Chessy Prout, Jenn Abelson

Chessy Prout and Jenn Abelson are co-authors who collaborated on "I Have the Right To," a memoir published in 2021. Prout is a sexual assault survivor and advocate who became a public figure after speaking out about her experience at St. Paul's School, an elite boarding school in New Hampshire. She waived her anonymity to share her story and push for changes in how institutions handle sexual assault cases. Abelson is an investigative journalist who has worked for major publications including The Boston Globe and The Washington Post. She specializes in reporting on business, healthcare, and social issues. Her journalism background brought research skills and narrative structure to the collaboration. The book recounts Prout's experience as a victim of sexual assault at St. Paul's School and the legal proceedings that followed. The authors present Prout's story alongside broader discussions about consent, institutional responsibility, and the treatment of sexual assault survivors. Their collaboration combines Prout's personal testimony with Abelson's investigative approach to examine systemic issues within elite educational institutions and the justice system.

Readers respond to "I Have the Right To" as both a personal account and a call for institutional change. Many praise Prout's courage in sharing her story and appreciate the book's clear explanation of consent and survivor rights. Readers find the narrative compelling and note that it helps them understand the complexities survivors face when reporting sexual assault. Parents and educators mention using the book to start conversations about consent with teenagers. Some readers appreciate the collaboration between Prout and Abelson, noting that the journalistic perspective adds context to the personal story. Critics point to the book's focus on one specific case and institution, suggesting it may not represent broader experiences. Some readers find certain sections repetitive or feel the pacing drags in places. A few mention that the legal details become dense and difficult to follow. Several readers note that while the book serves an important purpose in raising awareness, they found the reading experience emotionally difficult due to the subject matter.