3 questions for…Dominic Carter

1. Your first book, No Mamma’s Boy, chronicles the horrific emotional and sexual abuse you suffered at the hands of your mentally ill mother [who is now deceased]. What inspired you to share this story?

For someone who has been abused before, it’s like shackles of shame that are around your mind and your hands. I wanted those shackles removed. So I felt like I had an obligation to write this kind of book to help people who are dealing with mental illness and those struggling with abuse. And based on the reaction I’m getting, you’d be surprised at the number of people who have been sexually abused as a child.

2. Most New Yorkers know you as the host of NY1’s Inside City Hall. What story is grabbing your attention these days?

Well, the 2009 mayor’s race is right around the corner. Obviously, I’m paying close attention to Rudy, Hillary and Mike Bloomberg. You’ll notice almost every station in town now has a political unit. Politics has become so cool!

3. You’ve scored major exclusives, including Amadou Diallo’s parents and Nelson Mandela. Is there anyone else you really want to talk to?

Actually there is. The only interview that I have not achieved thus far, and one that I really want, is President Bush. I’m just going to keep trying, but I don’t know—time is running out. [Laughs]—Daniel Derouchie

No Mamma’s Boy is available at iuniverse.com/bookstore, the online Barnes & Noble and Amazon.