Becoming the Brave One

My Journey to Justice

Non-Fiction - Memoir
153 Pages
Reviewed on 08/10/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Becoming the Brave One by Amanda Carrasco is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery. The book is divided into two parts: the first recounts the harrowing experiences of abuse, loss, and adversity that shaped Carrasco’s early life, while the second focuses on her path to recovery and the pursuit of justice, both personal and communal. The memoir also explores her commitment to restorative justice, a practice that emphasizes healing and accountability over punishment. Her experiences with restorative justice, including her meeting with the man who murdered her family, highlight the transformative power of empathy and understanding.

Amanda Carrasco’s narrative is raw and unflinching, offering readers an intimate look at the challenges she faced, including childhood abuse, family dysfunction, and the devastating loss of loved ones. Her ability to confront these painful memories and share them with honesty is both courageous and inspiring. The inclusion of trigger warnings throughout the text ensures that readers can approach sensitive topics with care. Carrasco emphasizes the importance of relationships in the healing process. She candidly discusses her struggles with self-worth, her efforts to build healthier connections, and the role of supportive friendships in her journey. Her reflections on parenting and the lessons she learned from her children add to the narrative. Becoming the Brave One is a powerful story of transformation and hope. Carrasco’s ability to turn her pain into purpose and her dedication to helping others make this memoir a meaningful read for anyone interested in personal growth, justice, or the human capacity to overcome adversity.