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One Way Back: A Memoir
The compelling true story behind the testimony that awed the nation
On September 27, 2018, Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee which was considering the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. She described an alleged sexual assault by the Supreme Court nominee that took place at a high school party in the 1980s. Her words and courage on that day provided some of the most credible and unforgettable testimony our country has ever witnessed.
In One Way Back , Ford recounts the months she spent trying to get information into the right hands without exposing herself and her family to dangerous backlash. Drawing parallels to her life as a surfer, she explains the process of paddling out into unknown waters despite the risks and fears, knowing there is only one way back to shore. The book reveals riveting new details about the leadup to her testimony and its overwhelming aftermath and describes how she continues to navigate her way out of the storm.
This is the real story behind the headlines and the soundbites, a complex, page-turning memoir of a scientist, a surfer, a mother, a patriot and an unlikely whistleblower. Ford’s experience shows that when one person steps forward to speak truth to power, she adds to a collective whole, causing "a ripple that might one day become a wave.”
On September 27, 2018, Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee which was considering the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. She described an alleged sexual assault by the Supreme Court nominee that took place at a high school party in the 1980s. Her words and courage on that day provided some of the most credible and unforgettable testimony our country has ever witnessed.
In One Way Back , Ford recounts the months she spent trying to get information into the right hands without exposing herself and her family to dangerous backlash. Drawing parallels to her life as a surfer, she explains the process of paddling out into unknown waters despite the risks and fears, knowing there is only one way back to shore. The book reveals riveting new details about the leadup to her testimony and its overwhelming aftermath and describes how she continues to navigate her way out of the storm.
This is the real story behind the headlines and the soundbites, a complex, page-turning memoir of a scientist, a surfer, a mother, a patriot and an unlikely whistleblower. Ford’s experience shows that when one person steps forward to speak truth to power, she adds to a collective whole, causing "a ripple that might one day become a wave.”
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2024
About the author
Christine Blasey Ford
2 books73 followersChristine Blasey Ford is a professor of psychology at Palo Alto University and a clinical professor and consulting biostatistician at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Time magazine included Ford on its shortlist for Person of the Year in 2018. In 2019, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in Time 100, nominated by then-Senator Kamala Harris. In 2019, she won the inaugural Christine Blasey Ford Woman of Courage Award, and the ACLU's Roger Baldwin Courage Award.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 19, 2024
Dr. Ford's story of how she tried to get her story out as well as the abuse she suffered before, during, and after her testimony is an indictment of our current political climate. Sadly, it's no surprise that the FBI didn't follow-up on the more than 4500 calls to the FBI Tip Line about Kavanaugh, nor did they even interview her in their so-called investigation after her testimony.
Along with Catch and Kill, One Way Back shines a spotlight on how abusive powerful men are protected.
Along with Catch and Kill, One Way Back shines a spotlight on how abusive powerful men are protected.
March 20, 2024
I was not expecting this memoir. I think I found it while I was searching for something else and her name caught my eye.
As someone who was glued to the news all throughout the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, and who read every detail about her I could find back in 2018, I felt I owed it to her to read this and learn what she would like people to know.
I wasn't surprised by much, except that she's obsessed with surfing and she loves Metallica. Otherwise she seems exactly like the person I would expect based on what is publicly known about her. She seems honest, thoughtful, perhaps a bit naïve in some ways, but generally a good person who's trying her best to do the right thing.
I'm shocked by how expensive it was for her to come forward. I expected the death threats and the emotional toll, but I was not prepared for these numbers. Her life was truly turned upside down on every level. A lot of the worst details didn't surprise me, but it still sucks to hear. Like how there's a congressional report out there with a bunch of easily refuted misinformation in it that completely ignores actual evidence. Cute.
I really hope being able to recount everything she experienced and explain things in her own words has helped her. She is so good at explaining her point of view in clear concise language and I felt like it was so easy to see where she was coming from every step of the way.
This was a rare instance of me reading an entire book in one sitting. If you watched her testimony I highly recommend reading her book.
As someone who was glued to the news all throughout the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, and who read every detail about her I could find back in 2018, I felt I owed it to her to read this and learn what she would like people to know.
I wasn't surprised by much, except that she's obsessed with surfing and she loves Metallica. Otherwise she seems exactly like the person I would expect based on what is publicly known about her. She seems honest, thoughtful, perhaps a bit naïve in some ways, but generally a good person who's trying her best to do the right thing.
I'm shocked by how expensive it was for her to come forward. I expected the death threats and the emotional toll, but I was not prepared for these numbers. Her life was truly turned upside down on every level. A lot of the worst details didn't surprise me, but it still sucks to hear. Like how there's a congressional report out there with a bunch of easily refuted misinformation in it that completely ignores actual evidence. Cute.
