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Acquitted
I never wanted to be a public figure. I was homeless as a small child and raised in government-subsidized housing. My goal was to be a cop or a paramedic. I went to Kenosha to help my community—not become a whipping boy in the national debate. In less than three minutes, the direction of my life was horribly altered when I was forced to defend myself with deadly force. So much was said and written about me that was not true. Now, for the first time, I want to tell my story. My name is Kyle Rittenhouse. I was attacked. I defended myself. I was prosecuted. I was acquitted.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2023
26 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 22, 2023
There are already too many books written by or about murderers out there do we need another? The answer is no! Any money made from this piece of garbage should go back to the families of the men he murdered and wounded.
May 25, 2024
Unoriginal title. Not really surprised that he couldn’t come up with a better title. And it’s a great one-sided story. Not really factual, just his “truth”.
Can’t wait to hear from all the butthurt snowflakes who defend him and his book.
Can’t wait to hear from all the butthurt snowflakes who defend him and his book.
December 5, 2023
This is my first book review ever, but I have to.. I’m in similar age as Kyle and wow! It is so inspiring to see someone that young handling a horrible situation that well. Even though I expected this book to be raw and honest, it still exceeded my expectations. Kyle, I wish you only the best in your life. And I mean it truly and deeply.
May 27, 2024
I’m the biggest hater
I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress
I hate the way that suck as a human
I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress
I hate the way that suck as a human
November 28, 2023
The Myth, The Boy, The Man
In a world where values are turned upside-down, a world where children can be exploited or abused for power or profit, a world where politics can easily trump justice, a world where factions at opposite extremes create myths to fit their agendas, the voice of a child is heard telling the truth behind a tragic path to manhood and connectedness with God. Acquitted: The story of the myth, the boy, the man - Kyle Rittenhouse.
In a world where values are turned upside-down, a world where children can be exploited or abused for power or profit, a world where politics can easily trump justice, a world where factions at opposite extremes create myths to fit their agendas, the voice of a child is heard telling the truth behind a tragic path to manhood and connectedness with God. Acquitted: The story of the myth, the boy, the man - Kyle Rittenhouse.
June 26, 2025
It is an easy read, but also a bad one.
June 25, 2025
So it took three people to cobble together this blatant cash grab? But apparently no one was available to edit it. Sad trombone.
January 30, 2024
As much as I want to give 5 stars, I can’t!
Kyle, I have followed your trial from day one and I bawled my eyes out when the verdict was read. You deserve to be free and I am proud of you for using your platform to speak up for gun rights. You’re such a strong young man and that is admirable.
However, putting your family’s and friends’ personal business that had NOTHING to do with the trial was uncalled for. You know first hand how it feels to have your name dragged through the mud, and it’s disappointing you would do that to others, especially to those who stood behind you. I know you’re only 21 years old, but as you get older, you will learn there are things money can’t buy. Family and TRUE friends are just a few of them. Make amends, because even though they still love you, they’re clearly hurt by this.
This isn’t hate, this is just trying to get you back to reality. Be proud of your success, but please remember who stood by you. I wish you all the best.
Love,
Kimberly, aka Conservative Goth Girl 🇺🇸🖤
Kyle, I have followed your trial from day one and I bawled my eyes out when the verdict was read. You deserve to be free and I am proud of you for using your platform to speak up for gun rights. You’re such a strong young man and that is admirable.
However, putting your family’s and friends’ personal business that had NOTHING to do with the trial was uncalled for. You know first hand how it feels to have your name dragged through the mud, and it’s disappointing you would do that to others, especially to those who stood behind you. I know you’re only 21 years old, but as you get older, you will learn there are things money can’t buy. Family and TRUE friends are just a few of them. Make amends, because even though they still love you, they’re clearly hurt by this.
This isn’t hate, this is just trying to get you back to reality. Be proud of your success, but please remember who stood by you. I wish you all the best.
Love,
Kimberly, aka Conservative Goth Girl 🇺🇸🖤
December 9, 2023
I was anxious to hear Kyle's voice because I figured that the media distorted everything. And I believe truly that it has.
