This book is such an essential read. It will fill you with both justified rage at Stanford rapist Brock Turner and disgraced former judge Michael Aaron Persky, and awe at Chanel Miller’s resilience and courage. More than anything, it will inspire you to want to fix a broken system that treats the rapist with deference, puts the victim on trial, and minimizes her life derailed and months of suffering.

As Miller writes, with regard to why so many women don’t report an assault: “You were just physically attacked? Here’s some information on how you can enter a multiyear process of verbal abuse. Often it seems easier to suffer a rape alone, than face the dismembering that comes with seeking support.”

With regard to publicly releasing her victim’s impact statement, she writes, “I want the judge to know that he ignited a tiny fire.” With this book, she truly has. This is not an easy memoir to read, but it’s very important. It’s an inspiration for survivors of trauma about moving forward, and a great reminder about each of our potential to #BeTheSwede and help others instead of acting out of self-interest (like Turner’s parents, and others who acted abominably). Highly recommended.