Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) addresses the unending epidemic of

• people (think President Bush) who refuse to admit mistakes,
• those who admit mistakes were made and, since they are the head of the organization involved, only begrudgingly admit their guilt by association, and
• the very rare bird indeed - those who are willing to take the blame without any hedging (think President Kennedy and the Bay of Pigs).

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) delves into the fact that if you never come to terms with your own poor choices and their subsequent consequences, then you never learn what it was that you should never have done to begin with and therefore should never do again. The human mind often attempts to “spin” (ooh, yet another election reference) issues to make themselves feel better. The authors make the valid point that you must face it, own it, and then change it to be able to forget it.

With straightforward language and a readable style, Travis and Aronson’s book will open your eyes and improve your life - that is, it will if you let it.