New York Times author plans to rap about forbidden Afghan romance on Feb. 10

New York Times veteran international correspondent and long-time member of the National Press Club Rod Nordland plans to talk about his new book "The Lovers: Afghanistan's Romeo and Juliet, the True Story of How They Defied Their Families and Escaped an Honor Killing" at a Press Club Book Rap on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the NPC's Holeman Lounge.

The event includes an author discussion, questions-and-answers from the audience, and book signing. Tickets are $5 for Press Club members and $10 for the general public. Tickets and advance book purchases are available here. This event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit NPC Journalism Institute. No outside books or memorabilia permitted. Books must be purchased through the National Press Club. All sales are final and no refunds will be issued.

The book tells the true story of a young Afghan couple from different Muslim sects who risk it all for love. People Magazine just named the book to its best new books list, and it's been featured on the New York Times Book Review and on The Diane Rehm show. People called The Lovers a "gripping tale of forbidden romance in a tumultuous, unjust society."

Nordland is the Times's Kabul bureau chief and has reported from more than 150 countries. He worked for Newsweek and The Philadelphia Inquirer before the Times.