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A review by bookishpip
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I truly, honestly believe that this is one of the most powerful and impactful books I’ve ever read. I don’t think I will ever have the words to express my thoughts for this book in a way that is as graceful and well-considered as the work itself. I don’t think my review would do it justice.
A few years ago, the Stanford sexual assault case went viral; one of the reasons for this was the public release of her searingly honest victim impact statement. To protect her anonymity, she was known as Emily Doe - and in this book, she finally speaks out about her experiences, attributing her name and removing her anonymity. Miller’s impact statement was felt deeply by many, many people - and I believe that this book can, in a deeper way, similarly inspire hope in its truth.
Miller recounts her life growing up near the university and her experience of the blackout in which the assault happened. She also explains her experiences of the law and of dealing with legal proceedings in court - as well as how it felt to watch the case be reported in the media and go viral. It tackles head on some incredibly important topics such as consent, alcohol and accountability, perceptions and judgements of people on social media, class and gender privilege, and the balancing act between retribution and reform as aims of punishment.
What I found most inspiring of all is the refreshing honesty with which Miller’s words resonate. The use of metaphor and analogy to explain different feelings and processes related to various stages of trauma and recovery felt absolutely accurate. The way that she shared her journey - warts and all, without sanitising the pain and anger she experienced - was a real testament to her character. Even after having been through such a gruelling process, she used the experience as an opportunity to reach out in solidarity with fellow victims and make positive changes to the way in which cases like this are dealt with.
Overall, I believe that this is one of those books that anyone should read if they are looking to educate themselves on some of the aforementioned topics. Do beware of trigger warnings though - it doesn’t hold back.
A few years ago, the Stanford sexual assault case went viral; one of the reasons for this was the public release of her searingly honest victim impact statement. To protect her anonymity, she was known as Emily Doe - and in this book, she finally speaks out about her experiences, attributing her name and removing her anonymity. Miller’s impact statement was felt deeply by many, many people - and I believe that this book can, in a deeper way, similarly inspire hope in its truth.
Miller recounts her life growing up near the university and her experience of the blackout in which the assault happened. She also explains her experiences of the law and of dealing with legal proceedings in court - as well as how it felt to watch the case be reported in the media and go viral. It tackles head on some incredibly important topics such as consent, alcohol and accountability, perceptions and judgements of people on social media, class and gender privilege, and the balancing act between retribution and reform as aims of punishment.
What I found most inspiring of all is the refreshing honesty with which Miller’s words resonate. The use of metaphor and analogy to explain different feelings and processes related to various stages of trauma and recovery felt absolutely accurate. The way that she shared her journey - warts and all, without sanitising the pain and anger she experienced - was a real testament to her character. Even after having been through such a gruelling process, she used the experience as an opportunity to reach out in solidarity with fellow victims and make positive changes to the way in which cases like this are dealt with.
Overall, I believe that this is one of those books that anyone should read if they are looking to educate themselves on some of the aforementioned topics. Do beware of trigger warnings though - it doesn’t hold back.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Suicide attempt