“This young adult novel is an unflinching look at the struggles of a rape victim to process her trauma and find the strength to rebuild her life.”
— Laurie Halse Anderson,
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of
Speak and
Shout"
The Way I Used to Be explores the aftermath of sexual assault with a precision and searing honesty that is often terrifying, sometimes eerily beautiful, and always completely true. It is The Hero's Journey through a distorted circus mirror--one girl's quest to turn desperation into courage, to become a survivor instead of a victim. Amber Smith gets it exactly right."
— Amy Reed, author of BEAUTIFUL and CLEAN
STARRED REVIEW “This is a poignant book that realistically looks at the lasting effects of trauma on love,relationships, and life….Teens will be reminded of Laurie Halse Anderson’s
Speak. VERDICT An important addition for every collection.”
— School Library Journal
"Readers will root for her as she gathers the courage, at last, to speak up."
— BN Teen blog
"
The Way I Used To Be is an intensely gripping and raw look at secrets, silence, speaking out, and survival in the aftermath of a sexual assault. A must-have for every collection that serves teens."
— SLJ / Teen Librarian Toolbox
"Don't let a book of this magnitude pass you by. Pick it up and read it because Eden's story demands to be read."
— Once Upon a Twilight
"A poignant and painfully honest survival story about the aftermath of trauma. Amber Smith weaves Eden's narrative with a deft, empathetic touch that doesn't shy away from difficult truths. This is a courageous, necessary, and beautiful book."
— Kathleen Glasgow, author of
Girl in Pieces,
The Agathas, and
How to Make Friends With the Dark“Edy’s exploration of the meaning of sexuality and intimacy will be thought provoking for teen readers of various experience levels, and this title is likely to find space alongside [Laurie Halse] Anderson’s
Speak." — BCCB
“A heart-twisting, but ultimately hopeful, exploration of how pain can lead to strength.”
— The Boston Globe
