Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
National

Publication of 'tell-all' Rob Ford book delayed until next spring

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Oct, 2014 11:34 AM

    TORONTO - Publication of an "unparalleled tell-all" book written by a former top aide fired by Mayor Rob Ford as his crack-scandal made headlines last year appears to have been quietly pushed back until next spring.

    The book by Mark Towhey had been due out just days before the Oct. 27 municipal election but is now expected May 5, 2015, according to Amazon in the U.S.

    Amazon's Canadian website, however, still carries an Oct. 21 publication date but all other promotional materials have been removed.

    Neither Towhey nor the publisher, New York-based Skyhorse Publishing, responded immediately to requests for comment or to explain the changed dates.

    The initial announcement of the book and its publication date was made just two days before Ford's diagnosis with a rare and aggressive cancer prompted him to opt out of his bid for re-election as mayor and run instead for council.

    In signs of the extraordinary rush to get the book on shelves before the vote, the publisher initially gave as many as three titles for the work.

    Skyhorse appears to have since decided on "Mayor Rob Ford: Uncontrollable: How I Tried to Help the World's Most Notorious Mayor."

    Even so, a cover has yet to be finalized.

    The book promises an "insider'' account of working in the mayor's office as Ford's official life unravelled, according to the publisher's blurb.

    Towhey has mostly stayed quiet about his life as chief of staff to Ford and the events that led to his abrupt dismissal last year as the crack-cocaine scandal exploded and after he apparently told his boss to "get help." He maintained he had to show discretion given the role he had played.

    He also refused to discuss the initial pre-election timing of the work that raised questions about the extent of that discretion.

    The litany of Ford's highly publicized woes made him a household name in much of North America.

    He was caught on camera apparently smoking crack cocaine. He was accused of groping a campaign rival. He was fired as a high school football coach. He admitted to using crack in a "drunken stupor." He used profane language on live television and in rants caught on video. Council stripped him of most of his mayoral powers. He ultimately checked in to rehab earlier this year.

    The mayor is currently undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer and has largely dropped from view since stepping out of the mayoral race — although his councillor brother, Doug, has taken his place as a candidate.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Baloney Meter: Does Canada have falling GHG emissions in a growing economy?

    Baloney Meter: Does Canada have falling GHG emissions in a growing economy?
    OTTAWA - "Under our government, we have lowered greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, been able to grow the economy." — Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the House of Commons, Oct. 7.

    Baloney Meter: Does Canada have falling GHG emissions in a growing economy?

    Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study

    Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study
    A study has found that climate change is forcing hundreds of commercially valuable fish stocks north.

    Climate change forcing fish stocks north: study

    Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name

    Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name
    TORONTO - Conrad Black told Canada's largest securities regulator Friday that he's had "no alternative" but to fight to clear his name of allegations and U.S. criminal convictions that he considers illegitimate.

    Conrad Black testifies he's had 'no alternative' but to fight to clear his name

    Canada and the world losing out because of global trade stalemate: WTO director

    TORONTO - The head of the powerful World Trade Organization says countries around the planet, including Canada, are missing out on the benefits of a stalled global deal to boost international trade.

    Canada and the world losing out because of global trade stalemate: WTO director

    Canadians volunteering for Ebola response; veterans warn it's not for all

    Canadians volunteering for Ebola response; veterans warn it's not for all
    TORONTO - Paul Gully wanted to make a contribution. Eilish Cleary had worked before in West Africa and knew what it takes to work effectively there. And as West Africa's Ebola epidemic continues to evade control, other Canadian health-care workers are assessing the overwhelming need and thinking about whether they too should step forward.

    Canadians volunteering for Ebola response; veterans warn it's not for all

    Manitoba politician says he'll donate controversial severance to charity

    Manitoba politician says he'll donate controversial severance to charity
    WINNIPEG - A member of Parliament who received a severance package when he left provincial politics says he has decided to donate it all to charity.

    Manitoba politician says he'll donate controversial severance to charity