Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 2613
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 1
Reviews
npr.org · Unknown · 2015-04-19
harrowing 4.00

Jon Krakauer's 'Missoula' explores the disturbing reality of rape and the justice system in a college town, focusing on cases of acquaintance rape. The book highlights the systemic issues in handling such crimes, with Missoula's experiences being depressingly typical of broader societal problems.

Jon Krakauer's 'Missoula' delves into the harrowing stories of sexual assault in a college town, emphasizing the prevalence of acquaintance rape. The book reveals how the justice system often fails victims, with Missoula's experiences reflecting a broader, systemic issue. Krakauer's obsessive research, sparked by a personal connection, uncovers the stark reality of these crimes and the lack of adequate responses. The narrative is both eye-opening and unsettling, shedding light on the struggles victims face in seeking justice and the societal attitudes that perpetuate these problems.


Quick quotes

    They were all acquaintance rapes. They were, for the most part, students. They were all in Missoula, which turns out is a pretty typical town.

    I don't mean to single out Missoula: Its rape rate is a little less than the national average; I think its problems with dealing with rape are pretty depressingly typical.

    She was terrified. He weighs 230 pounds; he's a Division I football player. She weighs 130 pounds.