The Way I Used to Be

'A difficult, painful journey, but teens who have experienced rape and abuse will be grateful for this unvarnished and ultimately hopeful portrait. Edens shell-shocked narrative is an excellent narrative conduit for what Smith has to say.' Booklist 'Eden is a young woman silenced by threat and shame, but so too is she a character who will inspire hope, for her extraordinarily gripping story is not only a call for action but a reminder of the power we find within ourselves to overcome and survive.' Amy Beashel, author of We Are All Constellations '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, author of Speak 'This isnt an easy read, but its an important one I was incredibly moved by Smiths powerful writing, and Edens story of growth and survival is one you wont want to miss. Youll be thinking about this one long after you read that final page.' Seventeen Magazine '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 Heros Journey through a distorted circus mirror one girls quest to turn desperation into courage, to become a survivor instead of a victim. Amber Smith gets it exactly right.' Amy Reed, author of The Nowhere Girls

Amber Smithis theaward-winning and New York Timesbestselling author of the young adult novelsThe Way I Used to Be,The Last to Let Go,andSomething Like Gravity.An advocate for increased awareness of gendered violence, mental health, and LGBTQ+ equality, she writes in the hope that her books can help to foster change and spark dialogue. She grew up in Buffalo, New York, and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wife and their ever-growing family of rescued dogs and cats. Visit her online at AmberSmithAuthor.com