Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE WAY I AM NOW

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THE WAY I AM NOW

Amber Smith

Eden and Josh decide to give their relationship another chance despite the emotional baggage they both carry. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? The novel deals directly with sexual assault and its aftermath, trauma symptoms, therapy, consent, legal proceedings, depression, self-harm references, and emotionally intense relationships. Mature teens are the best fit. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Sexual content & nudity4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No graphic gore or injury descriptions.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Occasional moderate language typical of young adult contemporary fiction.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Features secondary characters with diverse identities within the social circle.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic relationships, trust, intimacy, consent, and the effects of trauma on dating are major parts of the story.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Emotional distress, trauma memories, anxiety, and assault-related legal and interpersonal situations may be frightening or intense, though this is not a supernatural or jump-scare story.

Sexual content & nudity4/5
Why this rating?

Sexual assault is central to the story and discussed directly. Consent, boundaries, recovery, and some consensual intimacy add mature sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Includes social drinking by college students.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains references to past trauma and emotional abuse, but no graphic physical violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Seeking help, setting boundaries, confronting painful memories, and pursuing accountability are central forms of courage.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

Encourages thoughtful reflection and emotional intelligence.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects a modern, diverse college environment.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The novel offers insight into trauma, consent, therapy, reporting, and recovery, but its main purpose is storytelling rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, listening, friendship, advocacy, and patient support are important positive forces in the protagonist’s recovery.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes address consent, survivor agency, accountability, therapy, boundaries, friendship, recovery, and the importance of support after trauma.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Supportive friends, family, and professionals model care and accountability, while the protagonist’s difficult recovery is portrayed with complexity rather than as a simple lesson.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in THE WAY I AM NOW would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE WAY I AM NOW, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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