You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
ronanmcd's review
4.75
The real kicker for me amongst it all were the double standards, especially in the eyes of the system. Partying made the author responsible for her share of blame for her attack, while partying made her attacker a regular, innocent boy. At every step there was so much wrong headedness fully baked into the system.
Graphic: Sexual violence, Suicide, and Grief
silver_lining_in_a_book's review against another edition
5.0
I survived because I remained soft, because I listened, because I wrote. Because I huddled close to my truth, protected it like a tiny flame in a terrible storm. Hold up your head when the tears come, when you are mocked, insulted, questioned, threatened, when they tell you you are nothing, when your body is reduced to openings. The journey will be longer than you imagined, trauma will find you again and again. Do not become the ones who hurt you. Stay tender with your power. Never fight to injure, fight to uplift. Fight because you know that in this life, you deserve safety, joy, and freedom. Fight because it is your life. Not anyone else’s. I did it, I am here. Looking back, all the ones who doubted or hurt or nearly conquered me faded away, and I am the only one standing. So now, the time has come. I dust myself off, and go on.
This is one of the most powerful, heart-wrenching memoirs I have ever read. It took me some time to get into it, particularly due to the seemingly monotonous voice Miller used at the start of the audiobook. Only later did I figure out that this was part of the experience; as the book went along, Miller's pain, confusion and disappointment with the justice system came across more and more. She beautifully captures the fight against self-loathing and self-isolation that many experience to different degrees but very few can put into words quite like her.
I think this is not something recent survivors or people who are too empathetic or compassionate should necessarily push themselves to read. It is such an important book, but don't rush it - read it when you are ready, you won't regret waiting. Some may also find it to be hard to get through, but I would recommend pushing through, the end (which is only the beginning of a new stage of Miller's life) is worth it. Finally, another complaint might be that the book is repetitive or too graphic, but again I think that this serves a purpose. It mirrors the invasive and cyclical nature of the court system; it's dry, continuous, tedious and far too invasive for the victims.
Overall, I do not find that it would be right for me to criticise this book. It did what it was written to do and it did so lyrically, emotionally and incredibly truthfully. It cannot receive anything less than 5/5 stars.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Suicide, Vomit, and Mass/school shootings
Minor: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Medical content, Grief, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
sarah_hutchins's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Grief
Minor: Gun violence, Suicide, and Mass/school shootings
han_leigh_v's review
5.0
Graphic: Rape
Minor: Body shaming, Cursing, Hate crime, Racism, Rape, Medical content, and Grief
bdilley28's review against another edition
5.0
Favorite Quote: "It is not a question of if you will survive this, but what beautiful things await you when you do."
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
kimboklaer's review
5.0
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Sexual assault
Chanel tells her story with a lot of grace and refrains from graphic details. There were some moments in which I felt triggered (to move toward depression) by the weight and sadness of her experience.ksuazo94's review
5.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Racial slurs and Gaslighting
Minor: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, and Classism
questingnotcoasting's review against another edition
5.0
Miller writes about her experience with such grace and strength, as well as the rage you'd expect. It's such an important book and it made me absolutely furious at the justice system. I remember reading Miller's victim impact statement when it was released and her book has the same power. I'd put off reading it because I knew it would be challenging but I'm so glad I did finally pick it up. She doesn't shy away from the realities of dealing with trauma and depression but it's also hopeful and much funnier than I was expecting. I've been following her on Instagram for a long time and really enjoy her illustrations and am so looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Mass/school shootings
alexisgarcia's review
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
vale_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical content, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Medical trauma, and Gaslighting