I believe Kyle's voice to be genuine. Kyle was NOT a privileged teenager. He was naive. He was a kid in rough circumstances trying to help, trying to do something good but drawn into something terrible by what I would consider to be a lack of wisdom.
This book reflects a true American tragedy. Nobody comes out the winner except maybe the press, and the "legal advisors" who used Kyle for their own gain. But in the end I suspect they will become losers, too.
I believe Kyle's voice to be genuine. Kyle was NOT a privileged teenager. He was naive. He was a kid in rough circumstances trying to help, trying to do something good but drawn into something terrible by what I would consider to be a lack of wisdom.
This book reflects a true American tragedy. Nobody comes out the winner except maybe the press, and the "legal advisors" who used Kyle for their own gain. But in the end I suspect they will become losers, too.
April 1, 2024
I purchased this book to support Kyle (and still do), so my negative review is not motivated by political animus as so many other reviewers clearly are.
That being said, the book is terribly written and marred by so many spelling and formatting errors it seems as though it wasn’t proofread at all.
As someone who watched the trial unfold I was hoping for more details that we didn’t already know and there is very little in that regard.
That being said, the book is terribly written and marred by so many spelling and formatting errors it seems as though it wasn’t proofread at all.
As someone who watched the trial unfold I was hoping for more details that we didn’t already know and there is very little in that regard.
June 13, 2024
kyle is awesome. glad he’s walking free 🫶🏼
July 9, 2025
So now murderers think it’s okay to write books now? If I never see anything about Kyle Rittenhouse again, I’ll be so happy. There are no excuses for what he did. Why was this trash book even written. He should be in jail; not out in the community and writing a book.
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June 25, 2025I am strongly opposed to this book, which I believe glorifies Rittenhouse's reprehensible actions. His attempts to profit from his crimes are a slap in the face to the victims and their families. Furthermore, his behavior is symptomatic of a broader societal issue, where vigilantism is tolerated and even encouraged in certain circles. This is particularly concerning in the context of Trump's America, where the rule of law is often disregarded and minority communities are targeted by extremist groups.
August 10, 2024
Amazing Story, about and by an amazing young man
On the day, 12-jurors were about to decide Kyle Rittenhouse's fate, I prayed that he would be ACQUITTED, because I didn't let the FakeNews, tell me what occurred that night, but instead I researched all the facts myself, and felt that he not only acted in self defense, but that we went to Kenosha with good intentions. The Power of Prayer is real, and after reading this book, I know my prayers for him were justified, and I now know why God answered those prayers. I highly recommend this book
On the day, 12-jurors were about to decide Kyle Rittenhouse's fate, I prayed that he would be ACQUITTED, because I didn't let the FakeNews, tell me what occurred that night, but instead I researched all the facts myself, and felt that he not only acted in self defense, but that we went to Kenosha with good intentions. The Power of Prayer is real, and after reading this book, I know my prayers for him were justified, and I now know why God answered those prayers. I highly recommend this book
April 5, 2024
He excluded some pretty damning information about himself but his former "image crafter" is releasing those details, too sickened by the manipulative monster he created to keep silent.
Rittenhouse failed his ASVAB so badly he was permanently disqualified. He's been described as "a middle school dropout who was “angry at the world” with a history of violence and an unhealthy obsession with guns and killing". Mr. Hancock posted texts to back up his claims, and I'm sure he has more than just this and the disgusting photo above.
This book was written by a kid with no education and a history of violence, a kid who has been seen happily photographed posing with white nationalists in bars he was too young to be drinking in. He's a liar and anyone who believes he's a good little boy is sus.
Rittenhouse had been looking for victims for months. He may have been acquitted this time but a middle school dropout who is fixated on violence and boozing isn't going to make it far no matter how much money the extreme right throws at him. His team blew threw millions to make this kid presentable on the stand, and in the end he wasted every opportunity handed to him. Now he's actually out here trying to influence politics? Oh look, another grift, is anyone shocked?
