The Way I Used to Be.

After an assault, Eden cannot speak about what happened. Her relationships and sense of self change throughout her school years. Amber Smith explores the continuing effects of trauma and the difficult process of finding a voice.

Why read The Way I Used to Be? Amber Smith examines trauma through its lasting influence on a teenager’s life. The narrative follows changes over time rather than treating the experience as an isolated event. Key themes and summary Eden is sexually assaulted by her brother’s best friend. Remaining silent, she navigates four years of high school as the experience affects friendships, relationships and personal choices. Who should read this novel? Mature readers of realistic fiction about survival and identity. The book includes rape, trauma and self-destructive behaviour.