At the university I went to (Valparaiso University), every student had to take what was called Core. It was a required general education class, and there was lots of reading and writing involved (my fav!). What was cool about this class, is that all the freshmen (or transfer students) on campus were all reading the same books at the same time, and having discussions about them.
A lot of these books are selected because of heavy topics, or because they are considered classics. Mostly though, because the conversations that stem from reading them, are crucial ones we need to have. So Valpo, you need to add this book to the curriculum. This book covers an extremely heavy topic, sexual assault, and it is probably the best book I've read all year. The most emotional, raw, and powerful pieces of literature I have ever read. I cried a lot, had to put down the book for a few days to process, and got extremely angry at how the system failed Chanel. Chanel's story is powerful, but her writing is on a level of it's own. To be able to convey the emotions in a way that I also felt every one of them, is a God given talent, and something most writers crave to have. I wish what happened to Chanel had never transpired, but the way she is using it to inspire change is stunning. Synopsis from publisher: "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 reads 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."
Happy Reading!
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AuthorHi, I'm Genny! You can always find me with a book in my hand. Dystopian, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction are among my favorite genres. I hope you enjoy the reviews I provide and can help you pick out your next book! Archives
October 2020
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