After being sexually assaulted at her boarding school, St. Paul’s, Chessy Prout bravely recognized her assault for what it was and reported it to the police. Inspiring hundreds of women who have been through the same experience, Chessy testified in court against her attacker and spoke to the world on television about that terrible day and what can be done to prevent it. Now with this memoir, I HAVE THE RIGHT TO, Chessy has become an advocate and an inspiration by examining society and the causes of what happened to her.

I knew from the moment I read the synopsis that I wanted to read this book. In the world we live in today, sexual assault allegations are becoming the norm. While this is both a positive, in that women are finally being brave enough to speak out, it can also be a negative as people spin the allegations in a different light; accusing these brave women of partaking in a “witchhunt.” Chessy’s memoir does not just detail her rape and why it happened, but comments on society as a whole. Her anger made me angry, her sadness made me cry. No freshman in high school should have to go through what she did, no one, no matter what age should.

"Chessy Prout has put her heart and soul on the line for everyone to read and her bravery clearly demonstrates [her] strength..."

Chessy’s voice in this memoir echoes every girl who has faced sexual assault. I loved that she acknowledged her privilege in being a straight white American girl. It’s true, Chessy’s case was able to pave the way and be brought to trial in the first place because her background is white and American. She was able to attend a prestigious and expensive boarding school and tells readers more than once that she is aware that her status in American society is a major factor of her case being brought to trial. This further angered me as I thought about all of the girls who do not “fit” into the ideal American society and were unable to see their trial go to court because of this.

Chessy also shed light on how unfair the justice system is to sexual assault survivors. When Chessy was able to embrace her status as a “survivor” and no longer a “victim,” I wanted to just hug her. Her bravery is commendable and her campaign, “I have the right to,” is able to empower girls to embrace their rights and find their voice.

I would recommend this book to any girl (or boy) who has ever been sexually assaulted or wants to help someone who was. Chessy’s journey to healing is a remarkable one with an amazing support system from her family. Not everyone is as lucky, unfortunately. I would also recommend this book to all readers like myself; readers who see the problems of the world and want to educate themselves as well as find solutions. Anyone could read an article or watch the news, but reading a memoir is so much more personal. Chessy Prout has put her heart and soul on the line for everyone to read and her bravery clearly demonstrates the strength it takes to have to face your attacker in a courtroom setting and relive the event in every interview and chapter. And for all of those people who victim blame and accuse women of lying, I recommend that you read this book as well, and then think about the consequences of your actions.