taebochelle's review against another edition
5.0
I needed to sit in this book, read every thought, visualize it, embrace it, contort my brain around it. This book is must-read for everyone. It pushes you to really contemplate how we treat survivors of any type of assault and appreciate the shear survivors mentality that comes with having endured such an experience. Thank you Chanel for using your voice and writing these words!
atkellie's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book I know will stay on my shelf for life, close to my heart. For me, the experience of reading this book was confronting, Chanel bringing forth goosebumps, tears and the extraordinary sensation of someone vocalising feelings that have never had a name. This book has power. It’s one of those books I want to drop in the mailbox of everyone on my street.
Chanel has taken her years of fight, pain and injustice (both legally and socially), and created something that will help people survive theirs.
Chanel has taken her years of fight, pain and injustice (both legally and socially), and created something that will help people survive theirs.
mackenzie_kirwin's review
5.0
One of the most powerful, heart-wrenching and relatable books I’ve ever read.
travelgirl77's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this book. Or, better yet, listen to the author read her own words via an audiobook. An amazing act of courage that everyone can benefit from.
itsgg's review against another edition
5.0
This book is such an essential read. It will fill you with both justified rage at Stanford rapist Brock Turner and disgraced former judge Michael Aaron Persky, and awe at Chanel Miller’s resilience and courage. More than anything, it will inspire you to want to fix a broken system that treats the rapist with deference, puts the victim on trial, and minimizes her life derailed and months of suffering.
As Miller writes, with regard to why so many women don’t report an assault: “You were just physically attacked? Here’s some information on how you can enter a multiyear process of verbal abuse. Often it seems easier to suffer a rape alone, than face the dismembering that comes with seeking support.”
With regard to publicly releasing her victim’s impact statement, she writes, “I want the judge to know that he ignited a tiny fire.” With this book, she truly has. This is not an easy memoir to read, but it’s very important. It’s an inspiration for survivors of trauma about moving forward, and a great reminder about each of our potential to #BeTheSwede and help others instead of acting out of self-interest (like Turner’s parents, and others who acted abominably). Highly recommended.
As Miller writes, with regard to why so many women don’t report an assault: “You were just physically attacked? Here’s some information on how you can enter a multiyear process of verbal abuse. Often it seems easier to suffer a rape alone, than face the dismembering that comes with seeking support.”
With regard to publicly releasing her victim’s impact statement, she writes, “I want the judge to know that he ignited a tiny fire.” With this book, she truly has. This is not an easy memoir to read, but it’s very important. It’s an inspiration for survivors of trauma about moving forward, and a great reminder about each of our potential to #BeTheSwede and help others instead of acting out of self-interest (like Turner’s parents, and others who acted abominably). Highly recommended.