In the award-winning memoir “Know My Name,” by courageous author Chanel Miller released in 2019, she struggles to express her true emotions and thoughts while recovering from sexual assault trauma.

The memoir follows shy and often introverted Chanel Miller, who reluctantly decides to attend a college fraternity party with her sister, Tiffany. Later that night -while unconscious-Chanel was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner who was chased off by two Swedes. Chanel awoke the next morning in an unknown room completely confused and somewhat frightened. Given little information, she slowly realizes her circumstance as she is escorted to a rape clinic and undergoes a thorough and invasive examination.

Chanel feels overwhelmed after choosing to press charges as it only comes with the added stress of court dates, writing statements and facing what she fears most. At home she struggles with sleep, emotional breakdowns, and lethargy in the daytime. To give herself a break she rents an apartment alone in Rhode Island for the Summer discovering how printmaking allows her to express herself freely. Although she enjoys the break from the pressuring courtroom, she continues to battle constant sleep deprivation and finding joy in herself once more.

While battling Brock Turner in court Chanel realizes how hard it is to fight a sexual assault case even with overwhelming evidence. She never knew that drinking at a party would discredit her account, while his drinking became an excuse for his actions. The media paints Turner out to be a successful five star swimmer, noting in almost every story could soil his future.

“Know My Name” is a genuine recollection diving into the messiness of overcoming trauma and the reality of the biased courtroom. Chanel Miller doesn’t avoid the breakdowns of recovery to sound more uplifting or inspiring to survivors. Instead, she challenges “toning down” her story or sugarcoating when she believes her voice should be heard. The memoir is a true account of her thoughts and emotions and should be acknowledged as a fight for women’s voices to finally be heard.

Rating: 5/5 Shields