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A review by amys_hygge_reads
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Know My Name by Chanel Miller was @tiredmammybookclub February book.
The Story 📚
Known initially to the world as Emily Doe - a victim of violence by the hands of Brock Turner on the Stanford college campus. The book is Chanel’s opportunity to tell the world what happened to her. The details of her assault, the process of the the trial, the sentencing - the full extent of ongoing trauma as a result of one night of violence by a man who never showered remorse, and only served three months in prison for his crimes. A white guy given an extremely lenient sentence because he was a good swimmer and had people to speak on his behalf. But a woman, who experienced victim blaming, attacks on her character as well as attempts to question and silence her truth.
The Review 👩🏻💻
This book is very important. Chanel is clearly a skilled writer. Her victim impact statement in particular had me in tears. The system is supposed to be there to protect, to get justice. But that couldn’t be further from the truth for so many, especially women. And unfortunately this is something that I’ve experienced through a loved one’s experience in the Irish court system. Many people just see the night of the assault itself. But Chanel details so well every single aspect of her life that was impacted or effectively placed on hold for the years following.
I find it strange at times to give a star rating to non-fiction, especially a book like this. This is Chanel’s voice, and she is entitled to write as much as she wants. I just found at times it was longer than it might have needed to be. I listened at 1.7 to 2 speed for most, and may not have finished it if it wasn’t a book club pick. But if you’re struggling to finish, the victim impact statement is at the very end, and it’s a must read - for everyone.
The Story 📚
Known initially to the world as Emily Doe - a victim of violence by the hands of Brock Turner on the Stanford college campus. The book is Chanel’s opportunity to tell the world what happened to her. The details of her assault, the process of the the trial, the sentencing - the full extent of ongoing trauma as a result of one night of violence by a man who never showered remorse, and only served three months in prison for his crimes. A white guy given an extremely lenient sentence because he was a good swimmer and had people to speak on his behalf. But a woman, who experienced victim blaming, attacks on her character as well as attempts to question and silence her truth.
The Review 👩🏻💻
This book is very important. Chanel is clearly a skilled writer. Her victim impact statement in particular had me in tears. The system is supposed to be there to protect, to get justice. But that couldn’t be further from the truth for so many, especially women. And unfortunately this is something that I’ve experienced through a loved one’s experience in the Irish court system. Many people just see the night of the assault itself. But Chanel details so well every single aspect of her life that was impacted or effectively placed on hold for the years following.
I find it strange at times to give a star rating to non-fiction, especially a book like this. This is Chanel’s voice, and she is entitled to write as much as she wants. I just found at times it was longer than it might have needed to be. I listened at 1.7 to 2 speed for most, and may not have finished it if it wasn’t a book club pick. But if you’re struggling to finish, the victim impact statement is at the very end, and it’s a must read - for everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail