Know My Name

A Memoir

By: Chanel Miller

Narrated by: Chanel Miller

Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Universally acclaimed, rapturously reviewed, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography, and an instant New York Times best seller, Chanel Miller's breathtaking memoir "gives readers the privilege of knowing her not just as Emily Doe, but as Chanel Miller the writer, the artist, the survivor, the fighter" (The Wrap).

"I opened Know My Name with the intention to bear witness to the story of a survivor. Instead, I found myself falling into the hands of one of the great writers and thinkers of our time. Chanel Miller is a philosopher, a cultural critic, a deep observer, a writer's writer, a true artist. I could not put this phenomenal book down." (Glennon Doyle, number one New York Times best-selling author of Love Warrior and Untamed)

"Know My Name is a gut-punch, and in the end, somehow, also blessedly hopeful." (Washington Post)

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 11 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 listeners 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.

Chosen as a Best Book of 2019 by The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Time, Elle, Glamour, Parade, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, BookRiot

©2019 Chanel Miller (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Know My Name marks the debut of a gifted young writer. Miller's words are purpose. They are maps. And she is a treasure who has prevailed." (The New York Times)

History is happening now & we are part of it

This wasn’t a book I was looking to read, but the reviews drew me in.
The audiobook is read by the author. Her voice is not outstanding, but it is perfect. The subject is disturbing, but the telling is essential. The details are painful, but they are shared beautifully, almost poetically.
We end up sharing the wounds of her victimization, but I did not want to be spared.

Her wounds are our wounds. It is a source of outrage, but a flame that needs to be ignited & should stay lit until no woman, no person, has to fear for their person safety.

These are dangerous times where entitlements & a lack of consequences are dangled in front of us daily.

This book needed to be written and should be read by everyone. Get on this emotional roller coaster, give in to it, and follow it through to the end. It won’t be an easy ride, but you won’t regret taking it.

“History is happening now and we are part of it.” Be part of it, the part that endorses change and growth.

Top 5 Books

Story:
For anyone who is still questioning whether or not she is justified in her anger, I would recommend you read this book, but I guess it was lost on you. She blacked out and a man she did not know violently assaulted her and shoved forest debris inside of her. If you're still trying to put ownership on her I question your humanity. This book is cathartic, raw, and documents the ups and downs of life that are magnified by a traumatic event such as the one she experienced. If you're stuck on her fury, you're missing the stories of support and growth.

Writing:
Wow. Chanel's mother is a writer and that talent runs in the family. The book goes through mundane detail but that paints a picture of her mind. There is stream of consciousness and a diary like quality to this. I like when Steig Larsson goes on for a paragraph about a man making a cheese sandwich while describing the Swedish landscape and Miller's details also serve to set a tone. If you are looking for a fast paced read with quickly resolved drama this is not it. Do you want to be brought into the author's world through a relatable and thought provoking narrative? Read this.

Narration:
I see a lot of people commenting on Chanel's voice. She has a distinct sound that was definitely unexpected. It is a little monotone, maybe saccharine, but it also is the voice of a 20 something California native and reminds me of so many wonderful women I know. I love listening to David Sedaris and I loved listening to Chanel. Her voice has a dreamlike quality and made the book feel that much more intimate. Also, its authentically her and shaming peoples voice feels a little cringe-y.

Hope.

Such a brave, raw, honest depiction of the horror that is victimhood. Chanel, you are strength and selflessness personified. Thank you for this brilliant work of art.

Read to Understand

I have a degree in Women's Studies and certainly would make this book required reading for all who have followed that path because it succinctly and comprehensively explores the most important and least understood aspects of sexual assault from a woman's position. Chanel gives a compelling insider's view of how fifteen minutes of her perpetrator's reckless and vicious testosterone entitlement represented and wrought consequences of a deep, unjust, and widespread nature to more than just his victim--it is a warning of how seriously inequitable our system provides "justice" to aggressors versus victims.

incredible

at times so difficult to listen to, I openly cried countless times while in my car driving to work, but so incredibly powerful. so honest, thoughtful and vulnerable. not to mention written like beautiful poetry

a must read for everyone

Chanel Miller stole my heart and made me feel her experience as much as I could, as I have the privilege to have never been through what she went through. I have, however, been through rough times, am going through tough times, and this book makes the darkness of the mind understandable, disentangled. Chanel Miller has a beautiful voice, as a writer and a narrator.

As an aspiring author I just home that one day I can make someone feel 1% of the emotions that I experienced as I heard this book. I really hope Chanel goes on to write some more, whatever it is I'll be in line to read it.

Thank you Chanel

Thank you Chanel for speaking up for women everywhere. For transforming something horrific that happened to you into an opportunity to educate others. For being brave when others could not. For not backing down

Heart wrenching and soulful

Chanel Miller is a beautiful writer, with lyrical style that makes you listen, feel, and absorb the pain and triumphs that she went through. Every time she talked about her fierce protective love for her sister, I choked up, because I have that same love for mine. From the moment I saw her on 60 minutes, I knew I had to read her book and it did not disappoint. I wish her and all rape survivors well.

An incredible and emotional read

In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need for such a book to be written. But our world needed it and Chanel was kind enough to share. Chanel, I am stanford student and I’ve always believed you. We’ve signed petitions for you and we’ve rallied. Sorry that we failed you as an institution. But we are still fighting to make your noon a required read for incoming freshman. Thank you again!

Breathtaking

I was not expecting how amazing this book was going to be. As a social work major, I thought it would be a good resource to get to know my clients better - but it helped me heal from my old scares that I have endured from my past abusive relationship. I felt whole while listening to Chanel’s story and I felt like someone understood what I have been feeling deep down for so long. I’m grateful and comforted that this book is here when I need it. MUST READ!