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The Way I Used to Be

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About this listen

In the tradition of Speak, this extraordinary debut novel “is a poignant book that realistically looks at the lasting effects of trauma on love, relationships, and life” (School Library Journal, starred review).

Eden was always good at being good. Starting high school didn’t change who she was. But the night her brother’s best friend rapes her, Eden’s world capsizes.

What was once simple, is now complex. What Eden once loved—who she once loved—she now hates. What she thought she knew to be true, is now lies. Nothing makes sense anymore, and she knows she’s supposed to tell someone what happened but she can’t. So she buries it instead. And she buries the way she used to be.

Told in four parts—freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year—this provocative debut reveals the deep cuts of trauma. But it also demonstrates one young woman’s strength as she navigates the disappointment and unbearable pains of adolescence, of first love and first heartbreak, of friendships broken and rebuilt, all while learning to embrace the power of survival she never knew she had hidden within her heart.

©2023 Amber Smith (P)2023 Spotify Audiobooks Bullying & Abuse Difficult Situations Literature & Fiction Physical & Emotional Abuse Heartfelt
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I really enjoyed the storyline, but there were times when the audio would skip and it was clear that I was missing things. Even rewinding, the same parts would skip, which had me tempted to buy the ebook or a physical copy, which defeats the purpose of the audiobook for me, as I prefer them for convenience. But powerful storylines and memorable main character.

Great Story, but the audio skips

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Such a gripping story, I've already pre ordered book two.
Editing wasn't great, but loved it all the same.

Hard to put down, gripping and emotional story

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I couldn’t stop once I started this book! Some parts of this book was hard to hear because of the graphic storyline (trigger warning) but I needed to hear how things worked out in the end. Highly recommend, this book will have you on the edge of your seat in the rollercoaster of emotions.

I couldn’t stop reading!

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This is a great book, just really badly edited. Replays bits that have already been played makes it confusing at times to follow. But the narration is good and a great emotional listen.

Great Book but badly edited audio

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This book was a hard listen as it was very emotional but so worth it! The story is gripping and I got really invested in the characters, would highly recommend and remember your tissues

Emotional deep story

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