I really hope being able to recount everything she experienced and explain things in her own words has helped her. She is so good at explaining her point of view in clear concise language and I felt like it was so easy to see where she was coming from every step of the way.
This was a rare instance of me reading an entire book in one sitting. If you watched her testimony I highly recommend reading her book.
March 21, 2024
I could not put this book down. It is not politically motivated, nor is it a self-help book about surviving trauma or abuse. Rather, it is both a confirmation that there are good people in this world and a reminder that there are very nasty people in this country. This memoir focuses on the impact on Dr Ford and her family after her testimony before the senate judiciary committee. She instantly became a lightning rod for all the extremists in the country, who threatened her and her family. All because she was brave enough to stand up and tell her truth. The memoir is honest, emotional and raw. I could not put it down and applaud Dr Ford for having the courage to tell her story.
March 17, 2024
This woman comes off to me as a mentally ill, deranged liar. It’s actually just sad anyone paid money for this or buys into it.
March 21, 2024
The book is closer to 4 stars for me, but I admire the hell out of this woman, and she gets 5 stars. The audiobook version, narrated by the author, includes snippets of her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
March 31, 2024
4.5 stars
This is a surprisingly apolitical memoir detailing the authors life as it pertained to the initial trauma (when she was 15) and then the trauma of speaking out against BK and the retaliation from members of the GOP. I definitely expected there to be much more disdain and anger in this book toward not just the lamest loser of a judge on the Supreme Court but also towards the people who directly and indirectly enabled him (looking at you, Sens. Collins and Manchin) to take that office.
In a way though, I think it was effective to not have that (I assume the author surely has feelings on these people and on Trump!) because it did allow the focus to be solely on telling her story and how she recovered from it (both times). (Not that one is ever fully recovered). So if you are contemplating this book but also don’t like the back and forth of politics, I think you’d be pleased to know that this book is not really political at all, other than describing the events that happened from her pov.
I really appreciated the chance to hear her (actual) side of things, not just what was in the press - I did watch some of the testimony when it happened (both of theirs), but now, several years later, it’s become incredibly fuzzy for me - I only remember the very basic nuts and bolts of it. I definitely did not know of the indelible hippocampus statement that she indicated went viral. I must have missed it, or glossed over it. I also didn’t know/remember that she’s a surfer. Liked that part. And! Oprah! Bless her for her big heart.
This is a surprisingly apolitical memoir detailing the authors life as it pertained to the initial trauma (when she was 15) and then the trauma of speaking out against BK and the retaliation from members of the GOP. I definitely expected there to be much more disdain and anger in this book toward not just the lamest loser of a judge on the Supreme Court but also towards the people who directly and indirectly enabled him (looking at you, Sens. Collins and Manchin) to take that office.
In a way though, I think it was effective to not have that (I assume the author surely has feelings on these people and on Trump!) because it did allow the focus to be solely on telling her story and how she recovered from it (both times). (Not that one is ever fully recovered). So if you are contemplating this book but also don’t like the back and forth of politics, I think you’d be pleased to know that this book is not really political at all, other than describing the events that happened from her pov.
I really appreciated the chance to hear her (actual) side of things, not just what was in the press - I did watch some of the testimony when it happened (both of theirs), but now, several years later, it’s become incredibly fuzzy for me - I only remember the very basic nuts and bolts of it. I definitely did not know of the indelible hippocampus statement that she indicated went viral. I must have missed it, or glossed over it. I also didn’t know/remember that she’s a surfer. Liked that part. And! Oprah! Bless her for her big heart.
March 21, 2024
Christine Blasey Ford, one of my role models has written a memoir of her sexual assault by Brett Cavanaugh in a manner that avoids the details of her attack, saying that it’s public record and readers could look it up if they weren’t familiar. I appreciate her focusing on the impact of coming forward and her mistreatment by the senate judiciary committee and the FBI.
Like Christine* (I’m using Dr Blasey Ford’s first name because early in the book she speaks about using both her maiden and/or married last names in different circumstances. I wasn’t sure which she’d prefer) I was denied justice for my abuse and the aftermath of coming forward was as traumatic as the assaults. I found myself nodding in understanding her feelings while in awe of the depth of backlash she received.
I had written Christine after her senate testimony, sharing my experiences, one of over 100,000 she received that helped buoy her spirits during the difficult times, including death threats she received. She dedicated ONE WAY BACK to those letter writers, all 100,000 of us.
I enjoyed Christine’s narration in the audiobook version of her memoir, though was taken aback when she included audio from her testimony, audio from a few senators and worst of all, Trump’s voice insulting her and mocking her story. Use of these historical audio tapes was very effective in relating the story.
