Monoray signs Price's 'radical, compassionate and groundbreaking' book on shame

Monoray has signed a “radical, compassionate and groundbreaking” book on shame by Devon Price.

Mala Sanghera-Warren, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Unlearning Shame from Rachel Berkowitz, director of foreign rights at Penguin Random House USA, and will publish on 15th February 2024.

Price is a social psychologist, professor, author and proud autistic person whose research has appeared in multiple academic journals, alongside writing for publications including the Financial Times, HuffPost, Jacobin and Slate. His second book explores shame and the role it plays in our lives, empowering readers to claim acceptance for themselves and fight against self-blame, drawing on personal insights, practical exercises and social psychology.

Sanghera-Warren said: “Last April we published Devon’s fantastic book Unmasking Autism, which was warmly embraced by readers around the world as a game changer on neurodiversity. This new book written by Devon is every bit as radical, compassionate and ground-breaking but it tackles a different experience so many of us have felt but not yet given a name to: systemic shame. He brilliantly combines cutting edge social psychology research with an in-depth understanding of our political context and always a very practical eye on changes we can actually make to our lives, and I can’t wait to see how this book breaks new ground for readers.”

Price said: "We are living in overwhelming times, when even the most well-intentioned of individuals feel bombarded by upsetting news they feel powerless to enact any kind of positive change to address. But instead of feeling powerless and blameful, we can reclaim our power.

"By working together, forging stronger, more supportive communities, looking after ourselves and others, and finding our own modest, yet meaningful place in the fight for justice, we can unlearn shame and recognise our place of belonging in the larger social world."