The Way I Am Now (The Way I Used to Be) Paperback – November 5, 2024

I read the reviews and was a bit skeptical to buy this book after loving the first story, but I am glad I didn’t listen!Eden is such a wonderful character because she is so real: her thoughts, decisions, fears, and her way of loving. She relapses and looks for quick solutions but not because she wants the easy way out, but because she is not ready to face the real solution yet.Josh is also an interest but equally real character, his need to want to help the ones he loves before himself. He may not have gotten physically hurt or gone through any “real” trauma but it affects him just as bad. Josh like Eden also avoids it by being unready to face the real solution.The reason the book is so great is because the real solution is hard but it shows you that many of us are struggling to face them, not for lack of wanting, but because we genuinely do not know how to do it without, or simply don’t know hot to not hurt ourselves or others by trying to get better. Or sometimes we simply don’t understand our own pain.Spoiler alert**Was I a little mad about how the whole trial bit was handled and lack of information? Yes.But it took me a bit to realize this book was never about that. This book is about Eden and her evolution into this new person she needs to be to surpass what Kevin did. Plus I like to think like this I can imagine whatever verdict I want.This ending while a bit upsetting at first, made me focus on healing rather than justice. Because unfortunately justice isn’t always done, and no matter the outcome it doesn’t erase the damage both physically and mentally the was done to Eden all those years. It was never about Kevin, it was about them. The healing to get their story out was the real point of this book.Do I wish we have gotten a bit more information after on Eden’s family? Yes. This affected all of them in different ways. I know it is not their story, and this is all Eden’s point of view. Her life just isn’t there, but I wish we would have gotten something. Or at least a continuation for the brother, because his change from being on top of the world to the spitting image of Eden when she was spiraling is something I wish I had more information on.But like I said before, this wasn’t about them. It is about Eden and Josh.I really like how Josh’s character is so linked with Eden, their original reason for being attracted to each other because of their problems, and together because of said problems how they were able to truly deal with it. It’s was beautifully woven to make a beautiful healing and love story.If you like the first book and genuinely want to know about Eden and her fight against herself with all it’s difficult paths and turns in such a realistic and painstaking slow way then read this book. You won’t regret it, life isn’t easy nor fast and this show that just because we saw we want to do something it isn’t automatically ready for us to do. And that is a great lesson for teens and adults.If you want the continuation of Kevin and more of the macabre spiraling that the first book dealt with, then don’t read this book. This isn’t about this, it’s about healing and officially moving on, how it is in the real world. Sometimes there isn’t always justice nor is it always pretty.But overall, this was an easy to read book, that packs a real punch. Im glad the author waited to give Eden and Josh their proper continuation.

🌼 healing journey🏀 basketball mmc🌼 second and third chances🏀 self loveThis was at least slightly less depressing than book 1, but still ripped at my heart strings!!I LOVED LOVED LOVED seeing Eden grow into the strong, powerful person she was always meant to be. Her relationship with Josh felt so raw and real, like I was experiencing it right there with her. It was heartbreaking yet refreshing to not know if everything was going to be okay with the main characters, their hardships were never glossed over and you really got to grow with them in the story. While I wished we’d gotten an epilogue to show Josh and Eden happily down the road, I’ll settle for knowing they’re peacefully together now.

Great quality

The Way I Am Now offers a realistic portrayal of how trauma impacts a person’s life over time. Beautifully written and deeply moving, I couldn’t put it down.

*Spoilers ahead*I did thoroughly enjoy the book, but I didn’t get as hooked on it as I did with The Way I Used To Be. I liked the love story, I liked that they both realized who they needed to be in the end… but the end felt rushed and we don’t even know what happens to Kevin?? Which I felt like we got robbed of knowing. I understand that now that Eden stood up for herself in court and kicked ass and did what she needed to do, maybe it didn’t matter?? But I was hoping to get an answer on if he went to prison AND maybe a slight repair in her relationship with Amanda since they were friends once upon a time. Without Amanda, who knows if Eden would’ve come out with the truth. Even just a conversation between the two once it was all over would’ve been suffice. The fact that Gen came to see her so they wouldn’t meet in court was a nice touch, but again, we missed the mark with Mandy.Still overall enjoyed the book, but wanted a little more.

Like with its predecessor, I felt like the ending of this book was rushed. I would’ve liked to have seen Josh’s healing journey more fleshed out. It just felt rushed to see 2 whole books worth of trauma dealt with and overcame in 2-3 short chapters. I’m also disappointed readers don’t find out the outcome of Kevin’s trial. The whole origin of Eden’s story is that she was assaulted, and we don’t even find out whether her abuser goes to jail or not. I get she’s all healed in the end, so maybe it doesn’t matter to her anymore, but I care and would’ve liked more finality.

Soooo good, book 1 and 2 are amazing. Had me glued to my phone trying to read it all. I was so sucked in finished both in 4 days.

I read the first book back when I was in high school and decided to read it again recently. I was really bummed to finish it quickly and not sure what to read next. Only to find out there was another book!! I love the characters so much, the story behind it. I love Eden’s and Josh’s love. I truly didn’t want this book to end knowing there isn’t one after. I will recommend these two books for anyone. I would love love another book about this.. so if the author is reading this review please make another one!! I truly don’t know what to read next as nothing will compare to this series.