Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Voted by members for Memoir & Autobiography additional read

Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller



She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford’s campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on BuzzFeed, where it instantly went viral–viewed by eleven million people within four days, it was translated globally and read on the floor of Congress; it inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge in the case. Thousands wrote to say that she had given them the courage to share their own experiences of assault for the first time.

Now she reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words. It was the perfect case, in many ways–there were eyewitnesses, Turner ran away, physical evidence was immediately secured. But her struggles with isolation and shame during the aftermath and the trial reveal the oppression victims face in even the best-case scenarios. Her story illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicts a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and, ultimately, shines with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. It also introduces readers to an extraordinary writer, one whose words have already changed our world. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic.

The whole Brock Turner case completely disgusts me. The case really highlighted the issues the US has with gender, wealth, and race. He was let off with hardly more than a warning because he was a wealthy white boy. I'm glad that there were repercussions for the judge in this case and Brock will always be known for this.

I read Chanel Miller's impact statement when it was released and it was very well written. I'm glad she was able to get past her shame and put herself out there to help so many other women that had similar experiences. Our criminal justice system really needs an overhaul. Hopefully this book will shine a light on some of those parts that require change.

I've never heard of it before noticing this book. It looks like it is tackling interesting issues.

Savanes wrote: "I've never heard of it before noticing this book. It looks like it is tackling interesting issues."

It was awful, Savanes. He was caught in the act of assaulting her by two men. He ran away and they caught him. When he was found guilty the judge basically said he didn't want to ruin Brock's life and gave him 6 months in jail instead of the 6 years the prosecutor was asking for. Then, he was released after only 3 months. People were rightfully outraged and the judge ended up being recalled.

Here's just one of many articles about the case: https://www.cnn.com/2016/09/02/us/bro...

That's insane!!

I relate so much to your feelings about this case, Kristie. I read and reviewed this book a few months back, and it still amazes me how much composure Chanel Miller had in the face of everything she went through. I remember reading her impact statement years ago as well, and thinking who is this amazing woman and how can she be so strong after all this?

It was hard for me - especially knowing how often women are victimized - to watch a woman be re-victimized by the legal system and the privilege of others' race and wealth, but I was so happy to see that even if her impact statement didn't give her the justice she deserved, at least it had profound impact around the world!

Chanel Miller is just an amazing writer, and to your point, Kristie, this book really reverberates on many levels. A tough, affecting, important read without being manipulative. I really hope Chanel writes more, she's very gifted.

I’ve been reading this and I’m halfway in now.

I remember reading about this case in the news when it happened and feeling angry about it too. However, it eventually disappeared from my newsfeed and I went on with my life not really thinking much about what happened since then.

I am glad Chanel wrote this book and that I am reading it now. So many terrible things happen in the world that it’s easy for something to become a headline only for a short while and then be forgotten again. It’s important for people to remember and I’m glad to be reminded of this case. I hope Chanel’s story can bring about more awareness on the challenges of the legal system and more understanding and support towards sexual assault victims.

I just finished this book. I felt sorry for her with all that she went through. The victim shouldn't be blamed or victimized again on the stand. I wish that he went to prison for longer. I don't feel that the punishment fit the crime.

Don't forget that the judge didn't want to ruin his life for something that was over in 20 minutes.

Karen wrote: "Don't forget that the judge didn't want to ruin his life for something that was over in 20 minutes."

So horrifying... So glad that judge was removed.

Definitely! I haven't read the book but I've read the articles you sent and her letter and it was horrifying.