Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Absorbing, emotional story of recovering from trauma.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE WAY I AM NOW picks up Eden's story as she nears the end of her senior year in high school. When she was 13, she was raped by her brother's best friend, and keeping it a secret sent her into a years-long downward spiral of reckless and dangerous behavior. Now she's seeing a counselor who's helping her change her behavior, and she's taking prescribed medications for panic attacks, depression, and sleeplessness. She's getting better, but she's still got a long way to go. Which is why she decides to get away from her old life and start college a five-hour drive away. The same college that Josh goes to, and the two decide to give themselves another chance. But they've both still got quite a lot of emotional baggage to sort through. Is their love, as intense and beautiful as it is, enough to see them through?
Is It Any Good?
This is a thoughtful and emotional story about recovery from trauma. Although a little time has passed since the events of the first book, The Way I Am Now seamlessly brings us up to date with Eden and Josh. Author Amber Smith creates a believable portrayal of the long and rollercoaster-like journey toward healing from trauma, seeking justice, and wanting to be and do better. Having Eden and Josh take turns narrating events keeps the story moving and makes sure we see things from both their points of view, but Josh's troubles aren't quite as keenly felt or developed as Eden's are.
Although there are still parts that are difficult to read, the focus is more on the long, slow, but more positive process of recovery and healing, and understanding that you are worthy of being loved. It ends on a positive note that will please Eden's fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Way I Am Now. Is it too much, or is it important to the story and character to read about the rape in detail?
What about the sex? Is it important to the story, or is it gratuitous? Why?
Did you read the first book before this one? If you did, what do you think about how Eden's story continues? If you didn't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date : November 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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