The Way I Am Now

De: Amber Smith

Narrado por: Jordan Fisher, Rebekkah Ross

Eden and Josh decide to give their relationship another chance in this much anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Way I Used to Be that “highlights with painful honesty the process of moving forward following trauma” (Kirkus Reviews).

Eden and Josh never had a fair shot at a healthy relationship. When they dated in high school, they each had their own problems getting in the way of the deep connection they felt toward one another. Unbeknownst to Josh, Eden was carrying the burden of a devastating sexual assault, while Josh was dealing with his own private struggle of having an alcoholic father.

Months after Eden and two other girls publicly accuse their rapist, Eden is starting college while her case goes to trial. Now when she and Josh reconnect, it seems like it might finally be in the right place at the right time for them to make it work. But is their love strong enough to withstand the challenges and chaos of college and the crushing realities of a trial that will determine whether Eden gets the justice she deserves?

©2023 Amber Smith (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Thank you.

I picked up The Way I Used To Be years ago and come back to it every few months to not feel alone. I always liked that Eden got to be fully complex and make mistakes that aren’t treated as nails in the coffin.

I was scared to pick up the sequel because I feared it would all be whittled down to something trite or focused solely on the trial (forgive me, I am learning to trust again).

I love that we got to hear what was going on in Josh’s eyes and also flesh him out more as a whole person.

It’s a deeply satisfying and inspiring follow up to a book I never expected to have a follow up.

(Don’t let anyone badger you into another sequel, should you feel you have nothing more to add. Your points were made eloquently, compassionately, and profoundly. Thank you.)

Wanted the closure..

I was missing the closure and the justice for the girls at the end of this book. As a SA victim myself I feel like this story was left unfinished because the build up for the trial and then ended in not truly knowing what happened. Love Eden and Josh and glad I was on their journey in this duology.

She did it again

Could not stop listening! They grew so much! I wish it would have ended a little different.... Hopefully book 3 is in the works!

Pretty good

I loved the characters. The narration was fantastic. Why do you make me use 15 words when I am a woman a few words? 

Amazing book

I love both of these books so so much. A great story and brings insight to something so many experience.

💔

I hate that we didn't get closure! I wanted justice for Eden and the other girls. I needed that BEFORE she could be "ready". Urgh! I feel like her story wasn't finished!

Relationships

I didn't enjoy this one as much as The Way I Used To Be but greatful for how it ended. I also appreciate the different perspectives.

Didn’t know I needed.

Reading the first book was difficult for me. I bought it red part of it and I couldn’t handle it then few years later I was able to listen to it and I’m glad I did as someone who has been in this situation and reacted very similar. It brought me peace that I didn’t know I needed. “ he didn’t ask” The simple words….

Beautiful Closure

I almost didn’t add this one to my list but this was such a beautiful second book. It really gave me closure to what happened in the first book. I’m sitting in tears now, because I’m so happy for them, I’m so happy that they found themselves, that they allowed each other to heal in their own ways. It’s a must read in my opinion. And the narrators did an amazing job! I give it all five stars.

Loved it!

I wish there was an epilogue! She developed these characters so much more, and they became so real to me. I felt like I knew them. It’s hard to believe someone as thoughtful and level headed as Josh really exists, but it certainly was a page turner. I think everyone needs a Josh in their lives in one way or another. That’s for sure.