I recommend reading David Hancock's Twitter posts instead of this book, you'll get a more accurate idea of the kind of person Rittenhouse really is.
Rittenhouse failed his ASVAB so badly he was permanently disqualified. He's been described as "a middle school dropout who was “angry at the world” with a history of violence and an unhealthy obsession with guns and killing". Mr. Hancock posted texts to back up his claims, and I'm sure he has more than just this and the disgusting photo above.
This book was written by a kid with no education and a history of violence, a kid who has been seen happily photographed posing with white nationalists in bars he was too young to be drinking in. He's a liar and anyone who believes he's a good little boy is sus.
Rittenhouse had been looking for victims for months. He may have been acquitted this time but a middle school dropout who is fixated on violence and boozing isn't going to make it far no matter how much money the extreme right throws at him. His team blew threw millions to make this kid presentable on the stand, and in the end he wasted every opportunity handed to him. Now he's actually out here trying to influence politics? Oh look, another grift, is anyone shocked?
I recommend reading David Hancock's Twitter posts instead of this book, you'll get a more accurate idea of the kind of person Rittenhouse really is.
January 25, 2024
Anyone picking up this book probably already has an opinion whether Kyle Rittenhouse is a hero or a murderer. Both groups are likely to be disappointed. I wanted to know what brought Kyle to Kenosha and how his attackers managed to isolate him away from the group he was with? Instead, Kyle spends the first ten chapters of his book fending off accusations that he was a middle-class suburban kid, recounting stories of his alcoholic dad and "not good with money" mom with all the focus of a high school student writing about why he wants to become an EMT.
This book would have benefitted greatly from a two-page summary of the event that made Kyle famous, right at the beginning. Instead, the first chapter teases you with details of his incarceration, leading into a narrative wherein he repeatedly writes "but I'm getting ahead of myself". Interested readers may simply want to read chapter 11: "Three Minutes", to understand what happened. The second half is more interesting, but still frustrating in that events are not described chronologically so much as when Kyle becomes aware of them.
It wasn't until later I realized that Kyle may be teasing us deliberately. He knows we don't actually care about a 17-year-old kid who grew up on the Illinois-Wisconsin border so much as we want to use his face to boost our preferred narrative about gun control and the BLM riots. This book is Kyle's only chance to make you listen to his coming of age story, even if it's not what you wanted to hear. A young man's life has been changed forever because he decided to get involved and found himself over his head. Now he's our poster child, but if this book makes one thing clear it's that Kyle Rittenhouse never wanted to be famous.
This book would have benefitted greatly from a two-page summary of the event that made Kyle famous, right at the beginning. Instead, the first chapter teases you with details of his incarceration, leading into a narrative wherein he repeatedly writes "but I'm getting ahead of myself". Interested readers may simply want to read chapter 11: "Three Minutes", to understand what happened. The second half is more interesting, but still frustrating in that events are not described chronologically so much as when Kyle becomes aware of them.
It wasn't until later I realized that Kyle may be teasing us deliberately. He knows we don't actually care about a 17-year-old kid who grew up on the Illinois-Wisconsin border so much as we want to use his face to boost our preferred narrative about gun control and the BLM riots. This book is Kyle's only chance to make you listen to his coming of age story, even if it's not what you wanted to hear. A young man's life has been changed forever because he decided to get involved and found himself over his head. Now he's our poster child, but if this book makes one thing clear it's that Kyle Rittenhouse never wanted to be famous.
December 30, 2023
In so proud of you!
I have stayed with you through everything. I put in one of my comments somewhere along the way that I think it's because you remind me of my son, in looks. Lol. I loved this book. I was drawn to pray for.you through everything and I felt.your growth happening. One thing.I've learned in my 54 years.of.life changes, tragedies and hardships is that God covers His children. He cannot control the free will thrust on us by others but He will always use circumstances for our good and His glory. So keep learning His word and listening. He will guide you, even if the path is not always a direct one. As you've learned, as He handled with your attorneys. He allowed you to learn that lesson. Trust His process and not your own. The late pastor, Dr. Stanley, shared a very freeing statement, Obedience is your job, Outcome is Gods. He carries out burdens until we rip them back from His hand. Faith And trust. And ignore any bad reviews of this book! Its a great view of the truth of what you experienced. I'm so glad you wrote it and shared it with us all. I loved it! And again, I'm very proud of you. God bless you.
