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Know My Name

Chanel Miller

Start date: November 2, 2019

Finish date: November 30, 2019

Discussion: Monthly Bonus Reads

Why we're reading this: November Bonus Read- International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

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Know My Name by Chanel Miller

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What Members Thought

Mar 11, 2021 Jeanne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: feminism, read-women, read-2021, memoir-biography, trauma, politics, forensic, asia-asia-american

Chanel Miller was raped behind a dumpster of a Stanford University fraternity house while blacked out – then was beaten up by the judicial system and the media. Her memoir should be read by all women and men, feminists and those who don't (yet) get it, parents of girls and parents of boys, people with a history of sexual trauma and those without, as well as those who are curious about the way that the court system operates for crime victims.

The fact that I spelled subpoena, suhpeena, may sugges Chanel Miller was raped behind a dumpster of a Stanford University fraternity house while blacked out – then was beaten up by the judicial system and the media. Her memoir should be read by all women and men, feminists and those who don't (yet) get it, parents of girls and parents of boys, people with a history of sexual trauma and those without, as well as those who are curious about the way that the court system operates for crime victims.

The fact that I spelled subpoena, suhpeena, may suggest I am not qualified to tell this story. But all court transcripts are at the world’s disposal, all news articles online. This is not the ultimate truth, but it is mine, told to the best of my ability. If you want it through my eyes and ears, to know what it felt like inside my chest, what it’s like to hide in the bathroom during trial, this is what I provide. (p. vii).

Know My Name should not be given to the faint of heart or the easily triggered – although sticking your head under a rock is a poor way of handling difficult problems.

Why am I so impressed by Know My Name? Miller's

* courage in telling her story: the good, the bad, and the ugly
* clear description of the criminal justice system's abuse – and support – of crime victims and their families: Did my dress explain his behavior? I entered the court system expecting it to be ordered, civil, constructive. Now I was learning whose voices were amplified inside the courtroom, whose were muted. (p. 273)
* willingness to see herself and others as more than good or bad: We all have different ways of coping, self-medicating, ways of surviving the rough patches. To deny my messiness would be to deny my humanity. I don’t believe there is such a thing as an immaculate past or a perfect victim. (pp. 66-67)
* nuanced analyses of the language that people unthinkingly use that further victimizes all involved
* clear naming of privilege and oppression (e.g., Turner spent six months in jail. How many (brown and black) people were given more time for victimless crimes?)
* recognition that the world is comprised of more than victims and perpetrators, but also people like the Swedes on bicycles, who intervened, supported her, and were both pained and outraged
* lovely writing (see the quotes above)

Given her treatment by the criminal (in)justice system and the media, it amazes me that Miller was such an articulate and thoughtful writer about her assault. She thoughtfully eviscerated the court system, media, Brock Turner, and our reactions to sexual assault victims, for all women, for all survivors, for all people. ...more

14 likes · Like · see review

Oct 06, 2020 Josh Caporale rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Know My Name was the winner of the nonfiction Booktube Prize in 2020 and each time I complete my "Best Books That I Read According to Goodreads" lists, Know My Name is often near the top. Chanel Miller's story is incredibly powerful and atmospheric in the way that she recalls and describes being sexually assaulted at a party by Brock Turner. During the case, she went under the identity of "Emily Doe" and with this book is hoping to reclaim her identity and share her story, while also asserting t ...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Jul 09, 2020 Lindsay rated it it was amazing

This was really good. I listened to this by audiobook, and while sometimes I thought the narrator was a little monotone, at other times you could hear her holding back tears. I admire the courage that writing this book took, as well as the courage to keep going through the court system. This story shows that one person can make a difference and it is something to be admired.

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Feb 15, 2020 Joanne rated it it was amazing

Blunt, bold and inspiring. It was a horrible experience that happened to give this writer a voice and this forum, but yet, how fortuitous. A must read, and probably a must read again.

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Nov 15, 2023 Melanie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio

So heartbreaking. The court systems are such a mess (I'm sure Canada is just as bad as the States). Everyone should listen / read this book. It makes me so mad how victims are treated. ...more

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