Is 'The Way I Am Now' Part Of A Series?

I've been following Amber Smith's work for years, and 'The Way I Am Now' is actually the sequel to her powerful novel 'The Way I Used to Be'. It continues Eden's journey through trauma and healing, picking up where the first book left off but with a more mature perspective. The sequel digs deeper into relationships, therapy, and the messy process of reclaiming your life after sexual assault. What makes it special is how it shows the long-term effects of trauma rather than wrapping everything up neatly in one book. Eden's voice feels even more raw and authentic in this installment, like we're growing alongside her. The supporting characters get more development too, especially her family and Josh, who becomes way more than just a love interest. If you loved the first book's emotional honesty, this sequel delivers that same gut-punch realism but with added layers of hope and resilience.

Reading both books back-to-back creates this immersive experience of Eden's entire emotional arc. The sequel doesn't just rehash the same themes either - it explores how trauma changes over time, how relationships evolve, and what real healing looks like when there's no quick fix. Smith writes with such psychological insight that even the frustrating moments feel authentic. The way she handles therapy sessions and setbacks makes this duology stand out in YA literature. It's rare to find a sequel that deepens the impact of the first book instead of just continuing the story, but 'The Way I Am Now' absolutely delivers on that front.

As someone who devours YA contemporary, I can confirm 'The Way I Am Now' is the follow-up to 'The Way I Used to Be'. It completes Eden's story in the most satisfying yet realistic way possible. While the first book focused on the immediate aftermath of her assault, this one shows her navigating college relationships and therapy years later. The character growth between the two books is incredible - you can see how much Eden has changed while still carrying her trauma. What I appreciate is how Smith avoids romanticizing recovery; the sequel shows healing isn't linear through Eden's relapses and breakthroughs. The romantic subplot with Josh gets more nuanced treatment here too, moving beyond the will-they-won't-they dynamic into something more complex. Both books together create this complete portrait of trauma and resilience that stays with you long after reading.