How could it be anything less than 5 stars? Not only is Chanel Miller's writing beautiful and practiced, but the sense of reflection and cohesion is perfectly crafted.

Miller's vulnerability is astounding. She takes us to the deepest parts of herself, showing the good, bad, and the ugly. Yes, it's the story of her struggle to find justice in our corrupt system. Of course it's a feminist critique on victimhood, rape culture, and the pervasiveness of sexism. But what I loved most about it was the sense of humanity at its core. Chanel Miller takes care to highlight the many ways that the people around her, strangers and acquaintances, mentors, family and friends, and her patient partner, helped her in small and large ways. Every step of the way she stops and shows gratitude to the people that helped her fight. I was just constantly amazed at her ability to move past the rage, the injustice, the unfairness, the grief and pain, and find love. Love and meaning and purpose and humanity. Just stunning.

In the way she chose to write it, she accomplishes her goal 1,000x over; to show the world that survivors are more than their tragedy and are defined by more than what was done to them. They are human, each with rich lives, full of memories and mistakes. Every victim has a name and a story, and most never get the chance to show it. 

Guys I cried so much at this. Powerful, moving, beautiful.