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Gifted by: Vintage Anchor

THIS BOOK IS EASILY ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS THAT I HAVE READ THIS YEAR, AND I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE WORLD TO READ THIS GEM!
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The book can be distilled into:
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-Who is Marty Goodard?
-What did Marty Goodard do?
- And where is Marty Goodard?
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Despite Wikipedia originally labeling Louis R. Vitullo as the creator of the rape kit, Pagan Kennedy’s deep investigative work reveals that Marty Goodard is its true creator. The book is a biographical tribute honoring Marty’s life and her wonderful contribution to the world.
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The book discusses how Marty’s work with a Chicago crisis hotline, where she listened to the harrowing, horrific stories of girls being molested and rapists running amok with impunity, emboldened her to create a new forensic tool: the first rape kit. However, Herculean obstacles were placed in front of Marty. Marty had to jump through multiple sexism-laden hurdles. From utilizing a grant from the Playboy Foundation to cover the dearth of funding for the rape kit to getting dolls placed in police precincts to help children demonstrate what happened to them, Marty made constant improvements, altering procedural workflows, to help those that were sexually assaulted. Then, Marty Goddard seemed to disappear without a trace. Pagan Kennedy then goes on a woman hunt for this champion of women—Marty Goodard.
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On top of discussing the rape kit’s origin, different adaptations of the rape kit were discussed as well. Epidemiological data about rape and the author’s own sexual assault experiences were weaved in as well. However, I felt that the author’s own sexual assault experiences were a bit distracting and left me disappointed. The author never exacted justice on those who deeply wronged and traumatized her. Her story and decision felt unempowering in contrast to Marty’s empowering persona.