Who We Used To Be

Who We Used To Be by Julia Amante. Wise Writer Publishing, 2026. **** Reading Group Discussion Guide, Questions for the Author.  

Rachel has prepared everything to be perfect to celebrate her 20th Wedding Anniversary with her husband, Jeremy. Unfortunately, he's not in the mood to dress up for the planned dinner party and doesn't understand why 20 years is a big deal. Jeremy surprises Rachel by expressing he's bored and wondering what life would have been like if they had never married? Rachel has the life she's always wanted, two great kids, a husband she loves, a beautiful home, and a fulfilling job. Jeremy wants a break from his present life and a year to explore what he really needs to feel alive. There is no other woman, he's not interested in pursuing a love interest, he wants to find the person he was before marriage. Rachel is willing to wait; she has the life she wants if only Jeremy would come home. 

Told in the alternating voices of Rachel and Jeremy, I really enjoyed the different voices and points of view. Life is never perfect; Jeremy and Rachel each have their own way of dealing with the separation. Amante paints a picture of some marriages where the couple love each other, however, the spark has died and life has become predictable and responsible. Amante suggests a realistic scenario when one partner asks for space and gets it. A quick read, great discussion book for couple's book clubs or with your girlfriends.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy to review. 

Julia Amante writes emotionally reflective stories centered on love, family, identity, reinvention, and the pursuit of meaningful lives. In 2020, she founded Wise Writer Publishing, an author services company dedicated to supporting writers and helping them build sustainable creative careers. For more info - https://juliaamante.com

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