LITERARY LOCAL | Danica Hubbard of Naperville

AUTHOR OF SEX OFFENDER: MY FATHER'S SECRETS, MY SECRET SHAME

NAPERVILLE–Dr. Danica Hubbard, English Professor at College of DuPage, lived for many years with a secret. Her adult world was turned upside down with shock and disbelief the day she found out her father, her family rock, was arrested as a child sexual offender. This began a journey of enormous emotional turmoil with many layers, made even more difficult as she was a mother of two young daughters at the time of his prison conviction. Years later, she has published her first book to help others who may experience similar pain. “After my father died in a prison hospice, I sought to tackle this taboo topic with reflection, clarity and honesty,” says Dr. Hubbard. “I realized it was time to acknowledge the shame I experienced during my father’s incarceration.”

Sex Offender: My Father’s Secrets, My Secret Shame is a unique true crime story combining a brave memoir with academic research and integrating thoughtful discussions regarding sexual misconduct, offenders, victims, treatments and policy implications. “I started research for my book by transcribing 500 letters I exchanged with my father while he was in prison,” Dr. Hubbard explains. These letters and the many interviews with her father’s former attorneys, family members, victims of sex abuse, and sex offenders came together for a deeper look into understanding criminal behavior and a glimpse into the pain that families of sex offenders endure. “The book is about repercussions, relationships and resilience,” says Dr. Hubbard. “This book can ignite hope for families and friends of incarcerated loved ones.”

Sex Offender: My Father’s Secrets, My Secret Shame can be purchased on Amazon, Apple iTunes store, Google Play or Barnes & Noble. A portion of each book sale will be donated to the non-profit organization Prevent Child Abuse America.

LITERARY LOCALS

NAPERVILLE

DUPAGE