‘Missoula:’ A compelling read for the average citizen

“Missoula” is the story of an idealistic college town thrown off its rails by a series of sexual assaults, which spring from its heart — the University of Montana.

Central to the story are dozens of sexual assault victims, who reported their respective rapes and assaults to Missoula police and the University of Montana. In this comprehensive case study, journalist Jon Krakauer examines the Missoula rape scandal alternately through the eyes of the community, the media and the victims.

Krakauer doesn’t get caught up in the dramatization of the assault stories — while personal and compelling, inherently significant, and a very real look at what the rape victims experience, Krakauer’s “Missoula” frequently draws back to the bigger picture of the failure and success of the justice system. It’s a responsible look at a widespread issue. It does not, however, deny that at its center are the stories of individuals — and rightly so.

While not intellectually challenging, “Missoula” is a psychologically demanding read. The reader will learn about the injustices of sexual assault — the psychological responses it invokes, the merciless coupling of societal victim-blaming and guilt and the unrelenting challenge of regaining control. It’s almost too frustrating to appreciate. But what drives the reader to continue is the grapple of power between victims, the Grizzly football stars and the justice system.

Perhaps the greatest deterrent to readers would be their tendency to sympathize (and possibly empathize) with the women. In the words of one of their lawyers, reporting rape is “the hardest, nastiest fight of your life.” But our sensitivity to their pain — while uncomfortable — is exactly what connects us to real-life people. Fortunately, we will not all deal with a rape and the subsequent challenges. But in my opinion, and likely Krakauer’s, learning about stories like these is a civic obligation.

This is an important read for college students, especially. The parallels between Missoula and Logan are undeniable: they are both smaller college towns with nationally recognized research programs, the athletics departments are the pride of the community and, like any town, they are rattled by the sexual assault charges.

By telling these stories, Krakauer shows that sexual assault can happen in many different types of relationships. It can happen when you’re black-out drunk or completely sober. It can happen with a long-time friend or a new acquaintance. But a few things are common in every situation, one being that there are no appealing options for victims when it comes to reporting. The perpetrators leave them with a “violated body and wounded soul.” And in all cases, there was (to a degree) victim-blaming. Without coming out and saying it, Krakauer tells us that people are helpless without advocates.

“Missoula” is a book for the citizen. It will haunt you and trouble you, but Krakauer shows that the alternative is even more disturbing — doing nothing.

“Missoula” released in paperback on Jan. 12.

— Brenna Kelly is a sophomore majoring in journalism, with minors in political science and multimedia. She once shook hands with Stan Albrecht. Follow her on Twitter @bckelly8, yeah?