations throughout the island, including most hotel gift shops. During a recent signing at the duty-free mall at Queen Beatrix International Airport, Oranjestad, Aruba, numerous passengers were seen digging the book out of their luggage for the author to autograph. A Boston native said, “I bought it at the Marriott and finished it yesterday on the beach. Just loved it and now getting to meet the author on my way home, what a treat!” Visitors to Putkowski’s website (danielputkowski.com) will find an additional memento from his book signings — hundreds of photos of Arubaphiles grasping the bright blue cover of An Island Away and grinning alongside the author.

According to Aruba retailer DeWit & VanDorp, An Island Away outsold all other books on the island last year and is quickly doing the same in 2009. All this is good news for Putkowski who looks forward to the release of his next novel, Bonk’s Bar, on June 23. Bonk’s Bar follows the struggles of a Philadelphia college student suddenly thrust into the world of the Russian mob. Just like An Island Away, real people and real locations take center stage among the fiction. “There's been strong interest in Bonk’s because of the positive response to my first book. Amazon and Barnes & Noble are already getting pre-orders,” notes Putkowski. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate. I love to write and people seem to enjoy my stories.” The author will launch his next title at a party at the real Bonk’s Bar, Richmond & Tioga Streets, Philadelphia, in late June.