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49 pages 1 hour read

The Girl I Used to Be

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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April Henry

The Girl I Used to Be

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Northwest • 2010s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL660L

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Super Short Summary

In April Henry's The Girl I Used to Be, orphaned teenager Olivia Reinhart, who was formerly Ariel Benson, discovers that her father was not her mother's murderer after his remains are found. Returning to her hometown under an assumed name, Olivia sets out to uncover the true killer while grappling with her fragmented identity and complex family history. The novel includes themes of parental death and violence.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

11,784 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry blends suspense and an engaging plot as it follows the protagonist's quest to uncover her parents' killer. Reviewers praise the fast-paced narrative and well-developed characters, though some critique the predictability of the mystery. Overall, it's considered a compelling read for young adult audiences interested in thrillers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girl I Used to Be?

The ideal reader for The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry would be a young adult who enjoys fast-paced mystery and thriller novels with strong, relatable protagonists. Fans of One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus and We Were Liars by E. Lockhart will find similar intrigue and suspense in this gripping story.

4.2

11,784 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Ariel Benson/Olivia Reinhart

A 17-year-old protagonist who was born as Ariel Benson but grew up with the adoptive name Olivia Reinhart after experiencing the loss of her parents and living in foster care. Throughout the story, she seeks to understand her traumatic past and reconnect with her true identity.

A kind and caring neighbor who was close friends with Olivia's grandmother and attempted to adopt her. Nora provides emotional support and represents a link to Olivia's family history.

Ariel/Olivia's biological mother who was remembered as loving and high-spirited. Her life and untimely death significantly impact the community's and Olivia's perspective on her past.

Ariel/Olivia's father, remembered as lively but remote due to suspicions surrounding the murder of Naomi. His story remains complex as the community grapples with his legacy.

A childhood friend of Olivia who becomes her initial romantic interest upon her return to Medford. He provides companionship and assistance in Olivia's investigation while helping her reconnect with her past.

The chief of police whose actions play a crucial role in the narrative. His dual role as both a protector of justice and a source of dread adds complexity to the community's understanding of past events.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Northwest • 2010s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL660L

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