The Way I Used To Be is a realistic fiction teen novel that follows the young woman, Eden, through her trauma-riddled high school years. Eden used to enjoy band and book club, but after she is raped by her brother’s best friend, she buries the trauma and the girl she used to be. Later in high school, she occupies her time by drinking and partying with strangers, it’s the only thing that helps her forget. Towards the end of the book, Eden leans on the support of her family and friends to share her story and put her attacker behind bars. My favorite part of the book is how Mara and Eden grow together throughout the story. I also enjoyed how Eden can always turn to Josh even though they haven’t spoken for years. I gave this book four stars because Eden can be a bit annoying and it’s hard to understand her decisions sometimes, but overall it was a great book! I would recommend this book to high schoolers.