A Review of “Know My Name”

While I have never written a book review for this blog,  nor am I sure I will continue to do so, I feel compelled to write about Chanel Miller’s Memoir, Know My Name because it greatly inspired me. Chanel embodies so much of what I hope to bring to this world: courage, resilience, authenticity, compassion, and eloquence. Not only does she invite the reader into her pain and suffering, she shares glimpses of her life as a child, as well as while she was going through the ordeal. Originally known as “Emily Doe,” Chanel is the survivor from the Brock Turner Sexual Assault. For a long time, no one knew who she was, simply that she was intoxicated and unconscious at the time of the assault. The ignorance, hatred, and vitriol she tolerated during the trial both online and in the media stirred up some pretty strong emotions in me, but it was heartening to read how Chanel kept going, wanting to pursue justice, not only for herself, but for others who may feel victimized, shamed, denigrated, and alone. Her words powerfully and brilliantly convey the non-linear way a person heals from grief or trauma.

After Brock Turner was found guilty of all charges, a sentencing hearing was set and Chanel was asked to write a victim impact statement to be read at the hearing. The impact her statement had on those who were in that courtroom and those connected or plugged into the trial brought about the opportunity for her to have the statement published on BuzzFeed. What she wrote was read by millions of people and gave voice to feelings so many other victims of sexual violence never knew how to put into words or bring to the light. If you have previously read her statement and felt impacted by it, you cannot miss this book. It is heart-wrenching, infuriating, and difficult to get through at times, but I believe the hope and empowerment she brings forth make it worth the read. I would caution those who have experienced sexual violence to fully consider whether they feel equipped and ready to read her memoir, as it can be very raw and detailed at times (see the second link in my first paragraph if you need further info on sexual assault).

Chanel’s talent for writing and artistic nature allow her to use beautiful metaphors to describe how she was dealing with her feelings and how she wanted to move through the trauma. Perhaps because I am a very visual person, the metaphors she used really struck a chord in me. I once had a teacher in elementary school tell me that she loved to watch me read because she could tell from my expressions that I was truly putting myself into each story and imagining what it was like for the characters. This is true. I feel very connected to the characters in books and sometimes feel a strange (albeit small) sense of sadness when I finish a book because it means I will no longer be able to interact with the characters. Knowing that Chanel is a real person, this book made me want to sit down with her and tell her how much the book meant to me. Her writing not only illuminates the need for changes in our justice system, but also changes to our culture concerning toxic masculinity, white privilege, and class issues.  It is my hope that the power of her message will be widespread and continue to move the waves of change forward. Lastly,  I would like to leave you with a message of hope from Chanel’s Victim Impact statement:

And finally, to girls everywhere, I am with you. On nights when you feel alone, I am with you. When people doubt you or dismiss you, I am with you. I fought everyday for you. So never stop fighting, I believe you. As the author Anne Lamott once wrote, “Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” Although I can’t save every boat, I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you can’t be silenced, a small satisfaction that justice was served, a small assurance that we are getting somewhere, and a big, big knowing that you are important, unquestionably, you are untouchable, you are beautiful, you are to be valued, respected, undeniably, every minute of every day, you are powerful and nobody can take that away from you. To girls everywhere, I am with you. Thank you.