Impactful.  Compelling.  This book was the feminist history lesson I didn’t know I needed.  

I’ve always feared my need of a r@pe kit. But as a woman, I know my vulnerabilities, and I know how some men, especially the ones in power, see women.  As such, the r@pe kit feels like the most necessary tool—one that fights patriarchal atrocities and empowers victims.  

But that wasn’t always the case, and to be honest, I had never given thought to the times before women had such a tool...even though it wasn’t so long ago.  

I’m not going to say this was an easy read.  It was gut wrenching and anger inducing at times.  Much work went into changing the ideology surrounding women’s bodies, and even now, we see lasting implications regarding that thinking proving there is more work to be done.  

Marty Goddard led the fight in a brazen and innovative manner.  I found myself in awe of her relentlessness to stand up to societal norms and protect victims.  Though, that wasn’t without scars.  She suffered greatly—from this battle and from her own experience as a victim—and sadly, is an unsung hero that never knew the impact she made on the future.  

Even as emotional as this read was, it was deeply impactful and a history lesson I needed as a woman.  It well honored Marty and reminds that this fight is not over.

➡️Truly, it is timely that this novel is out in this moment.  As drastic cuts are currently being made, data from thousands of r@pe kits are stored at the FBI and are in harms’ way.  There is a critical need for us to come together to protect s3xual assault data.

🎧 I partnered the physical book with my audiobook, a winning combination for sure.  I could not resist CLAIRE DANES narration.  She well honored this difficult material with her calm and assured tone.  While her depiction was emotional, as the text demanded, it also supported me as a reader, never leaving me in the depths.

Many thanks to my friends at @ireadvintage and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copies of this book.