Reviews with content warning for Addiction - The way I used to be

Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

The way I used to be by Amber Smith

88 reviews

meltymae's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

cassafrassandfries's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

(TW: rape/sexual assault)

Wow. This was a recommendation from my niece a few months ago. I started it without reading the blurb or asking what it was about, and quickly discovered that it starts with the sexual assault of a young teen. At the time, I was jarred by it (and maybe a little horrified that my niece didn’t warn me!!) and put it on the “to read some other time” pile. I finally picked it back up recently and could. not. put. it. down. I absolutely love the way that this is written as a “train of thought” narration from the protagonist. It really puts you in the mind of a high school girl in a way that doesn’t feel trite, and is entirely believable. The contents of the book are essentially the downward spiral of a young woman unable to cope with this trauma, and it reads as a series of worsening decisions and awful things. It’s, at times, difficult to read, just due to the nature of the content. The book spans her high school experience, starting from the assault at the beginning of her freshman year, and following her through all four years of high school. We see how this trauma has impacted all of her relationships, decisions, academics, her self worth, her family, etc. While I’m sure there are other portrayals of this type of trauma, and perhaps books with more depth, I think what made this such an engaging read is how real her inner dialogue and monologue felt to me. Having been a confused teen myself (ok it was 15 years ago for me, but I remember it vividly!), this felt true to life. This feels like, though fictional, an important story to tell about just how far-reaching the effects of a sexual assault can be. While Eden’s story might be fictional, this is a very real story for so many young women. Not a fun read by any stretch of the imagination, but engaging and powerful. Highly recommend! Thanks to my niece for recommending and thanks to Katie for letting your daughter read things like this - stories that will hopefully keep her safe and give her the power to help herself and others.

Content Warnings

amandasantosx's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

TRIGGER WARNING please

Content Warnings

naoml's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Please ask yourself if you're really ready to read this book before you do. It's a very graphic description of rape and it's aftermath.
The book deals with the emotion and consequences SA has on a life very truthfully. I think there is room for further nuance but understand that every story is different.
This book didn't make me cry, but it made me throw up

Content Warnings

arikareads's review against another edition

4.25

dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

kaylee14's review against another edition

3.5

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

rodzha's review against another edition

4.75

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I couldn’t stop reading! Such an emotional and well-written book. Definitely one of my favorites.

Content Warnings

jeanettehammontree's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

A book like I haven’t read in so long. Terribly heartbreaking, but one I’m thankful to have been able to read and experience. I don’t know if I’ll read a book like this for a long time. One everyone should read.

Content Warnings

tdhuck's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

katycanum's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was the first book I finished in 24 hours in years. I am not sure if it was the writing style, or just the story. This is a book that needs to start being shared in schools, in communities. it captures it perfectly.

Content Warnings

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