She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement by Jodi Kantor & Megan Twohey
Synopsis
For years, reporters had tried to get to the truth about Harvey Weinstein’s treatment of women. Rumors of wrongdoing had long circulated, and in 2017, when Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey began their investigation for the New York Times, his name was still synonymous with power. But during months of confidential interviews with actresses, former Weinstein employees, and other sources, many disturbing and long-buried allegations were unearthed, and a web of onerous secret payouts and nondisclosure agreements was revealed. When Kantor and Twohey were finally able to convince sources to go on the record, a dramatic final showdown between Weinstein and the New York Timeswas set in motion.
In the tradition of great investigative journalism, She Said tells a thrilling story about the power of truth and reveals the inspiring and affecting journeys of the women who spoke up—for the sake of other women, for future generations, and for themselves.
(From the publisher)
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Reading Group Discussion Questions
- “If the story was not shared, nothing would change.” This is a core message throughout She Said and a foundational message behind the #MeToo movement. What makes sharing our personal stories and experiences so powerful?
- What do you believe is the significance of the title “She Said” in the context of the experiences and power dynamics outlined in the book?
- What were some of the recurring barriers and risks that prevented sexual assault survivors from publicly coming forward against their attackers?
- Attorney Lisa Bloom’s strategy memo advising Harvey Weinstein said, “You should be the hero of the story, not the villain. This is very doable.” What are your reactions to this statement? In the context of people sharing their stories, what does Bloom’s advice say about audiences and perception?
- What parts, if any, of the settlement process surprised you? How do unchecked settlements and strict nondisclosure agreements create an environment that protects predatory behavior?
- Even before testifying, Dr. Ford felt that Kavanaugh would be confirmed to the Supreme Court regardless of her testimony. But what affected her decision to eventually come forward? What were the effects of her testimony on women and the broader culture?
- How can you create a safe space to protect women from sexual harassment—or for women to share their experiences—in the workplace or in your personal life?
(Questions issued by Women for Women International Book Club Series.)
Additional Book Club Resources
Other Works by Jodi Kantor & Megan Twohey
- The Obamas (2011)
- Chasing the Truth: A Young Journalist’s Guide to Investigative Reporting (with Megan Twohey, 2021)
If You Liked She Said, May We Recommend …
Tell me No Lie: Investigative Journalism and Its Triumphs, John Pilger
Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators, Ronan Farrow
Know My Name, A Memoir, Chanel Miller
Rage Becomes Her, The Power of Women’s Anger, Soraya L. Chemaly
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls, Mona Eltahawy
The Witches Are Coming, Lindy West
Assume Nothing, Tanya Selvaratnam
Whisper Network, Chandler Baker
The #metoo Reckoning, Ruth Everhart
Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson
Links of Interest for Your Book Club Discussion
She Said The Book, Official Website
The New York Times Profile Page
NPR, “’She Said’ Follows the Journalists Who Set the #MeToo Movement in Motion”
The New York Historical, “She Said and The World Listened”
Katie Couric Talks with Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
Politics and Prose, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
Times Talks, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
NY Times Journalist Jodi Kantor in conversation with Director Ondi Timoner and Rabbi Rachel Timoner