49 pages • 1 hour read
April HenryThe Girl I Used to Be
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
HL660L