"An interesting book that allows the reader to reflect on their own actions as they read."
‘Accountability: Facing The Truth To Discover Self-Empowerment’ by Laura Strobel is a work of narrative non-fiction that shows the ramifications of a domestic incident through the American judicial system. An argument that ended in a punch and an aborted phone call to 911 turns Aurora’s life on it’s head when she is arrested for striking her husband. Through the narrative we see her shock and horror at being arrested, her 2 days in custody and the state mandated action required following her release. Aurora hears stories of violently abusive relationships, drug and alcohol dependency and more as she struggles to see the connection between her own situation and those around her. The book’s title ‘Accountability’ leaps out at the page as it slowly dawns that, regardless of her thoughts about those around her, Aurora is responsible for her own actions, actions which led to the consequences she experiences. As an outside reader it is clear to see the shock and denial as Aurora repeatedly asserts the punishment she’s enduring isn’t meant for her. There is irony at her repeatedly balling her fists and feeling fury while protesting that she did nothing wrong and is undeserving of the punishment. It is easy for the reader to relate to Aurora, everyone experiences anger from time to time, and this book shows one of the drastic consequences of not having the tools to properly manage it. Aurora’s denial comes across very strongly at the start of the book and I would have liked to see her feelings of accountability come across equally strongly towards the end of the book. Moments like her final meeting with the probation officer where her inner monologue is quite flippant and she states she has been “vindicated” I thought detracted from the book’s intended message of accountability -being responsible for and accepting the consequences of your own actions, whether you like them or not. This book has been written with honesty and although it has been edited to be a piece of narrative non-fiction it must have taken a great deal of courage to share this story in detail. ‘Accountability’ offers insight into the American judicial system and there are plenty of discussion points, helped by the questions included at the end. An interesting book that allows the reader to reflect on their own actions as they read.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Self Help and Personal Development |
| Recommendations: |
