The Way I Used to Be Paperback – 7 March 2017

Packaging was good and the book was in good condition

This book is about a girl call Eden. She was raped by her brother's bestfriend Kevin. So basically this revolves around her trauma and experience which is described in four different parts i.e freshmen year, sophomore year, junior year and senior year. (Please read trigger warning before reading this cause it is hard to read)

Eden, the protagonist, left a lasting impact on me. From her bright and happy 14-year-old self to a young woman seeking liberation, her journey was tumultuous and heartbreaking. Each part of the story pushed her further down a dark path, breaking my heart in the process. I was simultaneously frustrated by the decisions she made, knowing she hurt many people, but no one more than herself. However, she eventually finds redemption and discovers the key to her freedom. It was inspiring to witness her grasp it with trembling hands, filled with worry and doubt.While I'm glad Eden was able to reunite with her brother and clear the air with Amanda, I wished the book had shown whether she made amends with Stephen, Mara, and even Cameron. It would have been satisfying to witness her reunion with Mara. Additionally, it would have been gratifying to see Kevin face the consequences of his actions. An epilogue depicting a glimpse into the future, months or years later, with quick updates on everyone would have been appreciated. It could have revealed whether Mara and Cameron stayed together and if Eden and Josh found their way back to each other. The ending, although fine, felt abrupt and left many unanswered questions.The one who selects this book will never regret reading this. Happy Reading.

Just yes!

[PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK WHICH MAINLY INCLUDES R*PE]This is the story about Eden who was unfortunately r*ped by someone she knew and trusted when she was only 14 years old. This is the story about how her life spiralled out after that traumatic incident.Very rarely I find myself at a loss of words while reviewing a book and somehow this book makes me feel like that. This book is extremely hard to read, and even harder to review.I will just say this - The Way I Used To Be is an important and visceral book. It broke my heart to see Eden suffer like the way she was suffering, internally and all alone. Books don’t make me cry easily but this book was highly emotional. I was sobbing uncontrollably for the last 100 or so pages.I literally don’t know how to review this book. Please, please read this book and let this book break you and make you sob.The story of Eden is so important to be shared because unfortunately, my heart is breaking while writing this, her story is true for other little girls out there. We need to make sure that all the Edens of this world know that they are not alone and we are with them.There you go, the most inarticulate review I have ever written because I am still broken and speechless by this story. I need therapy after reading this book. But honestly, this book is a gem and I cannot recommend it enough.

the whole boook is destroyed with oil

✦ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐈 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 ✦THE WAY I USED TO BE by Amber Smith is toiling with her reader’s mind. As a reader, I was spellbound, confused, and irritated at first. But when I came thoroughly to the end I felt a profound serenity. 🐳🌿 Amber Smith takes the note extremely “To every you who has ever known the feeling of needing new ways to be”. This is the first page of this book… sensational but tough to deal with. Eden, the main protagonist of this book was raped but didn't dare to let out this truth to anyone. Not even her parents or brother. She dared to deal with this situation by herself but for how long? 🌿Eden is now separated, exhausted from dealing with her mental trauma alone. She is scared of her image. She hurts people, she leaves Mara, Caelin, Steve, and others. She doesn't even leave on purpose with her parents. The whole situation is truthfully very depressing. ✨Eden was wholeheartedly with Josh - with his thinking. She never gets over him but from the core of her mind, she understands that she can't be with him. But her truth can. She let her truth out with a great force that no one can unheard of. But now this is her actual exam. She's to tell the truth to the police, to her brother, and to her parents. The inner turmoil that has been with her now can not sit still. She's scared that no one would believe her. They'll blame her only. But to her great surprise, they are on her side. It is a great read for sure. I want to give this book ✨✨✨✨✨ (5 out of 5). One of the great reads in 2024!

Very well written book, it pulled me in from the very beginning and I stayed up all night to finish it. It’s a story of hopelessness and how easily things can spiral by a single action. Definitely eye opening and gives more of a perspective of somebody behaving poorly or self destructive.

Excelente calidad, bien cuidado el libro.

Told throughout the different stages of her teenage life, this story brought an immense sense of real/raw emotion. The author was able to create the best possible narrative of the moments throughout the story. As the reader, you were able to understand, envision and FEEL the rollercoaster of emotions. At times I wanted to close the book, throw it but during these times , it’s when you felt the characters heartache, confusion, hurt and more hurt.. the most. I think this novel was steady throughout. Not leaving any questions unanswered (as the story wasn’t about the repercussions ‘per say’) but rather about Eden coming forward; being able to come forward. Definitely a good read. 8.5/10 ⭐️

Incredibly written and covers a very difficult topic.

Gillar verkligen denna. Man kan vekrligen relatera och det är en fin story. Händer inte jätte mycekt dock