Book Club: Missoula

Missoula is Jon Krakauer's years-long investigation into the crime of campus sexual assault. Known primarily for his journalism on mountain climbing and adventurers, Missoula is a departure from Krakauer's previous work. He explains that like many people, he had no idea that sexual assault was so prevalent and life-altering, until a close family friend disclosed her abuse.

Based on hundreds of hours of interviews, courtroom transcripts, and the research of experts, Krakauer tells the story of young women seeking justice. {WARNING: This is a journalistic exploration of the issue of campus sexual assault and includes the stories of women who were assaulted. It is at times difficult, heartbreaking, and may be triggering.}

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Rev. Marie M. Fortune's Review of Missoula:

Sometimes when we dig deep into a particular time, place and circumstance, we are able to mine even greater clarity in our social analysis.  Such is the case with Missoula.  This isn't just a story about a series of campus sexual assaults and the woefully inadequate response of law enforcement and the university.  It is a painfully detailed description of rape culture and it has much to teach us.

Questions for Discussion/Consideration:

• Krakauer states, “A rapist by definition is only interested in gratifying his own desires.” How would you describe the rapist mentality?

• What do you think about the lack of understanding of consensual sex by the young men and the police?  Do you think we are making headway on this issue?

• Allison Huguet still cared about the man who assaulted her and she was told by others that reporting the rape would ruin his life. What are the implications of this on the perpetuation of rape culture?

• What was the most surprising or enlightening thing you discovered reading this book? How can talking about Missoula make a difference?

• How can we translate what we've learned from Missoula into our conversations with young women and men?