Krakauer Faces Missoula

Jon Krakauer’s latest book tells the stories behind a spate of sexual assaults in Missoula from 2010 to 2012.

Jon Krakauer’s latest book tackles acquaintance rape in a college town. Acquaintance rape is a national issue–contrary to the stranger-in-the-bushes myth, the vast majority of rapists know their victims. It’s also the most unreported crime in America. Krakauer describes it well in his latest book, “Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town.” Missoula, Montana, is used to getting press for its fly fishing, liberal arts university, and outdoor sports. Many locals feel attacked by a best-selling author setting a book about rape here. Others are happy the book has kick-started some much needed conversation and soul-searching. Krakauer came to Missoula Wednesday night to face the town he profiled. More than 600 people crowded a hotel ballroom to see him. I wrote about the evening–and what Missoula has done to improve its response to sexual assault–for Outside’s website. Here’s the link.