Review of The Way I Am Now by Amber Smith
When I first dove into The Way I Am Now, the second installment of Amber Smith’s series following The Way I Used to Be, I felt a flutter of excitement akin to reuniting with old friends. After the emotionally charged journey of Eden’s life in the first book, I couldn’t wait to see how she’d navigate her healing process and her relationship with Josh. However, what I hoped would be a powerful continuation of her story turned out to be a bit more guff than growth.
This book has been a long time coming; I remember eagerly awaiting any news about Eden and Josh’s happily ever after since 2016. The first book left us with a hauntingly open-ended conclusion, and while readers like me were excited for Eden’s character development, we ended up mostly following Josh, which felt disheartening. The narrative’s promise of witnessing Eden’s healing journey was, sadly, overshadowed by her repeated missteps and a romance that felt like it indulged more in fantasy than in depth.
I found myself missing the raw character complexity that defined Eden in the first book. Instead of observing her grappling with her past traumas—her sexual assault, the loss of her best friend, and the complicated dynamics with her family—we spent too much time in Josh’s world, watching their romance unfold. Don’t get me wrong: their moments together were heartwarming and swoon-worthy. I adored the mutual pining, the moments of intimacy, and Josh’s respectful demeanor; he truly is a gem of a character. Yet, I wished for a balance that would allow Eden’s growth to shine through as brightly as their romance.
One of the most disappointing aspects of my reading experience was how Eden’s trauma was handled. It felt as if the book glossed over the intricacies of her healing journey. It was frustrating to see her still grappling with the same childish choices she made in high school without the development or self-awareness that would allow readers to empathize with her. The pacing felt off, too—time jumps left significant gaps in the story that disconnected me from Eden’s evolution. Instead of showing her struggle and triumph, it felt like we were merely told about growth without seeing much of it.
The book’s ending further compounded my disappointment. While there were glimmers of Eden finally beginning to realize the strength she possessed, it came too late in the narrative, losing much of its potential impact. The emotional payoff I so eagerly awaited felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving me pondering what could have been.
In spite of these grievances, I must give credit to Josh, who stole the show. His growth, resilience, and understanding nature were refreshing. He is, without a doubt, a character deserving of a standing ovation. With his nuanced portrayal, I came away with a clearer idea of what it means to love someone authentically, even in the face of trauma.
Ultimately, this book left me feeling conflicted. Though it had its redeeming moments, the narrative fell short of the expectations I had built over the years. I would recommend The Way I Am Now to readers eager for a romance rich in emotional connection, though those seeking deep character exploration and growth might find themselves disappointed. Just as I felt when I closed the book, sometimes anticipation doesn’t quite meet reality.
Thank you for joining me on this literary journey! If anyone is up for a buddy read next, I’m all ears! 💖
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