Christine talks a lot about surfing, often using it as metaphors for her experiences.
I wish I could sit down and talk to Christine, share stories and commiserate.
I highly recommend this audiobook.
Like Christine* (I’m using Dr Blasey Ford’s first name because early in the book she speaks about using both her maiden and/or married last names in different circumstances. I wasn’t sure which she’d prefer) I was denied justice for my abuse and the aftermath of coming forward was as traumatic as the assaults. I found myself nodding in understanding her feelings while in awe of the depth of backlash she received.
I had written Christine after her senate testimony, sharing my experiences, one of over 100,000 she received that helped buoy her spirits during the difficult times, including death threats she received. She dedicated ONE WAY BACK to those letter writers, all 100,000 of us.
I enjoyed Christine’s narration in the audiobook version of her memoir, though was taken aback when she included audio from her testimony, audio from a few senators and worst of all, Trump’s voice insulting her and mocking her story. Use of these historical audio tapes was very effective in relating the story.
Christine talks a lot about surfing, often using it as metaphors for her experiences.
I wish I could sit down and talk to Christine, share stories and commiserate.
I highly recommend this audiobook.
March 20, 2024
Whatever happened with Christine Blasey Ford
Oddly, this question crossed my mind last week. As if in answer, I saw this book available for preorder. Been reading all day. Now I know. It's a great read.
Oddly, this question crossed my mind last week. As if in answer, I saw this book available for preorder. Been reading all day. Now I know. It's a great read.
March 22, 2024
Every person who’s had a traumatic experience and has not been believed should read this book !!! It’s unbelievably tragic the things this hero went through. It’s hard to believe Americans can be so cruel today !!! I am ashamed !!
March 26, 2024
I can't imagine how hard it was to tell her story initially, much less write a book about this time period and relive it all again. And, the aftermath and consequences for coming forward. I distinctly remember being riveted to the television during and after her testimony. There were still some details that I had forgotten on reading her book.
All women can identify with the fear of being isolated and assaulted. And, I could identify indirectly with her story by living in the DC area in my teens, understanding the political culture of this area and vacationing at Delaware beaches. I attended public schools and my future husband attended a private boys high school in DC, Archbishop John Carroll, for one year (his brothers attended Georgetown Prep, but my husband purposely flunked the entrance exam to avoid going there) and begged his parents to transfer to his local public high school afterwards. His brothers did not attend with Kavanaugh, but we were very much aware of the elite culture that surrounded these students. Late in my federal career in Human Resources, I once applied to work at the Justice Department in 2012. I was selected for their final round of interviews at the downtown location next to Union Station. I met several people during the interview process and remember thinking these employees were somewhat arrogant and filled with righteous self importance. Very business like and conservative in dress. Everyone rushing everywhere. I was handed several business cards. I was not selected for the position and sometimes wonder how my life would have differed had I been offered the job and taken it. All this is to say, we personally knew the atmosphere in Washington.
I applaud Christine's sense of civic duty to her country and to other women. All women benefit from her courage.
"I'd like to believe that we're in the middle of a revolution that will only be recognizable in years to come. If it takes countless survivors to tell their story despite personal risks and consequences on an individual level--all of us slowly stacking on top of one another until there is finally a collective response--I'm proud to have contributed. If my act of speaking out plays a role in an eventual paradigm shift, ending stigma around sexual assault and holding powerful people accountable for their actions, then I accept whatever personal sacrifices I had to make."
All women can identify with the fear of being isolated and assaulted. And, I could identify indirectly with her story by living in the DC area in my teens, understanding the political culture of this area and vacationing at Delaware beaches. I attended public schools and my future husband attended a private boys high school in DC, Archbishop John Carroll, for one year (his brothers attended Georgetown Prep, but my husband purposely flunked the entrance exam to avoid going there) and begged his parents to transfer to his local public high school afterwards. His brothers did not attend with Kavanaugh, but we were very much aware of the elite culture that surrounded these students. Late in my federal career in Human Resources, I once applied to work at the Justice Department in 2012. I was selected for their final round of interviews at the downtown location next to Union Station. I met several people during the interview process and remember thinking these employees were somewhat arrogant and filled with righteous self importance. Very business like and conservative in dress. Everyone rushing everywhere. I was handed several business cards. I was not selected for the position and sometimes wonder how my life would have differed had I been offered the job and taken it. All this is to say, we personally knew the atmosphere in Washington.
I applaud Christine's sense of civic duty to her country and to other women. All women benefit from her courage.
