Scan barcode
A review by thecandlelightlibrary
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
5.0
I remember this case when it happened. I read about it in the news. I remember being disgusted at the fact how rapist Brock Turner was always described in terms of his lost potential while every minute aspect about the victim was scrutinized and shamed online.
I remember reading Chanel’s victim impact statement on my computer and being unable to stop crying. I had never experienced even a tenth of what Chanel had endured, but she is such a powerful writer it was impossible not to empathize with her and be horrified at the lack of justice this trial received (Brock’s initial sentencing of 6 months - or, really, 3 months because of “good” behavior - was a slap in the face to women everywhere).
Flash forward to September of 2019, when I discovered Chanel had created a public Instagram account. Of course I followed her immediately - she’s just as talented at drawing as she is with words (if you don’t follow her on Instagram, I highly recommend that you do). Reading her posts brings me a sense of calm and hope: they are a reminder of the beauty in this world and that while your obstacles might be different, you too can overcome them.
I waited to read Chanel’s book, however, because I knew this would be so emotionally difficult for me to get through. Her victim impact statement had already managed to create such emotional turmoil when I read it - how could I manage through an entire book? Finally, I started out with the audiobook, which is read by the author and is EXCELLENT. However, the audiobook was too much for me to handle and I switched to reading the book by the third chapter.
Even though it was difficult (and my emotions ranged from sad to angry to frustrated), it is definitely worth reading. We, as a society, have already done better since 2015 but there is still so much more we can (and should) do.
I am so happy Chanel has been able to find her voice again and that she’s chosen to share it with the world. She’s brave, powerful, eloquent, intelligent, and totally incredible to boot.
Chanel, thank you.
One last thing: a note on the book cover. The cover represents the Japanese art of kintsugi which is the practice of mending broken pottery with powdered gold and lacquer. This technique celebrates healing and is a beautiful detail to include.
I remember reading Chanel’s victim impact statement on my computer and being unable to stop crying. I had never experienced even a tenth of what Chanel had endured, but she is such a powerful writer it was impossible not to empathize with her and be horrified at the lack of justice this trial received (Brock’s initial sentencing of 6 months - or, really, 3 months because of “good” behavior - was a slap in the face to women everywhere).
Flash forward to September of 2019, when I discovered Chanel had created a public Instagram account. Of course I followed her immediately - she’s just as talented at drawing as she is with words (if you don’t follow her on Instagram, I highly recommend that you do). Reading her posts brings me a sense of calm and hope: they are a reminder of the beauty in this world and that while your obstacles might be different, you too can overcome them.
I waited to read Chanel’s book, however, because I knew this would be so emotionally difficult for me to get through. Her victim impact statement had already managed to create such emotional turmoil when I read it - how could I manage through an entire book? Finally, I started out with the audiobook, which is read by the author and is EXCELLENT. However, the audiobook was too much for me to handle and I switched to reading the book by the third chapter.
Even though it was difficult (and my emotions ranged from sad to angry to frustrated), it is definitely worth reading. We, as a society, have already done better since 2015 but there is still so much more we can (and should) do.
I am so happy Chanel has been able to find her voice again and that she’s chosen to share it with the world. She’s brave, powerful, eloquent, intelligent, and totally incredible to boot.
Chanel, thank you.
One last thing: a note on the book cover. The cover represents the Japanese art of kintsugi which is the practice of mending broken pottery with powdered gold and lacquer. This technique celebrates healing and is a beautiful detail to include.