So this is actually the first Jon Krakauer book I’ve ever read. All of his others have been on my TBR list for years, but they never seem to get bumped up. Enter his new book on a subject I feel incredibly strongly about, and a library hold was a must place. I read it in 3 days. It was fascinating, disturbing, angering and saddening all in one.
Missoula is about a series of rape cases that came to light at the University of Montana in 2010-2012. The book follows half a dozen victims or so of sexual assault in the different ways they try to find justice for the horrible acts committed against them. An additional issue within the narrative is that many of the accused were athletes, specifically football players, at the University of Montana, and having to overcome the almost insurmountable protection these athletes have in a football crazed town. Mr. Krakauer adds within the narrative discussions with sexual assault researchers, lawyers, etc on their expertise within the system. Some of the stories show a form of justice served, while others, many others, are dismissed in a variety of fashions.
I couldn’t stop reading it. Rape and rape myths are something that needs be changed and confronted within our society. When Mr. Beth Ellen asked what I was reading, I started explaining to him, and he told me I shouldn’t read such out of date books. Things must have changed since this was published. The justice system is much better now for sexual assault victims. Explaining that this was published in April by a highly respected nonfiction author who cites every source imaginable was shocking to him. He had trouble believing that victims, are still treated in this manner. And that’s part of the problem. The myths pervade so strongly about the victims lying or doing it for attention that it’s quite the challenge to change the perspective, but I appreciated Mr. Krakauer’s effort.
I think this is an important book to read. We need more discussion on this, not less, especially in using scientific research to face off against rape myths to show again and again that they are just wrong. This may not be the most coherent review, but this subject does not leave me coherent. It angers me to unholy levels on how the system still works.
Edited to add: go read Sophia‘s and yesknopemaybe‘s reviews for this to get the whole insightful picture. They do a much better job overall, instead of just being filled with emotions.