Scan barcode
livvylivvybowbivvy's review against another edition
5.0
I usually don’t write reviews of books, but this one I have to. I’ve seen people criticize various parts of the book — the length, the repetition, the style of writing, and if those things are not to your liking, I can’t blame you for that. However, I think it’s a very accurate depiction of the highs and lows of trauma. It can be extremely difficult to make a non linear story captivating and line up with the events of your life without making it quite long. The details, the emotions, that IS real life after trauma, and I feel that was the most important part. Chanel is an incredible human being, representing so many victims everywhere who were expected too much of considering they were the ones to endure the horror. I applaud her for using her voice and traction how so many people wish they could, or wish they would reach. The promised land of judicial Justice, as she described, is not all that great, but it is an ongoing battle. I think regardless if you like the writing of the book or not, this is an important read for every single person out there, I think everyone can gain something from this. And lastly, if you are upset about her political opinions being in this book, agree or disagree, I find that a very shallow reason to one star this entire memoir of someone’s life. To each their own in that aspect, I have no space to argue. And for those who can get past that possible disagreement, there is SO much to gain from this other than political parties; It is political from beginning to end, and that has to be accepted. 10 stars.
elocoel's review against another edition
5.0
My eyes are still teary as I am writing this review.
In Know My Name, we read Chanel Miller re-gain her voice, her identity stripped off her. While talking about her assault, Miller does it in a way that turns the light back at herself, as uncomfortable as it may be, to remind people that this is her story. She is the victim, not the rapist with "too much potential." It disgusts me even to type that; I cannot imagine how hard this journey must have been for her, in between the lines I've read and in the many that went unwritten.
Miller adds anecdotes from her life, from the news worldwide, from what she's heard and what she's read to enrich her story to a level impossible to do justice while explaining. She tackles much more than her own story; she sheds light on society's view of women, how to be a "good victim," how the rape culture affects us in millions of little ways we don't even realize. She writes to teach us that rape is not just a sexually motivated crime; it is much, much more. It is a matter of power; it is political, the society is political, the justice system that works to silence the ones not privileged enough is political.
I cannot say much other than Know My Name is a stunning memoir that I believe everybody has to put on their to-read list. And to Chanel, and all the other people out there, that have a hard time feeling safe, raising their voice, coming forward, we are here. We will be here, and we will have your backs forever and ever. You are not alone, and you can go through this.
In Know My Name, we read Chanel Miller re-gain her voice, her identity stripped off her. While talking about her assault, Miller does it in a way that turns the light back at herself, as uncomfortable as it may be, to remind people that this is her story. She is the victim, not the rapist with "too much potential." It disgusts me even to type that; I cannot imagine how hard this journey must have been for her, in between the lines I've read and in the many that went unwritten.
Miller adds anecdotes from her life, from the news worldwide, from what she's heard and what she's read to enrich her story to a level impossible to do justice while explaining. She tackles much more than her own story; she sheds light on society's view of women, how to be a "good victim," how the rape culture affects us in millions of little ways we don't even realize. She writes to teach us that rape is not just a sexually motivated crime; it is much, much more. It is a matter of power; it is political, the society is political, the justice system that works to silence the ones not privileged enough is political.
I cannot say much other than Know My Name is a stunning memoir that I believe everybody has to put on their to-read list. And to Chanel, and all the other people out there, that have a hard time feeling safe, raising their voice, coming forward, we are here. We will be here, and we will have your backs forever and ever. You are not alone, and you can go through this.
lorenek15's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, Alcohol, and Racism
babyv's review against another edition
4.5
*4.5 rounded up.
i think this memoir is a very important one. i think Chanel’s case is probably similar to that of a lot of women’s. i appreciate her sharing her experience with the justice system because she shows us first hand why so many victims never pursue justice. the system is re-traumatizing and so often doesn’t provide a fair outcome. i think her story will be widely relatable and helpful for other people who have been through similar things.
my only complaint was that i felt the book could’ve been edited down just a smidge- there were a few times where i felt like i was hearing the same thing over and over again or we were spending a lot of time on a a tangent that didn’t quite connect.
i think this memoir is a very important one. i think Chanel’s case is probably similar to that of a lot of women’s. i appreciate her sharing her experience with the justice system because she shows us first hand why so many victims never pursue justice. the system is re-traumatizing and so often doesn’t provide a fair outcome. i think her story will be widely relatable and helpful for other people who have been through similar things.
my only complaint was that i felt the book could’ve been edited down just a smidge- there were a few times where i felt like i was hearing the same thing over and over again or we were spending a lot of time on a a tangent that didn’t quite connect.
moonspluvia's review against another edition
5.0
Wow… just wow. I am so grateful to have read this book. I have learned so much about rape survivors, the justice system, trauma and healing, and so much more. This book was visceral, and to the point, but there was also so much heart and humanity in it as well. This book truly needs to be required reading for everyone!!
pmrichard1's review against another edition
5.0
I put off reading this for a long time because I knew it would be difficult but I’m very glad I finally did. Truly a perfect book, I only wish the people who really need to read it would.