Reviews

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

skissih's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

esther_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

gemmafox's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

popcornporridge's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

thecrowwholived's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Read it in 2017. Read it again. Christ almighty.

kassimesserly's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Book about tragedy, heartbreak, and years of a horrible secret.

This book is written over a four year span, beginning with Eden as a freshman in high school up until her senior year. When a violent act takes place, she is left broken, dealing with her past in bursts of aggression and bad decisions.

Eden was a great character to watch over her high school years. She grew (not always in the best ways) but I couldn't stop reading. Her life was tragic and she kept on a self destructive path that was addicting to watch unravel. It also left a bunch of unanswered questions. It broke my heart and was very impactful.

* Trigger warnings for abuse and rape.

rachelh_101's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

"This isn't all about me. This thing, it touches everyone.

As a survivor, this story was beautiful. I also should start reading the synopsis before I pick books for 'light Saturday morning reads.' In all seriousness, I have never read a book that made my emotions feel so real in my life. Also, this is another read once kind of book. My first five stars of 2023.

Rating 5/5

TW:
rape

claudia578's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

emmyreading_13's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

3.0

ananya2112's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

I don't think I even have the energy to form coherent sentences. I'm exhausted. But also, so glad I read this book. My heart reaches out to kids like Eden. Right now, I just want to cry my heart out. I cannot wait to read the upcoming sequel.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings