Review of The Way I Am Now (The Way I Used to Be) by Amber Smith
When I first picked up Amber Smith’s The Way I Am Now, the sequel to her The Way I Used to Be, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The first book touched my heart deeply, and I wondered if the follow-up could capture that same intensity. The answer? A resounding YES! With poignant prose and heavy themes, Smith paints a raw and honest portrait of resilience and love that resonates well beyond the pages.
At the heart of this sequel are Eden and Josh, two characters who never quite had their time to thrive in their high school romance, weighed down by unshared burdens. Eden grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic sexual assault, while Josh faces the challenges of growing up with an alcoholic father. As they navigate their re-established relationship during the tumultuous experience of college and Eden’s trial, the story unfolds like a beautiful, messy tapestry of healing.
What struck me most was how Smith delicately handles trauma and recovery. The prose is both lyrical and relatable, pulling the reader into the emotional depths of Eden’s journey. Lines like “Healing isn’t linear; it twists and turns, often leading you back to where you started” echoed my own experiences and underscored the book’s authenticity. Smith invites us to explore not just Eden’s internal struggles but also the complexities of her relationship with Josh, crafting their connection with a depth that feels genuine and refreshing.
The pacing of The Way I Am Now is intentional, allowing for character growth that reflects the slower, often frustrating nature of recovery. Smith doesn’t shy away from portraying the reality of setbacks and relapses in healing, which adds a layer of sincerity to the narrative. The chemistry between Eden and Josh unfolds steadily, buoyed by moments of vulnerability and support that amplify their connection. This wasn’t merely about romantic love; it was about understanding, growth, and the power of vulnerability.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how it amplifies the idea that healing is not tied solely to justice. The trial and its ramifications play a critical backdrop to Eden’s evolution, yet the narrative serves as a reminder that true strength comes from within, regardless of the outcomes we desire. While some readers may find the ending open-ended, potentially leaving questions about Kevin’s fate and Eden’s family dynamics, I found it to be fittingly reflective of real life—complex and occasionally unresolved.
I highly recommend The Way I Am Now to anyone looking for a thoughtful exploration of trauma, love, and the journey toward healing. Readers who appreciated the vulnerability and emotional depth in the first book will find a gem here as well, filled with lessons that resonate regardless of age. Amber Smith has given us a story that deftly captures the chorus of healing and the ties that bind us in our most difficult moments.
This book left me not only captivated but also reflective about my own journey and the significance of empathy, both for ourselves and each other. I urge you to dive into these pages and join Eden and Josh on their beautiful and complex path toward being truly seen and known.
You can find The Way I Am Now (The Way I Used to Be) here >>