Google executive writing memoir about Egypt revolt

[May 10, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- The Google executive credited with helping to inspire the uprising in Egypt has a seven-figure book deal.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Monday that Wael Ghonim's "Revolution 2.0" would come out Jan. 25. The book generated strong interest last month at the London Book Fair and, according to an industry executive with knowledge of negotiations, bids topped $2 million. The executive was not authorized to discuss financial details and asked not to be identified.

Ghonim is an Egyptian who has overseen Google's marketing in the Middle East and Africa. He became a key part of organizing protests through a Facebook page he started in honor of Khaled Said, a 28-year-old businessman who died in June at the hands of undercover police, a hated institution for many Egyptians.

Soon after rallies began calling for the ouster of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, Ghonim said he was snatched off the street and spent much of his detention blindfolded. Upon his release, he confirmed reports that he was the administrator of the Facebook page.

He is to receive a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in Boston on May 23.

Ghonim announced his sabbatical from Mountain View, Calif.-based Google Inc. last month to write the book. Proceeds will go toward a charity Ghonim founded to fight poverty and encourage education.

[Associated Press; By HILLEL ITALIE]

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