I have stayed with you through everything. I put in one of my comments somewhere along the way that I think it's because you remind me of my son, in looks. Lol. I loved this book. I was drawn to pray for.you through everything and I felt.your growth happening. One thing.I've learned in my 54 years.of.life changes, tragedies and hardships is that God covers His children. He cannot control the free will thrust on us by others but He will always use circumstances for our good and His glory. So keep learning His word and listening. He will guide you, even if the path is not always a direct one. As you've learned, as He handled with your attorneys. He allowed you to learn that lesson. Trust His process and not your own. The late pastor, Dr. Stanley, shared a very freeing statement, Obedience is your job, Outcome is Gods. He carries out burdens until we rip them back from His hand. Faith And trust. And ignore any bad reviews of this book! Its a great view of the truth of what you experienced. I'm so glad you wrote it and shared it with us all. I loved it! And again, I'm very proud of you. God bless you.
December 21, 2023
I actually have the paperback version; I'm not sure why I can't change that. I specify the version because there are some formatting oddities that are distracting.
There is also a little too much repetition.
That said, as expected, this is Rittenhouse's story in his voice. Most of the facts of the shooting were covered in the trial, so if you watched that, you already know what happened; there's not much new. But the reader learns quite a bit about his earlier life and his family, and a little bit about his life after the trial. I do think it's useful to read regardless of what you think you know and it's clear that some reviewers have not. If nothing else, there's a lesson in the propaganda of the media as well as the scourge of grifters descending on the newly and reluctantly famous.
I read it in one sitting, just a couple of hours; it was a very easy read.
There is also a little too much repetition.
That said, as expected, this is Rittenhouse's story in his voice. Most of the facts of the shooting were covered in the trial, so if you watched that, you already know what happened; there's not much new. But the reader learns quite a bit about his earlier life and his family, and a little bit about his life after the trial. I do think it's useful to read regardless of what you think you know and it's clear that some reviewers have not. If nothing else, there's a lesson in the propaganda of the media as well as the scourge of grifters descending on the newly and reluctantly famous.
I read it in one sitting, just a couple of hours; it was a very easy read.
June 17, 2025
Two stars. A bit pricey for what it is, although I'm not the best judge, as I don't do a lot of shopping. The pages were single-ply, and not very absorbent. There was writing on a lot of them, but I don't believe the ink came off, thank goodness.
Not really your standard product. Even for single-ply, I expect a bit more "give" when I'm cleaning up back there; this was far thicker than most product of its kind I've used. It comes in a non-traditional form, as well - not on a roll with a continuous feed, just sheets you detach from a firm sideboard, without perforations.
Without (hopefully) getting too graphic, the smudge factor was high, and it took a lot more sheets than I expected to get relatively clean. Felt like I needed a shower after using it even one time.
Not horrible, but not great. I'll go back to my Charmin.
Not really your standard product. Even for single-ply, I expect a bit more "give" when I'm cleaning up back there; this was far thicker than most product of its kind I've used. It comes in a non-traditional form, as well - not on a roll with a continuous feed, just sheets you detach from a firm sideboard, without perforations.
Without (hopefully) getting too graphic, the smudge factor was high, and it took a lot more sheets than I expected to get relatively clean. Felt like I needed a shower after using it even one time.
Not horrible, but not great. I'll go back to my Charmin.
May 4, 2024
I have a ton of respect for Kyle Rittenhouse. This book is proof on how much the media lies and deceives us. Nothing about what was described about Kyle in those days after he defended himself were true or very over exaggerated. I am not a very political person but one thing that I can not stand for is the media. It divides us and lies to us everyday.
