Know My Name: A Memoir

A NEW YORK TIMES READERS’ CHOICE BEST BOOK OF THE CENTURY

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR in PEOPLE | NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW | WASHINGTON POST | NPR | PARADE | TIME |GLAMOUR | CHICAGO TRIBUNE | MARIE CLAIRE | ELLE | FORTUNE

"Know My Name is a gut-punch, and in the end, somehow, also blessedly hopeful."
—Washington Post


Universally acclaimed, rapturously reviewed, and an instant New York Times bestseller, Chanel Miller's breathtaking memoir "gives readers the privilege of knowing her not just as Emily Doe, but as Chanel Miller the writer, the artist, the survivor, the fighter." (The Wrap). Her story of trauma and transcendence illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicting a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and, ultimately, shining 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. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic.

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Published Aug 18, 2020

384 pages

Average rating: 8.76

511 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

nmimms
Jul 22, 2025
8/10 stars
Whew. This is one hell of a book. Chanel writes an incredibly visceral but still thoughtful and relatable experience. I have no frame of reference to pretty much this entire book and to see things broken down the way they were helped me to become a better ally. I recommend but be aware that it will make your stomach hurt and there will be times that you need to walk away from it.
jess.withbooks
Jun 05, 2025
10/10 stars
“I believe out of the millions who knew I was brave and important, I was the last to know it.”
Sommer B. Williams
Jul 31, 2025
9/10 stars
The lesser heard story of the victim of the Stanford rapist who was "protected " by the institutions that were supposed protect her.
Dalene Mactier
Jul 31, 2025
8/10 stars
"Know My Name" by Chanel Miller is a reminder that survivors of sexual violence are more than just their trauma. They are human beings with their own unique stories and identities.

Miller's words are hauntingly beautiful, as she shares her story of sexual assault and the journey of healing that followed. She writes with such raw emotion and incredible courage, delving deep into the injustices and flaws of the criminal justice system.

Her story exposed how the system repeatedly failed her as a survivor and how her identity was constantly taken away from her. Her courage and strength to speak out, and use her voice to become a symbol of hope and change for so many, was utterly inspiring.

This book is an important read for everyone who wants to understand the struggles and experiences of survivors of sexual assault. Miller's words are poignant and insightful, challenging us with the truth about the reality of these experiences. "Know My Name" is an absolute must-read.
Lauren Greely
Jul 01, 2025
8/10 stars
A timely read

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