Penguin Canada to publish HAD IT COMING, Robyn Doolittle's new book on sexual politics, #MeToo, and rape culture

TORONTO, May 10, 2018  /CNW/ - Penguin Canada announces the forthcoming publication of a book on sexual politics by investigative reporter Robyn Doolittle. Doolittle was just named "2017 Journalist of the Year" by the National Newspaper Awards, as well as winner of the National Newspaper Award in the Investigations category for her Globe and Mail series Unfounded. Had It Coming will tell the personal stories of men and women caught in the fraught territory of sexual assault—in and out of the courtroom—and depict the current climate about the meaning of consent and the legal framework around sexual assault. The deal was arranged by agent Martha Webb at CookeMcDermid, and the work will be published in Canada in 2019.

Publishing director Diane Turbide said, "Robyn Doolittle established herself as the go-to person on sexual assault cases with her Globe and Mail series Unfounded. This book takes up from there, as Robyn delves deeply into how warily men and women are treading in the wake of #MeToo. It will show how social media silos influence debate, and look at how the justice system changes to reflect social values—however slowly that may happen. I can't think of anyone better placed to explore these very important and polarizing issues. We're thrilled to be publishing Robyn Doolittle's new book."

Based on extensive interviews with crown attorneys and defence lawyers, with police officers and mental health professionals—and with mothers, daughters, sisters and wives across the generations—Had It Coming will chart the conversations happening around sexual assault and harassment. It will look at changing concepts of femininity and masculinity and deconstruct such headline news as the Aziz Ansari scandal, the Jian Ghomeshi trial, Hollywood's accused and accusors, and matters closer to home at Canadian universities. As a young working professional and new mother, Doolittle knows that women are themselves divided about where the lines are drawn and when a black-and-white issue becomes a grey zone.

Penguin Publisher Nicole Winstanley said, "This is a very timely and important book, and Robyn Doolittle has become a trusted voice. She will bring her considerable abilities to explore a controversial issue that isn't going away. We're tremendously proud of her and especially of this book."  

Robyn Doolittle added, "Whether it's police mishandling of rape cases or sexual harassment or the fact that women still don't earn as much as men — society has been grappling with these issues for decades. Now, for the first time in my lifetime, it feels as if a real shift is underway. That shift is playing out against a backdrop of extreme polarization about the causes and possible solutions.  I'm hopeful that my book will unpack a lot of those arguments, and help clarify people's different perspectives on where we're going and how we should get there."

ROBYN DOOLITTLE is an investigative reporter for The Globe and Mail, whose series, Unfounded, won a National Newspaper Award and prompted police forces across the country to review their procedures on sexual assault cases. In May 2018, she was named 2017 Journalist of the Year by the Canadian National Newspaper Awards organization. Doolittle is the author of the bestseller Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story. She lives in Toronto.

SOURCE Penguin Random House Canada Limited

Kara Carnduff at [email protected] or 416-364-4449.