The Truth About You
Here’s a book that earns every exclamation point: The Truth About You by Michael Clark is gripping, gutsy, and brimming with tough questions.
And you know we love One More Exclamation (point)!
About The Truth About You
When their mother remains with her husband after an assault, sisters Lucy and Meg decide to record what really happens at home. The camera doesn’t deliver easy answers—it exposes contradictions that force Lucy to rethink justice, loyalty, and the narratives we’re taught about abuse. With sharp psychological insight and literary weight, this novel refuses to look away.
About the Author
Michael Clark is the founder of the Ananias Foundation, a nonprofit working with those who have caused harm to end domestic violence at its source. A former offender who transformed his life, he writes (and leads) with uncommon candor and compassion. He’s also the author of From Villain to Hero.
Author’s Q&A – The Truth About You
How did you research your book?
Unfortunately, I lived through situations like those in The Truth About You – on the side of the abuser and abused. I hear hundreds of stories from our clients at the Ananias Foundation, and the circumstances described are a composite of their stories as well. As part of my work, I invest significant time keeping up with the research, thought leaders, laws, and best practices surrounding the subject of domestic violence and abuse.
What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why?
Meg was the most difficult character to write about, as she represented everything The Truth About You was written to challenge. Her hold on the narrative about domestic violence, despite the evidence in front of her that refuted her assessment. Still, I wanted to give Meg depth as a human being, and none are all bad or all good. Balancing her slavish loyalty to the unhelpful narrative with positives was challenging. Like trying to say something nice about your enemy.
Where do you get your ideas?
The situations and dialogue were easy as part of life experience. The settings were modeled after locations found in the Des Moines, IA area, where I live. The hidden camera idea stemmed from arguments I had with my now ex-wife. I knew if there was a hidden camera, people would see a different (and balanced) version than what she claimed. I never installed cameras, but I seriously considered it.
Why did you choose this setting?
They say write what you know, so choosing Des Moines, Iowa, as my setting (renamed Veritas Falls) was easy. Plus, because domestic violence affects regular people, I wanted ordinary characters, living in an ordinary place, and middle America is as ordinary as you can get.
What sets your book apart from others in your genre?
There are so many novels that contain scenes where domestic violence or abuse happens. Nearly all of them follow the standard script—the stereotypical story of the abusive and controlling man and the innocent woman victim. Yet that story is the minority of domestic violence cases. Women abuse men at similar rates, around half of abusive relationships are mutually abusive. Abuse, when it happens, doesn’t always continue, and abusers do change. This more accurate story is the one told in The Truth About You.
What helps you overcome writer’s block?
I honestly never faced writer’s block. This story rattled around in my head for years, so I had what seemed like an endless supply of ideas to include. I’m also a writer who outlines extensively, so I began with a very high-level outline, then created more detailed outlines of where I wanted the story to go. Writing was more of a process of fleshing out the outlines.
What’s your favorite compliment you’ve received as a writer?
When I hear from readers that I describe situations and characters they strongly relate to, and as a result, give them a voice they never felt they had.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Anything chocolate
What are you binge-watching right now?
I watch very little television, but the last series I watched from start to finish was Breaking Bad.
All Things Bookish
If you love all things bookish—new releases, fun reviews, author spotlights, and of course, giveaways galore—then you’ll definitely want to join our newsletter! Twice a month, I’ll pop into your inbox with book buzz, cozy recommendations, and chances to snag some fun freebies. Think of it as your little reading escape delivered straight to you.
Don’t miss out—sign up today and let’s share the book love!