Welcome to my review of The Way I Used to Be, a book that packs a punch in more ways than one. This story follows Eden as she navigates the traumatic aftermath of an assault, and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. From stellar character development to an evolving writing style, this novel has a lot to offer, though it isn’t without its flaws. Grab your tissues and let’s get into it – but first, maybe hide your snacks because you might forget to eat.
Review of ‘The Way I Used to Be’
In a Nutshell
The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith is a gut-wrenching contemporary YA novel. It delves into the life of Eden, a high school student whose life takes a dramatic turn after a traumatic event. The book explores heavy themes like trauma, identity, and relationships, and it does so with raw honesty. Readers will follow Eden’s journey over four years, witnessing her struggle and growth. Despite its intense subject matter, the book’s relatability and poignant storytelling make it a compelling read.
Character Development in ‘The Way I Used to Be’
Alright, buckle up folks. When we talk about character development, ‘The Way I Used to Be’ by Amber Smith has some heavy lifting to do. The protagonist, Eden, goes through one of the most heart-wrenching transformations I’ve ever read. Imagine your best friend saying, ‘I’m totally fine,’ when they clearly just went through a blender. Yeah, that’s Eden for you.
The book starts with Eden as a naive freshman, but she’s quickly thrown into a whirlwind of trauma. It’s like watching a marshmallow thrown into a campfire. Her innocence gets roasted. I won’t give away too much, but let’s say, by senior year, she’s got more layers than a burrito. You see her struggle, her anger, and her attempts to put her life back together. Think of it like trying to fix a shattered vase with duct tape; messy but determined.
Amber Smith nails the little details that make Eden’s development feel real. I remember one scene where Eden is avoiding her family at dinner, staring at her peas like they’re the enemy. It’s so relatable it hurts. But the downside? Sometimes the pacing drags. It’s like when you’re on a treadmill and keep checking the clock, hoping more time has passed. But despite that, Smith’s portrayal of Eden’s journey is both raw and authentic.
Next up, we’ll explore the emotional impact of ‘The Way I Used to Be.’ Grab your tissues, it’s gonna be a tearjerker!
Emotional Impact in ‘The Way I Used to Be’
Emotional impact? Oh boy, ‘The Way I Used to Be’ delivers it like a sledgehammer. Following Eden’s journey, you get to experience every heartache, smile, and tear she goes through. It’s like my own teenage years flashed before my eyes – minus the drama, thank goodness. This book doesn’t tiptoe around tough subjects; it stomps all over them.
Author Amber Smith has a knack for making you feel what her characters feel. I was practically yelling, ‘NO!’ at the pages during some of Eden’s low points. It’s raw and honest, making it easy to get lost in her world. You can’t help but root for her, even when she makes questionable choices. And trust me, there are plenty of those.
One of the book’s charms is its ability to transform simple moments into emotional milestones. Remember that time you cried over a broken pencil in middle school? ‘The Way I Used to Be’ takes those small moments and magnifies them. It’s a gut-wrenching journey that reminds you of the power of resilience and hope.
Still, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Some readers might find its intensity a bit overwhelming. There were moments when even my metaphorical emotional sponge was soaked. But hey, what’s a good book without a few tears, right?
Next up, we’re jumping into the writing style of this rollercoaster of a book. Buckle up!
Writing Style in ‘The Way I Used to Be’
If you have ever felt like a book is speaking directly to your teenage self, you will get that vibe from The Way I Used to Be. Amber Smith’s writing style is straightforward and raw, like a punch to the gut. Don’t get me wrong, this is a compliment. She does not sugarcoat the struggles Eden faces, which makes the story hit even harder.
One thing I noticed is how the writing adapts as Eden’s character evolves. In the beginning, the sentences feel more erratic and fragmented, mirroring Eden’s turmoil and confusion. As she grows, the writing becomes more focused and self-aware. It’s like watching someone piece themselves together, word by word. Smith’s knack for capturing emotion in such a tangible way makes it hard to put the book down.
However, there are moments where the straightforward style feels a bit too stripped down. A little more descriptive language could have added extra layers to the settings and secondary characters. Sometimes you want just a pinch more of that literary seasoning to enhance the flavor, you know?
Still, the clarity and honesty in the writing are what make this book so compelling. You don’t have to wade through poetic prose to uncover the rawness of Eden’s journey. The directness makes it accessible, especially for young adult readers who may relate to Eden’s experience.
In the next section, we will talk about the themes and messages that Smith weaves into this impactful narrative. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Themes and Messages in ‘The Way I Used to Be’
When it comes to themes, ‘The Way I Used to Be’ is rich with layers. The book tackles heavy and important topics, making you think about the world around you. The central theme is the aftermath of trauma and how it shapes a person. Eden, the main character, endures a traumatic experience that changes her life completely. This leads to themes of healing and struggle, as Eden tries to piece herself back together.
Another significant theme in the book is the idea of identity. Eden’s journey is not just about overcoming trauma but also about finding herself. Adolescence is hard enough without the added weight Eden carries, and the author, Amber Smith, does a great job of showing how these experiences shape who we become. It’s a very relatable theme, especially for anyone who’s felt lost in their teenage years.
The book also explores the theme of relationships. Eden’s interactions with her family, friends, and romantic interests show how complex and fragile human connections can be. Trust plays a big role, showing how hard it can be to rebuild it once it’s broken.
But it’s not all perfect. The book can feel a bit heavy-handed at times. The emotional weight is there, but it sometimes feels like it’s trying too hard to make you feel something.
All in all, I recommend ‘The Way I Used to Be’ for its powerful themes and messages. While it has its flaws, the story is still impactful and will resonate with many readers. Just be prepared for an emotional ride!
Conclusion
Well, folks, that’s my two cents on ‘The Way I Used to Be’ by Amber Smith. This book takes you on a wild ride through Eden’s life, full of ups and downs, heartbreaks and triumphs. The character development is stellar, writing style is raw and real, and the themes are heavy yet impactful. Sure, there are some pacing issues and moments that can be overwhelming, but it’s a powerful read that’ll stick with you long after you turn the last page. Happy reading!
