Home › Best of 2026 › The Way We Become

The Way We Become

by Amber Smith

Three paths toward healing and autonomy

Regular price $18.94 USD
Regular price $31.57 USD Sale price $18.94 USD
Save 40%

Hardcover New

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

AlbakiReads Editorial

Three paths toward healing and autonomy

The conclusion to Amber Smith’s Way I Used to Be trilogy brings Eden, Amanda, and Gen together in the aftermath of a trial against Kevin. Told from multiple points of view, it follows three distinct circumstances: Amanda is finishing high school without a clear direction, Eden is learning about healthy relationships, and Gen is trying to find her next step after leaving college. Their stories consider what justice can—and cannot—settle, alongside the ongoing work of living with hurt and grief. The book frames healing not as a shared destination but as a process each girl must navigate for herself.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in contemporary fiction about girls and women.
  • Readers following the Way I Used to Be trilogy, especially its exploration of survivors’ lives after a trial.
  • Readers interested in stories about justice, autonomy, relationships, and healing.

Themes

Justice and its aftermathSurvivorshipAutonomyHealing and griefComing of age

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Eden and her fellow survivors look to the future in this powerful story of justice, autonomy, and healing told in multiple points of view--the powerful conclusion to the Way I Used to Be trilogy from internationally bestselling author Amber Smith.

Eden struggled to find her voice for years after her brother's friend Kevin raped her. It wasn't until Kevin's ex-girlfriend Gen and his sister, Amanda, came forward, that Eden knew she wasn't alone. Determined to do everything in their power to pursue justice, Eden, Amanda, and Gen testified against Kevin in a trial that turned their lives inside out.

In the wake of the judge's decision, they are now expected to move on--all while grappling with the hurt and grief that are never far behind. Amanda is adrift finishing high school, Eden is still learning what it means to be in a healthy relationship, and college dropout Gen is struggling to find direction at all. On three different paths toward healing, each girl has to chart her own course forward to discover the woman she'll become.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews