Review: Know My Name by Chanel Miller

TW: This post and book discusses sexual assault and depression.

“Pain, when examined closely, became clarity. I knew now what this attorney had come here to do, and I would not let it happen. He believed he could break us, but from this day forward, I would begin to rebuild.” -Chanel Miller, Know My Name p. 187.

I have three words for you: Read. This. Book. If you are a survivor, a friend, a bystander, a man, a woman, a brother, a sister, a swimmer, a student: read this book. Not only is the author incredibly brave, she’s brilliant. This is one of the most well written books I have read in my lifetime and will be my favorite book of the year. This is a book that you can take your time with. Read it one chapter at a time, reread a few sentences, take notes, share with your friends. Absorb the pain, the anguish, the reality, and do better. 

This book has inspired me to no longer fear being a bystander. If you read the victim statement by Emily Doe when it was released to the public in 2016, you’d already know about the two Swedish graduate students who saved Chanel by chasing down Brock Turner and pinning him to the ground until police arrived. We should all no longer be bystanders in our lives. It’s scary. We have to protect ourselves. But what those grad students did was show Brock Turner that you can’t get away with everything, no matter your swim times.

While it does deal with Miller’s sexual assault, I didn’t find it to be disturbing or graphic to read. Instead, it’s a profile on the justice system in the United States, mental health, and rape survivor advocacy. I think Miller has been able to vocalize in such a simple, clear way how survivors process their assaults. I also think it is an imperative book for young men and women to read who have NOT experienced sexual assault. It can change lives and opinions. I think what moved me the most where the character statements people made about Turner, stating that there’s no way he could have done it maliciously, because they’d never experienced that side of him. It’s a huge reminder to believe women. I know in the past I have been so shocked by allegations that I immediately took the side of the aggressor. Shock does not equal innocence.

Miller’s bravery to share all the parts of this process is so brave, but I love how she owned that bravery. She is the face of survivors now, the voice of a generation fed up with how the court system treats sexual assault. Her voice is strong, even when it breaks.

I recommend listening to her victim impact statement, especially if you read it when it was released by Buzzfeed in 2016. I’ll never forget where I was when I read it. We were driving home from a wedding and I was quiet for about an hour as I made my way through it, reading parts out loud to Nick through tears.

If you’re into start ratings, it’s a 5 Star Read, hands down. 

I’d love to know if you’ve read this book or if you’re planning on reading it. If you’re nervous, please reach out! I would love to be a support system for anyone who wants to read this book. Email, DM, comments, whatever. I’m here for you if you need it.