"I'd like to believe that we're in the middle of a revolution that will only be recognizable in years to come. If it takes countless survivors to tell their story despite personal risks and consequences on an individual level--all of us slowly stacking on top of one another until there is finally a collective response--I'm proud to have contributed. If my act of speaking out plays a role in an eventual paradigm shift, ending stigma around sexual assault and holding powerful people accountable for their actions, then I accept whatever personal sacrifices I had to make."
April 12, 2024
"What I'm finally coming to understand is that being imperfect doesn't disqualify you from speaking out, finding peace, and healing."
Dr. Blasey Ford tells her story with candor and vulnerability- which is remarkable considering the scrutiny and backlash she's faced. Ford honestly calculates the costs of her testimony, while resisting the narratives created for her: namely, the "cautionary tale" or the "redemption story." A powerful response to a deeply disempowering series of events. Respect.
Dr. Blasey Ford tells her story with candor and vulnerability- which is remarkable considering the scrutiny and backlash she's faced. Ford honestly calculates the costs of her testimony, while resisting the narratives created for her: namely, the "cautionary tale" or the "redemption story." A powerful response to a deeply disempowering series of events. Respect.
April 9, 2024
I remember finding this incident fascinating. I put on YouTube and listened to her testimony and afterwards the judge. I remember Christine was questioned a lot by a woman, but you knew she was being directed by Trump’s party men like a sort of puppet.
I could hear Christine’s tone and I totally believed her.
They tried to imply she wasn’t remembering properly or was a fantasist.
Then the judge came on. He sounded so arrogant and this sort of competitive American male. It was disgraceful how he was ever even considered for such an office, never mind elected to it.
I remember how they couldn’t stop going on about what a great Catholic he was.
I know it is one person’s word against the other, but after everything I totally believe Christine.
I read her memoir, I absolutely believe her and it.
There is nothing to say, I find the whole thing shameful.
If so many American women weren’t so divided, polarised, co-opted or somehow manipulated to ‘be submissive to your husband and the church,’ there should have been some sort of all-out mass protest movement, some really huge resistance. Even with just that sort of accusation over him, the world should have owed it to women that such a person should not have become a Supreme Court judge.
Yes it was done disgracefully purely for politics and the conservative movement, but they could have chosen a less distasteful candidate who would have been conservative. The fact they didn’t tells you all you need to know.
We can only guess, but somehow we can hope that we are seeing American Cultural Conservatives in its final rage and eventual end.
I have a lot of hope in young America.
American women should really support Doctor Christine more, because what she did was brave, but too many people did not care or have enough passion to really help her.
I feel incredibly sorry for her.
I could hear Christine’s tone and I totally believed her.
They tried to imply she wasn’t remembering properly or was a fantasist.
Then the judge came on. He sounded so arrogant and this sort of competitive American male. It was disgraceful how he was ever even considered for such an office, never mind elected to it.
I remember how they couldn’t stop going on about what a great Catholic he was.
I know it is one person’s word against the other, but after everything I totally believe Christine.
I read her memoir, I absolutely believe her and it.
There is nothing to say, I find the whole thing shameful.
If so many American women weren’t so divided, polarised, co-opted or somehow manipulated to ‘be submissive to your husband and the church,’ there should have been some sort of all-out mass protest movement, some really huge resistance. Even with just that sort of accusation over him, the world should have owed it to women that such a person should not have become a Supreme Court judge.
Yes it was done disgracefully purely for politics and the conservative movement, but they could have chosen a less distasteful candidate who would have been conservative. The fact they didn’t tells you all you need to know.
We can only guess, but somehow we can hope that we are seeing American Cultural Conservatives in its final rage and eventual end.
I have a lot of hope in young America.
American women should really support Doctor Christine more, because what she did was brave, but too many people did not care or have enough passion to really help her.
I feel incredibly sorry for her.
April 20, 2024
The surfing metaphor goes on a bit long, but for the most part this is a well done memoir from Blasey-Ford.
I find her story quite credible that she really didn’t want or anticipate all the attention and disruption from what seemed to be a great life, where a major part of her days were spent on California beaches with a couple of hours in the classroom each week. I mean, who’d purposely mess that up?! She only testified because she thought it was the right thing to do.
In fact, that theme of how disruptive testifying against Kavanaugh became to her life constitutes the majority of the book: the exorbitant cost of security, the reactions from strangers, friends, family members and Mr. Trump. No further details about the high school incident are within; in fact any details about the alleged attack are shared via her exact testimony—the judiciary committee recording itself is part of the audiobook. I guess legally, no more could be shared….not that there is anything more to be shared. She’s made that clear.
Mostly, her suburban, privileged normalcy jumps off the page, making me think that I probably would have done the exact same thing in her shoes: walking in as naively and blithely into a vicious and volatile Washington political maelstrom, thinking I was “doing the right thing”…never once thinking or believing I’d go through my life savings and needing a Go Fund Me page to pay for bodyguards for the next four years.