Moving on, I enjoyed reading about Kyle and his experiences. I am very happy that he was rightfully acquitted and gets to live on with his life. As someone who is diagnosed with PTSD, I can relate to the feelings, emoting, and experience that Kyle has went through and still goes through. I truly wish nothing the best for him.
Moving on, I enjoyed reading about Kyle and his experiences. I am very happy that he was rightfully acquitted and gets to live on with his life. As someone who is diagnosed with PTSD, I can relate to the feelings, emoting, and experience that Kyle has went through and still goes through. I truly wish nothing the best for him.
October 20, 2024
I knew some of Kyle Rittenhouse's history from new sources like Breitbart and Townhall. I also decided early on that he was being railroaded for political reasons. I was so thankful when he was acquitted of all charges. The fact that he was even charged was wrong. This book took me inside Kyle Rittenhouse. I found a man much like me. Poor childhood and a desire to do better. The book explains how he has learned the lessons of politics the hard way and has come out the other end ready to do better. I pray he will be successful at whatever he does. This is a must-read for every God-loving American.
July 28, 2025
This was one I wanted to read being local to the area and remembering everything happening as it was going down. Seeing everything play out on FB live and the news stations to reading about the local spots in the book made it more interesting to me than most would because there wasn't much new information on what happened. If you followed the trial or read about it, you would know a majority of what this book is about and it would probably fall short.
Took a star off for the really, really bad editing that this book has. If you need an editor, I would gladly do it!
Took a star off for the really, really bad editing that this book has. If you need an editor, I would gladly do it!
December 31, 2025
A fascinating read for anyone who followed the Kenosha riots and Kyles situation. It's not written in any artsy style. It doesn't flow well. Numerous times information I already had was repeated. It reads like it was written by the protagonist. This isn't a puff piece either. The author is very open about his struggles and his regrets. Throughout the narrative he notes where he was stupid and would have done things differently. The book isn't entertaining, but it is informative and a must read for those that were invested in the Kenosha situation on either side.
February 5, 2024
Self grandizing
This guy we all have to live your choices whether this author gets it or not if he didn't illegally have someone purchased a weapon for.teenager this mess would have never happened I grew up in bad situations but I didn't go purchase a gun and use it it was an interesting read but too much poor Kyle now I am going to grab another book to get a different perspective.
This guy we all have to live your choices whether this author gets it or not if he didn't illegally have someone purchased a weapon for.teenager this mess would have never happened I grew up in bad situations but I didn't go purchase a gun and use it it was an interesting read but too much poor Kyle now I am going to grab another book to get a different perspective.
December 27, 2023
Interesting insights into both what happened and his life before. The formatting was off a bit, suggesting the paperback wasn't the first method of print, but still a decent read about a kid whose life went sideways in a matter of minutes
April 16, 2024
The Truth
I truly hope that Kyle Rittenhouse can find peace away from the irrational narrative that the media created at his expense. Thank God for that jury. There is justice in the world if we look toward seeking the Truth.
Anne Wilson
I truly hope that Kyle Rittenhouse can find peace away from the irrational narrative that the media created at his expense. Thank God for that jury. There is justice in the world if we look toward seeking the Truth.
Anne Wilson
June 26, 2025
This manchild is not a patriot, he’s a murderer and a disgrace, who deserves no place in politics or on a bookshelf. If I could give 0 stars, I would.
This country is a laughing stock in the most harrowing way.
This country is a laughing stock in the most harrowing way.
June 26, 2025
Acquitted is a self-congratulatory PR job that dodges the hard questions, bulldozes nuance, and still can’t hold a mass audience’s attention. If you want complexity, read the trial coverage; if you want catharsis, skip the book and scream into the void—it’s faster and costs nothing.
December 2, 2023
This murdering MAGA idiot got off and now is trying to profit from it. He is what is wrong with America today.
December 6, 2023
It was alright, very reaching at times but overall factual in the basis of it. Not a re-read.
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