The Way I Used to Be Series by Amber Smith 2 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
The Way I Used to Be
The Way I Am Now

Format: Paperback

Overview:
This two-book collection pairs Amber Smith’s acclaimed YA novels, The Way I Used to Be and The Way I Am Now, in a seamless, emotionally immersive reading experience. The Way I Used to Be introduces Eden, a bright, perceptive high-school student whose life is upended by a traumatic assault she struggles to confront and understand. The narrative artfully balances raw honesty with compassionate insight, tracing Eden’s efforts to navigate friendship, trust, and a desire for justice while she learns to name her own truth. The Way I Am Now picks up after these events as Eden enters college, facing new pressures, evolving relationships, and the daunting prospect of a public trial. Across both titles, Amber Smith crafts a truthful, intimate portrait of resilience, the complexity of healing, and the power of a young woman reclaiming her voice. This set is a compelling gateway for readers seeking contemporary fiction that confronts difficult topics with empathy and hope.

What This Collection Covers:
Together, these novels form a complete, deeply human arc about surviving trauma, confronting consequences, and choosing a path forward. The collection examines how memory shapes identity, how trust is rebuilt, and how justice intersects with personal healing. Eden’s journey moves from silence toward speaking out, from isolation toward community, and from fear toward empowered self-determination. Readers will encounter themes of consent, accountability, and the long process of recovery that doesn’t rely on quick fixes but on sustained courage and support. Amber Smith’s compassionate, unflinching storytelling invites discussions about resilience, empathy, and the social realities that affect survivors. This pairing offers a meaningful, dialogue-driven reading experience suitable for readers who want literature that respects their intelligence while challenging them to think critically about justice and healing.

Book-by-Book Guide:
The Way I Used to Be — At the center of Eden’s world is a girl forced to carry the unspoken weight of a devastating assault. The narrative follows her earnest attempts to bury the memory while outwardly appearing composed, navigating intense peer pressure, shifting friendships, and the longing for belonging. Amber Smith writes with restraint and candor, capturing the ache of silence, the difficulty of trust, and the fragile steps toward healing. The book doesn’t rush toward easy answers; instead it offers a nuanced portrait of resilience as Eden begins to name harm, seek support, and discover a voice strong enough to pursue justice and truth. Readers are drawn into Eden’s interior life, feeling her fear, her courage, and her stubborn determination to survive and grow.

The Way I Am Now — The sequel follows Eden as she steps into college life, where new relationships, responsibilities, and newfound independence test the progress she has made. The narrative deepens the exploration of healing, examining how trauma continues to influence trust, intimacy, and everyday decisions. A courtroom backdrop intensifies the emotional stakes as Eden weighs truth-telling against personal safety, while navigating the complexities of adolescence in a new setting. Amber Smith maintains a steady, empathetic voice that honors Eden’s agency, showing how resilience can mature into self-advocacy and hopeful possibility. This continuation respects Eden’s autonomy and invites readers to consider how healing expands to encompass courage, accountability, and the pursuit of a future defined by choice rather than circumstance.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Young adult readers who crave emotionally honest stories about resilience and justice will find this set deeply rewarding. It’s well suited to readers aged 14 and up who want contemporary fiction that tackles heavy topics with sensitivity and realism, balanced by moments of humor, connection, and hopeful growth. The two-book collection is an excellent choice for book clubs and classroom discussions focused on consent, trauma recovery, and the social dynamics of high school and college life. Gift buyers seeking thoughtful, conversation-stimulating reads will appreciate the lasting impact of Eden’s journey. Fans of realistic, character-driven narratives that explore relationships, personal growth, and social issues will appreciate the depth and authenticity of these titles.

Key Benefits:

• Two-book collection delivering a complete journey from trauma to empowerment
• Honest, empathetic exploration of consent, resilience, and justice
• Accessible YA contemporary fiction suitable for discussion and reflection
• Ideal for book clubs and classroom conversations about difficult topics
• Gift-ready paperback edition with durable, daily-use formatting
• From a bestselling author known for tackling challenging social themes
• Compelling character-driven storytelling that invites empathy and critical thinking

About the Author:
Amber Smith is a bestselling author whose work spans psychological realism and social themes in young adult fiction. She has been described as a writer who fearlessly tackles difficult topics such as trauma, consent, and healing, delivering stories that resonate with teen and adult readers alike. Smith’s books, including The Way I Used to Be and its companion titles, are recognized for their clarity, emotional honesty, and willingness to engage with real-world issues facing adolescents today. She is noted for bringing characters to life with authenticity, empathy, and a keen eye for the messy, real-life emotions that accompany growth. Smith’s work has earned attention across literary communities for its impact, conversation-starting themes, and enduring relevance.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This two-book collection offers a cohesive, immersive experience that follows Eden’s journey from a painful past to a more hopeful, self-determined future. Owning both titles in a single paperback set provides a complete reading arc, ideal for readers who want depth, not shortcuts, in contemporary fiction. The pairing works beautifully for readers seeking meaningful conversations about trauma, resilience, and justice, as well as for libraries and teachers looking to spark thoughtful discussions. With its accessible prose, authentic emotional stakes, and a spare, powerful voice, the set invites readers to reflect, discuss, and grow alongside Eden as she forges a path toward healing on her own terms.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.