One minute I’m chuckling; the next thing I know, I’m creeped out. A few chapters later, I’m no longer smiling but fidgety and scared. I’m reminded that I’m a scaredy cat who can’t even listen to ghost stories yet here I am reading horror TT

(As I was typing this, my wonderful sister chose that exact moment to surprise me and instead of my usual nonchalance, I literally shrieked 😭😆)

I can’t stop myself from continuing tho, it’s getting really interesting now 👀

Chapter 1, and I’m already emotionally wrung out.

I knew this memoir would be difficult to read, but I wasn’t prepared for how much the opening would affect me. Not because of graphic details, but because of the quiet, ordinary moments that reveal just how easily a person’s humanity can be overlooked in the aftermath of trauma.

Chanel Miller’s writing is incredibly powerful. Even in the earliest pages, she has a way of making you feel the confusion, vulnerability, and loss of control without ever needing to sensationalize it. Listening to her narrate her own story only amplifies that impact.

More than anything, this chapter reminded me how important those first interactions are. The people who meet someone on the worst day of their life have the power to either deepen the trauma or help restore a small piece of their humanity. Compassion shouldn’t feel remarkable, yet this chapter made me realize how often it does.

If this is only the beginning, I have a feeling this book is going to etch itself into my bones.