The Way I Am Now

By: Amber Smith

Narrated by: 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?

Critic reviews

"Jordan Fisher and Rebekkah Ross deliver the alternating points of view of this novel. Ross’s initial edginess captures Eden’s frayed nerves as she continues to recover from having been raped three years earlier. Still, right from the beginning, Ross also expresses Eden’s inner strength and determination to heal. When she enters college and begins a nurturing relationship with Josh, her voice grows stronger, even as she faces her rapist’s hearing. Fisher’s portrayal of Josh reveals his own sensitive points, but his steady voice mirrors Josh’s levelheadedness and unrelenting caring for Eden."

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.)

Omg

This book is soooo amazing we need a 3rd book! The way this book keeps you on your toes and you want to smile and cry at the same time!

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?