Review of The Way I Am Now by Amber Smith
There’s a certain thrill that comes from being on the brink of one of your most anticipated reads. When I first heard about The Way I Am Now, the sequel to The Way I Used to Be, it felt like reuniting with old friends after an extended separation. I had been following Eden and Josh’s tumultuous journey since 2016, eagerly awaiting their happily-ever-after. The open-ended conclusion of the first book had left my heart yearning—definitely not how I imagined my excitement would turn out in the end. Alas, my heart is heavy as I unpack my thoughts on this sequel, and I’m afraid I might have to pour out the disappointment that has been lingering ever since I turned the last page.
The Characters and Themes
At its core, The Way I Am Now promised the exploration of Eden’s journey of self-healing and growth after experiencing trauma. Eden felt like someone I could root for; her cold exterior was a defense mechanism that softly masked her scars and vulnerabilities. I loved that—how the author, Amber Smith, crafted a character who was more than just her pain. Yet, as I slipped through the pages, I yearned for the redemption and development that Eden needed, only to find it largely overshadowed by her relationship with Josh.
Eden and Josh’s connection had moments that made my inner romantic swoon, yet it quickly became evident that the story was leaning heavily towards romance at the sacrifice of character growth. I kept hoping for Eden to dive deep into her challenges—confront her family, rekindle her friendships, and finally begin to understand her past decisions. But nearly 70% of the story was entrenched in courtship and not the soul-searching journey I craved. While their chemistry was apparent, it didn’t take long before I felt that actual healing was being sidelined in favor of romantic interludes.
Writing Style and Narrative Techniques
The pacing of the book was uneven; it felt like we skipped vital moments in Eden’s development. The narrative structure—divided into parts across the months—didn’t lend itself well to a smooth understanding of transition. It left me scratching my head about the missing context. How did Eden navigate her past experiences? How did her friendships evolve? I yearned for depth in her healing process.
And I must mention the dual POV—it was refreshing to see Josh’s thoughts; he truly was a gem of a character. His growth was compelling, especially in the backdrop of family issues and his relationship with Eden. Yet, even with his moments shining brightly, I couldn’t help but wish it didn’t come at the expense of Eden’s own narrative.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I had hoped for a beautiful blend of romance and personal growth; what I received felt imbalanced. The saving grace undeniably remained Josh, whose character arc was rich and deserved more focus. I can’t recommend this book to readers seeking a powerful exploration of trauma recovery as much as I’d love to. However, if you’re a fan of high school romances and can overlook character development for swoon-worthy moments, you might still find something to enjoy.
Feeling a mix of frustration and sadness, I walked away from this experience thinking of what could have been. The Way I Am Now didn’t for me what I had hoped it would, but it did remind me of the conversations that great books can inspire. I’m grateful to my buddy reader for sharing this journey with me—sometimes, it truly takes a friend to navigate the highs and lows of a reading adventure. 💖
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