Barnes & NobleThe Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

LOVED LITERALLY CRIED

LOVED THE WHOLE THING SO MUCH LITERALLY CANNOT STOP CRYING OVER IT

Recommend reading!!

This book is so amazing. I wanted to keep reading more and more everyday, it’s a book that opens up about love, relationships, friendships, trauma etc. This book is so well written, I loved every part of it. It is a really intense book overall specially at the beginning but I recommend this book!!

The Way I used to Be

This story was amazing. I finished it within a day. The story of trying to forget trauma is truly one of the best stories. Doing everything in your power to try to forget what happened. This story may trigger something’s but I feel like it’s worth the read to see someone else’s point if view from similar trauma.

Amazing story

Top Read for 2024!!

I purchased this book on a whim, I had seen some reviews on TikTok and decided to purchase the series. The first 10 pages are intense. When I tell you I was physically unable to set this book down! The story is gut wrenching and so well written. The author did such a great job at describing how Eden struggled through out her high school years. This series has such a hold on my soul. I finished both parts in 1 week. 10/10.

Sad/Crying

Ok, so the beginning was hard to read! It’s so sad what Eden (the MC) is going through. She finally meets a guy that she likes and feels comfortable with. But things don’t go how she wants them because she can’t let go things. Eden starts making bad decisions and let’s go Josh, the nice guy. Super heartbreaking. Then, she misses him while she’s around other guys. Heard the second book is out, gotta read it soon!

Easy Read/ Understandable

I'm a new reader, and this was my first book outside of school. When I tell you this, I could not get out of my hands and my thoughts! It was very easy to ready and the book flowed very well. If you don't have an enormous vocabulary, this is a good starter book for you. I would say the vocab is simple, and I loved it.

Honest and Forthcoming

Honestly, the beginning was a bit hard to read. I debated on putting it down and not finishing it, but I gave it the chance and I am glad I did. The novel goes from the time she was SA then through every year of high school. Though everyone’s SA story is different, Eden’s was very honest and accurate. It gets more progressive towards the middle, then it’s a string of emotional and pivotal moments until the end. Many say the writing style is repetitive and immature, but since it is written in first-person perspective, I believe that it is accurate with the way it describes her thoughts and feelings. Very great read!