Who Would Like This Book:
This book pulls no punches - it’s raw, honest, and deeply emotional. Amber Smith doesn’t shy away from tough topics, portraying the long, messy aftermath of trauma through Eden’s perspective. If you’re a fan of realistic YA fiction that explores difficult issues with compassion, or if you appreciate stories that don’t gloss over the struggles of healing, you’ll find this both powerful and memorable. Readers looking for books that open up conversations about mental health, sexual violence, and resilience will definitely be moved by Eden’s journey.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers may find the book’s subject matter too heavy, especially since it deals graphically with rape, trauma, and destructive coping mechanisms. Others felt disconnected from the main character as Eden’s transformation was jarring or her actions frustrating, and the supporting characters sometimes seemed underdeveloped. If you’re looking for an uplifting or easy read, or if you prefer stories that wrap up all threads neatly, you might struggle with this one. Also, survivors may want to check trigger warnings before diving in, as the content could be intense and upsetting.
About:
'The Way I Used to Be' by Amber Smith follows the story of Eden, a young girl who is raped by her brother's best friend at the age of 14. The novel delves into the aftermath of the assault, showcasing Eden's downward spiral into self-destruction and her struggles to cope with the trauma over the course of her high school years. Through a realistic portrayal of Eden's emotional journey, the book addresses sensitive topics like sexual violence, trauma, and the impact of silence on survivors. The narrative unfolds over four years, depicting Eden's transformation, her strained relationships, and the internal turmoil she faces as she grapples with the hidden truth of her assault.
The author, Amber Smith, employs a raw and powerful writing style to capture the emotional depth of the protagonist and the effects of trauma on her life. offers a poignant exploration of Eden's internal struggles, her attempts to cope with the aftermath of the assault, and the complex dynamics of her relationships. Through a compelling narrative structure that spans Eden's high school years, 'The Way I Used to Be' provides a thought-provoking insight into the long-lasting repercussions of sexual violence and the challenges faced by survivors in speaking out.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for this book include themes of rape, sexual assault, mental health struggles, substance abuse, and emotional trauma.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romantic interests throughout the story, but they serve as a backdrop to the main themes of trauma and recovery.
From The Publisher:
A New York Times bestseller.
In the tradition of Speak, this extraordinary debut novel "is a poignant book that realistically looks at the lasting effects of trauma on love, relationships, and life" (School Library Journal, starred review).
Eden was always good at being good. Starting high school didn't change who she was. But the night her brother's best friend rapes her, Eden's world capsizes.
What was once simple, is now complex. What Eden once loved-who she once loved-she now hates. What she thought she knew to be true, is now lies. Nothing makes sense anymore, and she knows she's supposed to tell someone what happened but she can't. So she buries it instead. And she buries the way she used to be.
Told in four parts-freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year-this provocative debut reveals the deep cuts of trauma. But it also demonstrates one young woman's strength as she navigates the disappointment and unbearable pains of adolescence, of first love and first heartbreak, of friendships broken and rebuilt, all while learning to embrace the power of survival she never knew she had hidden within her heart.
Ratings (57)
Incredible (20) | |
Loved It (20) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (125):
Read It (64) | |
Want To Read (53) | |
Not Interested (8) |
3 comment(s)
this book wow. this book made me rethink my entire existence, i’m not sure how long it will take me to get “over it”. Crazy experience reading in one sitting like that, when i was already crushed to begin with. So my advice for anyone is that if you are not in a good place with yourself DONT READ IT. Love the book
I found this hard to rate, but it holds so much emotional impact that I think that is like a 4.5 star for me.
⚠️ This book definitely could raise triggers for some. So please, please only read if you feel as though you can
The Way I Used To Be tells the story of one girl who is sexually assaulted and the ripple effect it has on her life over the following years. This was so well covered and leaves you thinking about it long after you have finished reading it.
What can you read after
The Way I Used to Be?
About the Author:
Amber Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels The Way I Used to Be and The Last to Let Go. An advocate for increased awareness of gendered violence, as well as LGBTQ equality, she writes in the hope that her books can help to foster change and spark dialogue surrounding these issues. She grew up in Buffalo, New York, and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her partner and their ever-growing family of rescued dogs and cats. You can find her online at AmberSmithAuthor.com.
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