#18in2018

Note: This is my first time I’ve ever sat down and reviewed a book so bear with me here!

I picked up this book when I was searching through the women’s studies shelf at Barnes and Noble (yes, sadly it was only a single shelf length long) hoping I could justify the $28 price tag while still satisfying my curiosity about the subject. While reading this book, Vanessa Grigoriadis quickly became one to admire with her detailed research on the topic of sexual assault on campus. The book covers multiple notable cases that have hit mainstream news over the past few years regarding sexual assault and rape including: “Mattress Girl.” This really is where my only problem with the book comes from. I found that there were almost too many names and stories to keep track of, but that might just be my ADHD... Anyway! Grigoriadis has a wonderful writing style that makes the reader feel at ease when discussing such dark and sensitive topics. Although many of my views aligned directly with the author’s, I did appreciate her acknowledging all sides of the problem. She goes over the problems that the accused offenders face and how they and their families are dealing with them. She also addresses a point of responsibility among both parties when it comes to preventing or avoiding sexual assault as described by one of the ways universities try to solve the issue (i.e self defense classes for women.) I think this is a great read for someone headed off to college in the near future or for anyone interested in a educational and topical read on the current situation for many college attendees.