Title: Cowboy to Courtroom

Author: Billy Strickland II

Genre: Memoir/Self-Help

 

In Cowboy to Courtroom, Strickland shares his remarkable story together with the motivations that drove his trajectory from a wild country boy to a hugely successful attorney with his own practice, real estate, and political clout.

Like its author, Cowboy to Courtroom is a force of nature. It tears through the reader like a hurricane and Strickland’s refreshing attitude lingers long after the final page.

Cowboy to Courtroom has four parts that roughly correspond to the different directions that Strickland’s life takes. Each section has several chapters, and at the end of these, Strickland consolidates his life lessons and tenets in a straightforward address to himself and the reader.

Strickland’s biological father was an abusive man who gave him up for adoption to an equally-violent, alcoholic stepfather and psychologically abusive mother. Unsurprisingly, Strickland’s early life was devoid of any compassion, love, and trust.

Strickland explores this brutal childhood in Part One. He is blisteringly honest without overt judgment or self-pity. It was a tough upbringing but, from a reader’s point of view, a supremely interesting and moving one. Consequently, Parts One and Two of Cowboy to Courtroom read like a compelling coming-of-age novel.

There are flashes of dark humor and a raw, unpredictable edge to Strickland’s writing, which mirrors his personality at this time. However, it’s abundantly clear that not only is Strickland whip-smart, but he also possesses a steely determination and acute self-awareness.

Events from his formative years tumble over each other and are relayed at breakneck, scattered speed. Occasionally, it’s too dizzying, but the driving, untamed energy of the narrative perfectly complements the young Strickland as he forges ahead with the guidance of some wonderfully genuine characters, such as grizzled, old, biker Lonnie.

Damaging and deficient as his early years were, he maintains a truly relentless work ethic and thanks to the kindness of strangers, such as friend Rocky’s mother, Cynthia, he learns patience. Correspondingly, this section of the book is more thoughtful and slower in pace with a broad brush of introspection.

Nonetheless, Strickland realizes that he needs to channel his anger and spends the next two tumultuous years bull-riding on the rodeo circuit with something of a death wish as he repeatedly batters and breaks his body.

As before, his prose subtly reflects the period. Shot through with colloquialisms, a devil-may-care attitude, and complete authenticity, it’s an engrossing read, especially as the reader can’t help but wonder how this reckless, irresponsible cowboy is going to turn his life around.

However, as Part Two draws to a close, Strickland’s marriage to Jennifer gives him that focus and purpose. He works a staggering array of jobs to put himself through law school and his relationship with Jennifer’s father, Jack, strengthens his burgeoning interest in Christianity.

Strickland’s confidence is infectious and he iterates that if he can do it, anyone can by dint of sheer hard work, doing the right thing, and refusing to let fear of failure limit you. Parts Three and Four capably demonstrate this not only through his staggering successes but also through his handling of various setbacks.

It’s rousing stuff, yet Strickland is not above recognizing his faults, aware he can be too uncompromising or blunt. He is quite strident in his political and religious views and, sporadically, this area of the book does become slightly evangelical in tone.

Cowboy to Courtroom is a compulsively good read. Entertaining, candid, and well-written, Strickland’s ruthless tenacity and positive single-mindedness in the face of overwhelming odds provide for an inspirational and exhilarating account of a fascinating, complex man and his journey so far.

 

 

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