I find her story quite credible that she really didn’t want or anticipate all the attention and disruption from what seemed to be a great life, where a major part of her days were spent on California beaches with a couple of hours in the classroom each week. I mean, who’d purposely mess that up?! She only testified because she thought it was the right thing to do.
In fact, that theme of how disruptive testifying against Kavanaugh became to her life constitutes the majority of the book: the exorbitant cost of security, the reactions from strangers, friends, family members and Mr. Trump. No further details about the high school incident are within; in fact any details about the alleged attack are shared via her exact testimony—the judiciary committee recording itself is part of the audiobook. I guess legally, no more could be shared….not that there is anything more to be shared. She’s made that clear.
Mostly, her suburban, privileged normalcy jumps off the page, making me think that I probably would have done the exact same thing in her shoes: walking in as naively and blithely into a vicious and volatile Washington political maelstrom, thinking I was “doing the right thing”…never once thinking or believing I’d go through my life savings and needing a Go Fund Me page to pay for bodyguards for the next four years.
March 27, 2024
One page in and already emotional. Obviously will update after having completed the whole thing, but for now I just want to make note of something.
I never wrote her letters, but I clearly remember highschool-me watching in that moment and recognizing something in her eyes, her voice, and knowing we had something terrible in common. For a moment I had so much hope, so much fire, believing this would be the time the tides began to turn.
The opposite happened. Reality crashed down. Everything is getting worse. The reason CBF came forward in the first place is all around us. I'm just incredibly grateful I was wrong about one thing in particular-ironically enough, I recently made mention of this situation in my own work:
I *thought* she had 'faded into obscurity', and I am glad I was wrong about that. Thank you for continuing to use your voice, CBF.
...
Update upon finishing: a tad choppy at times, hence knocking down one star; nonetheless, powerful stuff, and nice to know more of her story.
"There were letters from little girls who had watched me on TV and thanked me for being brave, while expressing worry that our country appointed someone who hurt women to its highest court."
I never wrote her letters, but I clearly remember highschool-me watching in that moment and recognizing something in her eyes, her voice, and knowing we had something terrible in common. For a moment I had so much hope, so much fire, believing this would be the time the tides began to turn.
The opposite happened. Reality crashed down. Everything is getting worse. The reason CBF came forward in the first place is all around us. I'm just incredibly grateful I was wrong about one thing in particular-ironically enough, I recently made mention of this situation in my own work:
"If you were hurt by a man, no you weren’t. If you insist you were, don’t speak out. You’ll ruin his life. Spending the rest of yours locked inside the jail cell of your own bones has nothing on what will happen to him. That’s what always happens, right? That’s why an accused predator ended up on the highest, most powerful court in the country while his alleged victim suffered death threats, humiliation, and faded into obscurity."
I *thought* she had 'faded into obscurity', and I am glad I was wrong about that. Thank you for continuing to use your voice, CBF.
...
Update upon finishing: a tad choppy at times, hence knocking down one star; nonetheless, powerful stuff, and nice to know more of her story.
March 30, 2024
I wish I could give it more stars. I read a copy from the library but I will be purchasing a copy and giving it to my daughters to read for Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April. I believe it will be an inspiration and source of hope for my teen daughter who came forward to report SA and suffered backlash from our community. Thank you Dr. Ford.
March 28, 2024
I wish I could give this more stars, but it wouldn’t be fair to the truly great writing out there. This is going to sound way more harsh than I mean it, but at least I now know that Know My Name is one of my top books ever, not because of her story, but because of what an incredibly gifted writer Chanel Miller is. I am constantly hoping she writes another book, about literally anything. I’m sorry but I don’t think reading this book added anything to the story for me.
March 31, 2024
Incredible. Thank you Christine for your advocacy, honestly, bravery, and courage. This is a must read for anyone who cares about the safety and health of women. This illustrates the double trauma most victims of sexual assault experience- the event itself and the resulting blame and shame put on them if they have the nerve to speak about what happened. It also illustrates how eager our culture is to switch roles, and turn the perp into the victim and make the survivor the villain. This is vile and evil, and something that needs to stop.
