This book was chosen as the “Common Read” across campus at my institution. Honestly, I have never been more shaken by a book before. Chanel is a phenomenal writer and an amazing human being. She reclaims her own story and guides readers through every unbearable emotion of every stage of her sexual assault case and trial. Yet she emerges as a strong and beautiful woman through it all. This book can be incredibly triggering and heavy, so please take care of yourself if you choose to read this one.
“I survived because I remained soft, because I listened, because I wrote. Because I huddled close to my truth, protected it like a tiny flame in a terrible storm. Hold up your head when the tears come, when you are mocked, insulted, questioned, threatened, then they tell you you are nothing, when your body is reduced to openings. The journey will be longer than you imagined, trauma will find you again and again. Do not become the ones who hurt you. Stay tender with your power. Never fight to injure, fight to uplift. Fight because you know that in this life, you deserve safety, joy, and freedom. Fight because it is your life. Not anyone else’s. I did it, I am here. Looking back, all the ones who doubted or hurt or nearly conquered me faded away, and I am the only one standing. So now, the time has come. I dust myself off, and go on.”
Carissa W Tomas, PhD 