She Used to Be Nice A Novel
She Used to Be Nice A Novel by Alexia LaFata is a debut work published by Crooked Lane Books on August 12, 2025. This 336-page novel explores the life of Avery, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience during her college years. As she navigates the complexities of friendship, trust, and personal autonomy, Avery’s journey reveals the challenges of confronting her past while trying to maintain her relationships.
In this narrative, Avery struggles with the emotional fallout from her assault, which has affected her friendships and romantic life. As she attempts to regain control over her feelings, she encounters Pete, a kind man who inspires her to seek a new path. However, the resurfacing of her rapist at a pivotal moment in her life forces Avery to confront her trauma head-on. The story delves into themes of friendship, domestic life, and the impact of divorce, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in contemporary women’s fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
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.
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