(Some spoilers in this paragraph.) Additionally, what she experienced with reporters was also incredibly maddening to hear about. People have the audacity to call themselves advocates and allies of sexual assault survivors, but then go on to violate basic rules of consent in their reporting practices? Her own father wrote a letter to Brett’s father saying he was glad for the confirmation so now they can all move on? Her own friends turned on her, abandoned her, and lied about her? These people can get f-ed too. There are always supporters for abusers and perpetrators of sexual violence- they don’t act and get away with their behaviors in a vacuum. Even the subtle ways in which her father acted I see as supporting the perpetrator of an assault against his own daughter. Men and their “potential” always seem to matter more than the safety and dignity of women. Out of everyone in this book - Brett’s included- the behavior of her father is what disgusts me the most. It should be an easy decision, support your very credible daughter. But he chose to try and walk a middle line when that’s not actually possible. You support your child or you don’t. His betrayal was deeply disturbing. His reaction shows how deeply embedded rape culture is in our society. Uphold the patriarchal status quo against all costs, even if you must sacrifice your own child.
She ends with a note of hope, that she hopes that we’re in the midst of a cultural shift towards the better. I hope we are too but these very recent events where multiple systems and the people around her failed her don’t inspire much confidence in myself.
(Some spoilers in this paragraph.) Additionally, what she experienced with reporters was also incredibly maddening to hear about. People have the audacity to call themselves advocates and allies of sexual assault survivors, but then go on to violate basic rules of consent in their reporting practices? Her own father wrote a letter to Brett’s father saying he was glad for the confirmation so now they can all move on? Her own friends turned on her, abandoned her, and lied about her? These people can get f-ed too. There are always supporters for abusers and perpetrators of sexual violence- they don’t act and get away with their behaviors in a vacuum. Even the subtle ways in which her father acted I see as supporting the perpetrator of an assault against his own daughter. Men and their “potential” always seem to matter more than the safety and dignity of women. Out of everyone in this book - Brett’s included- the behavior of her father is what disgusts me the most. It should be an easy decision, support your very credible daughter. But he chose to try and walk a middle line when that’s not actually possible. You support your child or you don’t. His betrayal was deeply disturbing. His reaction shows how deeply embedded rape culture is in our society. Uphold the patriarchal status quo against all costs, even if you must sacrifice your own child.
She ends with a note of hope, that she hopes that we’re in the midst of a cultural shift towards the better. I hope we are too but these very recent events where multiple systems and the people around her failed her don’t inspire much confidence in myself.
March 24, 2024
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my #gifted copy of One Way Back: A Memoir! #OneWayBack #ChristineBlaseyFord #SMPInfluencers #stmartinspress
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐝
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
WOW! One word to describe this memoir is POWERFUL! I knew as soon as I opened this book and read the dedication page, which included a picture, that this book was going to be nothing short of powerful and impactful. I’m so glad I read this book and learned more about one woman who stepped forward to tell the truth.
One Way Back is a memoir, written by Christine Blasey Ford, and focuses on the life behind a story, which took place in 2018 when the author testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the time, the Senate Judiciary Committee was considering the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court. With bravery and strength, Christine Blasey Ford described an alleged sexual assault by the nominee, that book place in high school. The book provides details of he months leading up to the testimony, and its aftermath.
I loved how the author used various surfing and water analogies throughout the book and found the way she told her story to be so raw and powerful. While I read a physical copy, I did see that the audiobook is narrated by the author. I love memoirs narrated by the author, and will likely listen to the audiobook one day because I think hearing the author tell her story could be even more impactful!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐝
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
WOW! One word to describe this memoir is POWERFUL! I knew as soon as I opened this book and read the dedication page, which included a picture, that this book was going to be nothing short of powerful and impactful. I’m so glad I read this book and learned more about one woman who stepped forward to tell the truth.
One Way Back is a memoir, written by Christine Blasey Ford, and focuses on the life behind a story, which took place in 2018 when the author testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the time, the Senate Judiciary Committee was considering the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court. With bravery and strength, Christine Blasey Ford described an alleged sexual assault by the nominee, that book place in high school. The book provides details of he months leading up to the testimony, and its aftermath.
I loved how the author used various surfing and water analogies throughout the book and found the way she told her story to be so raw and powerful. While I read a physical copy, I did see that the audiobook is narrated by the author. I love memoirs narrated by the author, and will likely listen to the audiobook one day because I think hearing the author tell her story could be even more impactful!
March 30, 2024
I always believed her
Such a large percentage of women have suffered some level of sexual assault. Christine Blasey Ford had uncommon courage in coming forward, but learned the hard way how naïve she was and how overpowering the system determined to put Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court really was.
Ford comes across as incredibly genuine in this book, and it is an important read. For those who, who dealt with Washington politics many of her challenges are real. it was absolutely inexcusable for her allegations not to be investigated in their entirety and a terrible reflection on the GOP members of the US Senate. Democrats, notably, women members, didn’t move early enough to help. Especially under Trump and his unholy hold over members of the legislative branch, the cake was baked about Kavanaugh’s confirmation. If some of these people even have a soul, I wonder how they can look themselves in the mirror.
