While Chanel tells the details of her experiences after
learning she had been assaulted outside of a fraternity party at Stanford, we
learn about the strength of a survivor who is trying to find her
"normal" while awaiting trial. While this book is both
heart-wrenching and courageous, Miller articulates the complexity of being an
assault survivor with wit and charm. Both a writer and artist, Chanel pulls in
the reader with her descriptions and details. She brings us with her as she
recalls heartbreaking moments along her journey as "Emily Doe," and
what life was like for her as she decided to share her identity with the
country.
Her strength is awe-inspiring, and the way she articulates
her perspectives is almost philosophical. While her assailant was only
sentenced to 6 months in county jail (and only actually served 3), Miller
struggles with shame and isolation. Throughout the book, readers are forced to
reckon with our ideas of privilege, sexual predators, and the criminal justice
system. Chanel is a leading writer of our time who will not only change the way
you see our world, but also the way you may see yourself.
