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

Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

The way I used to be by Amber Smith

121 reviews

libraryofadventures's review against another edition

3.75

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

This was a very hard story to read and finish, for obvious reason. I cried several times while reading it. It was so heartbreaking and frustrating reading Eden's way of processing and coping with her trauma, I wanted to hug and shake her at the same time.
I recently watched "Unbelievable" series on Netflix before reading this book, it definitely proves that even if two people experienced the same thing, they won't necessarily react or cope with it the same way. So we should try to show empathy and kindness towards anyone, even though we don't understand what they're going through.

Content Warnings

miarenaereads's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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

Content Warnings

lizarragav11's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional sad tense medium-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

Content Warnings

daffu9529's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional 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

I first read this book back in 2016 when it released and have never forgotten since then. I’ve always wanted to reread it, so when I found about the sequel it seemed like the perfect opportunity to revisit it. This story hit me a lot harder at 24 than it did at 15. I understand so much more about Eden now, and the last part of this book struck me like a boulder. I cried uncontrollably for Eden, for everything she had to endure, and will continue to endure. This book is one I’ll always recommend. Such a gut wrenching story filled with tremendous loss, but even greater hope.

Content Warnings

helena_b's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

lanassreadinggg2025's review against another edition

5.0

emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This is one of those instances where I truly and wholeheartedly believe five stars does not do this book justice.The book genuily hurts to read The Way I Used to Be is a story about trauma and life after it. Eden is raped by her brother's long time best friend after he sneaks into her bedroom one night. the author to force reader's inside Eden's head during every single second of the few minutes that would change her life forever.Eden's story then goes on to follow her downward spiral from freshmen to senior year.She starts off with her usual friends, meets a boy and bases their entire relationship on lies to guard herself, and by senior year is completely self destructive to escape the trauma she still has told no one about.

Content Warnings