I have nothing but the deepest admiration for Christine Blasey Ford and her predecessor Anita Hill It is disgusting that two Supreme Court justices benefited from the system while the women suffered.
Such a large percentage of women have suffered some level of sexual assault. Christine Blasey Ford had uncommon courage in coming forward, but learned the hard way how naïve she was and how overpowering the system determined to put Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court really was.
Ford comes across as incredibly genuine in this book, and it is an important read. For those who, who dealt with Washington politics many of her challenges are real. it was absolutely inexcusable for her allegations not to be investigated in their entirety and a terrible reflection on the GOP members of the US Senate. Democrats, notably, women members, didn’t move early enough to help. Especially under Trump and his unholy hold over members of the legislative branch, the cake was baked about Kavanaugh’s confirmation. If some of these people even have a soul, I wonder how they can look themselves in the mirror.
I have nothing but the deepest admiration for Christine Blasey Ford and her predecessor Anita Hill It is disgusting that two Supreme Court justices benefited from the system while the women suffered.
April 20, 2024
To say that this was an emotional read for me would be an understatement.
If you believed Dr. Ford in 2018, this book will likely deepen your respect and appreciation for what she did and also horrify you at the things she went through to do what she thought was both the right and the patriotic thing to do.
If you didn’t believe her, or you weren’t sure either way, I still think you should read this book. After reading what she went through, I would not blame someone for not coming forward in a similar future situation. This book will give you insight into why women stay silent and the fallout that happens when they dare to speak up.
It’s highly likely a woman in your family or friend group has been sexually assaulted. Read this book for them.
If you believed Dr. Ford in 2018, this book will likely deepen your respect and appreciation for what she did and also horrify you at the things she went through to do what she thought was both the right and the patriotic thing to do.
If you didn’t believe her, or you weren’t sure either way, I still think you should read this book. After reading what she went through, I would not blame someone for not coming forward in a similar future situation. This book will give you insight into why women stay silent and the fallout that happens when they dare to speak up.
It’s highly likely a woman in your family or friend group has been sexually assaulted. Read this book for them.
April 6, 2024
Ford has now suffered two traumatic events in her life; the second is the result of coming forward to talk about her sexual assault.
I'd say her carefree days of surfing and listening to Metallica are behind her, as a result of testifying in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee while they were considering the nomination of Brett Kavanagh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Every swell starts with one wave. The world changed when the regular, imperfect people who have been on the beach look out at what's happening - fear and uncertainty hurling at them with unstoppable force - and decide to paddle out and take their chances. When enough of us do it, justice will finally prevail.'
I'd say her carefree days of surfing and listening to Metallica are behind her, as a result of testifying in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee while they were considering the nomination of Brett Kavanagh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Every swell starts with one wave. The world changed when the regular, imperfect people who have been on the beach look out at what's happening - fear and uncertainty hurling at them with unstoppable force - and decide to paddle out and take their chances. When enough of us do it, justice will finally prevail.'
Read
April 10, 2024I don't rate memoirs, but this is an excellent (and enraging) one. Ford is not only an compelling writer but she also seems like a genuinely kind, thoughtful, sometimes naive, person. I couldn't put this book down and I really enjoyed the author's connection between her love of surfing to the events of her life, most specifically testifying about the sexual assault she experienced at the hands of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh when she was a teenager. While many in her position would want revenge or the worst possible for her attacker, Ford rose above that, even thinking about how this all impacted his family (which could not be said for his behavior towards her and her family). And while the results of her testimony did not surprise me, it was her courage and bravery to speak out, despite the cost of herself and her family, that make her an icon and hero. I applaud her, and Anita Hill, and the women before and after her, who do the brave thing, even when it's the hardest thing.
This memoir should be a must read-if you read Know My Name by Chanel Miller, you should definitely read One Way Back.
This memoir should be a must read-if you read Know My Name by Chanel Miller, you should definitely read One Way Back.
April 21, 2024
As always with a memoir, I listened to the author read this book. And there were even audio clips of her memorable and raw testimony included. However, this book was about so much more than how most of us came to know her. Humanizing a figure in any difficult situation is paramount to understanding.
This book speaks loudly advocating speaking truth to power and how “every swell starts with one wave.” Dr. Ford is a heroine, and more importantly, she’s a complex person with likes and dislikes and dilemmas just like any of us. Her bravery is commendable and her story is also unfortunately ordinary. As I’d likely be able to say about most of us. I hope this provides healing to many and outrage to enough of us to not only believe women, but to do better.👂🏻
This book speaks loudly advocating speaking truth to power and how “every swell starts with one wave.” Dr. Ford is a heroine, and more importantly, she’s a complex person with likes and dislikes and dilemmas just like any of us. Her bravery is commendable and her story is also unfortunately ordinary. As I’d likely be able to say about most of us. I hope this provides healing to many and outrage to enough of us to not only believe women, but to do better.👂🏻
March 22, 2024
4.5 stars. It was interesting to get the backstory of her perspective as she went through the craziness that included her testifying and the aftershocks created by it. There are so many areas of concern covered in her experiences which still exist prominently in our culture that at times makes me sad and fills me with hopelessness. Appreciated the author’s raw honesty and opening herself to public criticism to tell her story.
