The Way I Used to Be

Have you ever felt so broken by your past that you couldn't imagine finding your way back to yourself? Discover a story of survival that shows you how to reclaim your voice and identity after trauma, proving that even the deepest wounds don't have to define you forever. This summary of Amber Smith's powerful novel follows a young woman's journey through the four years of high school after a devastating sexual assault. You'll learn how silence can shape a life and, more importantly, how finding the courage to speak your truth can begin the long, difficult, but ultimately hopeful path toward healing.

Amber Smith is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author whose advocacy for survivors has made her a leading voice in young adult literature. A former art teacher and abuse survivor herself, Smith draws on her own experiences to write powerful, unflinching stories that explore the journey from trauma to healing. She holds an M.A. in Art History and a B.F.A. in Painting, using her creative background to give authentic life to characters navigating difficult truths and finding their way back to themselves.