pickInadvertently, I listened to two books written by rape survivors back-to-back. This one was focused on the aftermath, mostly on Nguyen‘s focus on changing the law in Massachusetts to prolong the time rape kits are kept as evidence. There were also chapters in between this narrative featuring Nguyen‘s previous selves (one is age five—the title) which was rather mystical and a v different vibe. The author even put her career on hold (astrophysics).
pick“In America‘s criminal justice system, survivors become background characters to a story that is actually about us-our lives, our bodies, our dignity…Victims are erased from their own narratives.” Nguyen‘s story is about how she fought to make sure that women‘s rape kits are not thrown away while women take the time to decide if they want to pursue justice. She talks about the odds stacked against women to get convictions against their rapist. She
“What keeps me afloat…is the knowledge that my death would let them win—not only my rapist, but the system that permits him to go on breathing freely while survivors like me gasp for air. I cannot abide the idea…I cannot die before they hear from me.” Let‘s go, Amanda!!! ❤️💪🏾✊🏾❤️
In movies, they never depict the logistics after the trauma. Action heroes fight, shit happens, and we jump into the next scene. We never see the bandages get changed, the car get repaired, or the laundry get done. But in real life, you don‘t get to skip ahead.
pickThis memoir alternates between:
Traditional chapters: a compelling, honest account of her assault, legal battles, and rise as an astronaut and activist.
Surreal chapters: dreamlike talks with her younger selves that feel overly dramatic and out of sync—I didn‘t enjoy these.
Overall, she‘s incredible, brave, and inspiring—but I prefer a more consistent, traditional memoir style.
Saving Five | 