March 25, 2024
As if the deep courage and conviction that spurred her to come forward and speak the truth under very harsh circumstances weren't impressive enough, Dr. Ford has written a thoughtful and honest memoir of that experience and its profound impacts on her life. This woman deserves every accolade that could possibly be given for illuminating Americans' understanding of the cravenness and failings of a certain Georgetown Prep bro and the political system that boosted him to its highest levels, treating her like dirt along the way. As for so many others, I find Dr. Ford inspiring and hope she gets as much time as she wants catching waves in the years to come.
March 23, 2024
Reminiscent of know my name by Chanel Miller. Less comprehensive in scope but an honest and personal account of Dr. Ford’s life pre and post hearing. I couldn’t recommend any more. Reading experiences like these remind me what I love so much about books.
The audiobook uses real audio clips from the hearing. Highly recommend listening to Dr. Ford narrate her own story.
The audiobook uses real audio clips from the hearing. Highly recommend listening to Dr. Ford narrate her own story.
April 2, 2024
[Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy!]
Rating: 5/5 stars
A memoir/nonfiction account of the story behind the testimony detailing sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh.
I was in law school at Yale during the Kavanaugh hearings, and I viscerally remember the entire experience—from the on-campus protests, to the glares I got from certain people for advertising my support of Dr. Blasey-Ford, to the hearings themselves. In a lot of ways, it was a formative experience for me that will probably permanently shape my views on both politics and the Supreme Court. Reading Dr. Blasey-Ford’s firsthand account was an important addition to the historical context and the narrative I already knew, and I genuinely think everyone should read this book.
I was alternately awed, inspired, heartbroken, and furious by the description of all that Dr. Blasey-Ford went through, both in the lead-up to and, particularly, the aftermath of, her testimony. She should never have suffered what she did as a teenager, but she especially should never have been re-victimized the way she was in 2018. I’m so sorry for all she went through, and so grateful for her willingness to share her story in the face of so much vitriol and violence.
Note: I listened to the audio version, narrated by Dr. Blasey-Ford, and thoroughly enjoyed that format.
CW: Sexual assault/violence; mental health; bullying/harassment/threats
Rating: 5/5 stars
A memoir/nonfiction account of the story behind the testimony detailing sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh.
I was in law school at Yale during the Kavanaugh hearings, and I viscerally remember the entire experience—from the on-campus protests, to the glares I got from certain people for advertising my support of Dr. Blasey-Ford, to the hearings themselves. In a lot of ways, it was a formative experience for me that will probably permanently shape my views on both politics and the Supreme Court. Reading Dr. Blasey-Ford’s firsthand account was an important addition to the historical context and the narrative I already knew, and I genuinely think everyone should read this book.
I was alternately awed, inspired, heartbroken, and furious by the description of all that Dr. Blasey-Ford went through, both in the lead-up to and, particularly, the aftermath of, her testimony. She should never have suffered what she did as a teenager, but she especially should never have been re-victimized the way she was in 2018. I’m so sorry for all she went through, and so grateful for her willingness to share her story in the face of so much vitriol and violence.
Note: I listened to the audio version, narrated by Dr. Blasey-Ford, and thoroughly enjoyed that format.
CW: Sexual assault/violence; mental health; bullying/harassment/threats
April 18, 2024
My big takeaway is the cost of speaking the truth. So often, the victim becomes the target for unspeakable retribution. Five years later, she is still getting death threats. The book was thoughtful and honest. One slight note of caution: If you are one of the many women who has been the victim of sexual assault, be prepared to go through the journey side-by-side with Christine. It is not an easy go, but you have a strong sense of being in good company.
March 29, 2024
Emotional and seemingly more honest than most memoirs. Endearing and yet not as enlightening as I hoped from what I remembered about the author’s testimony and education. Parts on interactions with names like Oprah, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Gwyneth Paltrow seemed out of place compared to more interesting reading describing psychological terms and books.
April 1, 2024
This woman is a hero and a patriot. Her life and that of her family has never been the same since her decision to express the truth. It’s unfathomable the bravery she has shown. I’m grateful she’s had the chance to put into her words her experience of coming forward. Praying she’s right and we will eventually hit the tipping point where all of our stories create a wave that finally brings about change.
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