The Way I Used to Be

The Way I Used to Be follows Eden McCrorey through four years of high school after a traumatic assault by her brother's best friend. The assault occurs when Eden is fourteen, and the story tracks how this event impacts her relationships, identity, and choices as she moves through each grade level. Eden keeps her assault secret while struggling to maintain her previous image as a good student and obedient daughter. She begins making decisions that distance her from her old life and former self, including pushing away her best friend and changing her appearance. Through Eden's narrative, the novel examines trauma's ripple effects across time and relationships. The story presents a raw account of one teenager's path through high school while carrying an unspoken burden. The book confronts questions about truth, survival, and the journey toward healing. It explores how trauma can fragment a person's sense of self and the complex process of reclaiming one's voice.

Readers describe this as an emotionally raw and difficult book that realistically portrays trauma's long-term impact. Many found it hard to read but important. Readers appreciated: - Authentic portrayal of PTSD and assault aftermath - Character development showing multi-year effects - Message about speaking up and healing - Writing style that captures the protagonist's voice Common criticisms: - Too graphic/triggering for some readers - Protagonist's destructive choices frustrate some readers - Pacing drags in middle sections - Resolution feels rushed to some Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (52,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (2,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) "Brutal but necessary" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers noted staying up all night to finish it. Several teacher reviews mention successfully using it to discuss consent with high school students, though they recommend advance content warnings.

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📖 Author Amber Smith worked as a domestic violence counselor before becoming a writer 🎓 The book spent 26 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list for Young Adult Hardcover books 💫 The story spans all four years of the main character's high school experience, showing the long-term impact of trauma 🗣️ The author wrote this book to give voice to survivors who feel pressured to stay silent about their experiences 📚 The novel was inspired by stories Smith heard from real teenage survivors during her work as a counselor and advocate