A Therapist's Book Review: 'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller
TRIGGER WARNING: This blog post is reviewing a book that details sexual assault and PTSD.
Some books change the way we see the world. Know My Name by Chanel Miller is one of them. This memoir is raw, powerful, and beautifully written, giving readers an intimate look at what it means to be a survivor. Miller's words are more than just a retelling of events—they are a reclamation of identity, a call for justice, and an act of profound courage.
A Story That Needed to Be Told
For years, Chanel Miller was known only as Emily Doe, the anonymous survivor in the widely publicized sexual assault case against Brock Turner. Her victim impact statement went viral, striking a chord with millions. With Know My Name, Miller takes back her narrative, offering a deeply personal and incredibly moving account of her experience before, during, and after the trial. Her writing is strikingly honest and full of emotion, making it impossible to look away from the reality she endured.
Miller’s ability to capture the nuances of trauma, injustice, and healing is nothing short of masterful. She writes:
“I survived because I remained soft, because I listened, because I wrote. Because I huddled close to those who offered warmth.”
Her words resonate because they are not just her story—they are the story of countless survivors who have been silenced, doubted, or dismissed.
The Emotional Weight of the Memoir
Reading Know My Name is an emotional journey. Miller writes with heartbreaking clarity about the confusion, shame, and anger that so many survivors feel. Yet, her story is not just about pain—it’s about resilience, healing, and the power of speaking up.
At times, her words are gut-wrenching, but they are also laced with hope. She finds strength in her voice, and in doing so, she gives strength to others. As she reflects:
“I am a victim, I have no qualms with this word, only with the idea that it is all that I am.”
This statement challenges the notion that survivors are defined solely by their trauma. Miller’s words remind survivors that they are not alone, that their stories matter, and that healing—while difficult—is possible.
The Reality of Sexual Assault and PTSD
Miller’s memoir is more than a personal story—it’s a wake-up call. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and only a small fraction of perpetrators ever face consequences. Survivors often experience PTSD, dealing with symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Miller doesn’t shy away from these realities. She speaks openly about her struggles, making it clear that healing is not a straight path but a process filled with setbacks and victories.
PTSD: Understanding the Aftermath
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Common symptoms include:
Intrusive thoughts – Recurring, distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.
Avoidance – Steering clear of places, people, or situations that trigger reminders of the trauma.
Negative changes in thinking and mood – Feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment from others.
Hyperarousal – Increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or being easily startled.
Many survivors of sexual assault struggle with these symptoms, often feeling isolated in their experiences. Miller’s book shines a light on this reality, helping to destigmatize PTSD and emphasize the importance of support, whether through therapy, advocacy, or community.
Inspirational words from Chanel Miller, author of Know My Name
The Role of the Swedish Men: The Unexpected Heroes
There is no shortage of powerful moments in Miller’s story, though one that stands out is the intervention of two Swedish graduate students who stopped her assault. Carl-Fredrik Arndt and Peter Jonsson were biking near Stanford University late at night when they came across Brock Turner assaulting Miller behind a dumpster. The two men immediately intervened, chasing down Turner and holding him until police arrived.
In a world where sexual violence often goes ignored or excused, these two men’s actions are a testament to the power of bystander intervention. Miller expresses deep gratitude for them in her book:
“They did not know me, but they knew what was right and wrong. They did not just keep walking. They did not ignore it. They did not make excuses.”
Their response is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to act when we witness harm. Too often, society teaches us to look away, to mind our own business. But Carl-Fredrik Arndt and Peter Jonsson’s bravery shows that speaking up can change everything.
“I always like to say ‘be the Swede’. Show up for the vulnerable, do your part, help each other and face the darkest parts alongside survivors.”
The Power of Naming and Reclaiming Identity
One of the most striking themes in Know My Name is the power of naming. For years, Miller was forced to exist as "Emily Doe," an anonymous figure in legal documents and news articles. The media reduced her to a victim, a statistic, a faceless entity in a courtroom battle. But with this book, she reclaims her identity—she tells the world her name.
“The name Chanel is a triumph. It is a proclamation. It is mine.”
Naming has immense psychological power. Survivors of trauma often struggle with feelings of invisibility, as if their experiences are something that happened in the shadows, untethered to their true selves. By choosing to come forward under her real name, Miller takes back ownership of her story. She is no longer just "the victim"—she is an author, an advocate, a human being whose life is not defined by one event.
This theme resonates deeply in trauma recovery. Healing often involves reclaiming agency, redefining identity, and making meaning out of suffering. Miller’s story demonstrates that while trauma may shape us, it does not have to own us.
Why This Book Matters
Know My Name isn’t just a book—it’s a movement. Miller’s story sheds light on the flaws in the legal system, the stigma survivors face, and the need for cultural change. Her words are an urgent reminder that we need to do better. We need to listen, support, and fight for justice.
Among the most frustrating aspects of Miller’s case was the leniency of Turner’s sentence—a mere six months in jail (of which he served only three). In contrast, Miller was sentenced to a lifetime of coping with the trauma he inflicted. This injustice sparked national outrage and fueled discussions about how our society fails survivors.
In a moment of raw honesty, Miller reflects:
“Even good men can hurt women. Even normal men can be monsters behind closed doors.”
Her words challenge the cultural narratives that excuse perpetrators, reminding us that justice must prioritize survivors, not protect abusers.
Final Thoughts
Chanel Miller’s Know My Name is unforgettable. It’s devastating, but also empowering. While the subject matter is heavy, her ability to turn pain into strength makes this a deeply moving and ultimately hopeful read.
Her voice is one that demands to be heard—and one we should all be listening to.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, know that you are not alone. Support is available through organizations like RAINN (800-656-HOPE), local crisis centers, and mental health professionals. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And like Miller, you deserve to reclaim your name.
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