She Used to Be Nice - by Alexia Lafata (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A young woman must confront her abuser in this gripping debut novel sure to captivate fans of Sweetbitter and My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

One night in college changed the course of Avery's entire life. Her rapist took everything from her--including the trust of her friends and long-term boyfriend, who were convinced she cheated. A year later, she still can't bear to tell the truth about what happened and risk her friendship with Morgan, the only friend she has left.

Instead, Avery finds her way under a man or into a bottle just to convince herself that she has power over her feelings and her autonomy--that her body still belongs to her. That is, until she meets Pete, a man so kind and good that he awakens a part of Avery that makes her want to try something new.

But somehow Avery's rapist has resurfaced in her life as the best man in Morgan's wedding. And as maid of honor, there's no way Avery can avoid him. His mere presence grates at Avery's already raw emotional state, and she begins to drive away the final few who care about her--including Pete.

As the wedding nears, Avery must decide whether to finally let her walls down and tell her truth or risk spiraling toward a darkness she may never be able to recover from.

Readers who seek out thought-provoking, character-driven stories and book club novels with strong discussion themes will love She Used to Be Nice.

Review Quotes

Praise for She Used to Be Nice
"Original, emotionally compelling . . . and deftly crafted novel of tragedy, romance, and cliffhanger suspense leading to a memorable conclusion."
--Midwest Book Review

"Effortlessly combines unputdownable suspense, characters that feel astonishingly real, biting social commentary, and even a swoon-worthy romance. A read-in-one-sitting novel I will be thinking about for a long time to come."
--Olivia Muenter, USA Today bestselling author of Such a Bad Influence

"[A] searing debut... a powerful story to which so many women will undoubtedly be able to relate."
--Genevieve Wheeler, author of Adelaide

"A harrowing and yet deeply cathartic read. LaFata has crafted a beautiful battle cry: Believe women!"
--Caitlin Barasch, author of A Novel Obsession

"She Used to Be Nice has the optimism of a romance, the propulsion of a thriller, and the social observations of contemporary fiction. It's an addictive read."
--Eliza Moss, author of What It's Like in Words

"A gritty, bold, and darkly funny exploration of young womanhood. This book made me feel seen, and I bet many, many readers will feel the same way."
--Hannah Orenstein, author of Maine Characters

"Bold and propulsive... A nail-biting tour de force!"
--Ella Dawson, author of But How Are You, Really

About the Author

Alexia LaFata has over ten years of experience in digital media, working at publications such as New York Magazine, The Cut, Vulture, Polygon, The Verge, and many others. She lives in New York City. She Used to Be Nice is her first novel.