What a nice story! Dealing with the past, with Autism Spectrum Disorder like issues and the awkwardness of reconnecting made for a story that made me want to keep reading. You know, the type that makes you sad when it is over?
That is what Annika and Jonathan have here. Told in chapters alternating between then and now and also done in his and her chapters, we get the whole story in a way that helps to understand where they are coming from and where the relationship might go. It will help you to understand ASD and how even the beautiful folk have demons to deal with.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will seek out more books by this author who had been an unknown to me until now. Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was such a heartwarming story. It was full of hope and love. This story wasn't quite what I was expecting when I started reading but it was so much more.

Annika has a beautiful soul.. She cares for people and animals in her own unique way. I enjoyed reading the story from her point of view and seeing how she interpreted the world around her. It is clear that she struggles with reading emotions and expressions but she is working so hard to learn. She has a strength and determination that many people may not see or appreciate.

Jonathan is just such a wonderful man. It is clear that he is hurt by his past with Annika. However, you can see that he still has very strong feelings for her. I loved that he was able to love her for who she is.

I loved the way the story was told from the past and present. It added so much to Annika and Jonathan's relationship.

Everyone deserves a friend like Janice. She was such a comfort to Annika and helped guide her to become who she is as an adult. Reading this book had me in tears at some points just knowing how good these characters were. Annika's mom is amazing. She is the advocate every mother wants to be for her child.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is such a well told story.

I received an ARC from NetGally and St. Martin's Press.

Jonathan and Annika meet while attending the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana . Annika had been home-schooled since 7th grade and depends a lot on her roommate, Janice. She is quite an animal lover and volunteers at the school's Wildlife Clinic.
Annika and Jonathan first meet at the University's Chess Club. Both are aces at chess, and it doesn't take too long for a romance to bloom.

The reader finds out that 10 years later, Jonathan and Annika connect, again. Of course, we all want to know what pulled them apart in the first place.

Janice helps Annika with everything form advice to fashion. Even with dates/boyfriends. This is particularly due to a very bad situation Annika got into with a guy - Jake. (Before Jonathan) Eventually, Jonathan & Annika have sex - and quite frequently. Annika does not move to New York to be with Jonathan because she still needs to complete college. She then decides to stay at school to obtain her Masters Degree in Library Science. While in New York, Jonathan marries someone else.

After a very rough start, the two, having reconnected, become lovers once again.

There are surprises in store for the reader! Some may be expected, but in no way did I foresee the conclusion!

This is a book in which I did not skip a single page! A brilliant, suspenseful read! I Highly recommend!!!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a superb read!

Suspend belief just a touch, buy a box of Kleenex and lay out on the beach with this book and you'll have a lovely afternoon. If you enjoyed The Rosie Project you'll enjoy this book as well. I enjoyed it from the first page on. And yes, this is yet another book that bounces between time periods.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. I have to say up front that the title and the cover of this story really don't do it justice! This story is really outstanding, but if you judge a book by the cover (and let's be honest, most of us do) I would overlook this story and that would be a shame. That said, this story is really amazing!

Annika is on the Autism spectrum, but she doesn't know it. All she knows is that social situations are mystifying to her, she cherishes her time alone and she is resigned to the fact that she most likely will never even have a close friend. That all changes when she gets to college and has an understanding roommate that signs her up for the chess club where she meets Jonathan Hoffman. Jonathan doesn't mind that Annika is different. He can see through her awkwardness to her beautiful heart, and they become more than chess partners. But it doesn't last.

Flash forward 10 years, and Annika, who is now a librarian, runs into Jonathan, who is making a name for himself on Wall Street. Have they grown enough to try it again?

This story really demonstrates just how hard daily interactions and loneliness can be for someone with Autism. I was so impressed by how the author was able to show how much Annika wanted to be loved and accepted, but just how exhausting it was for her to try. This is a beautiful story with many plot twists that I didn't see coming. Don't overlook this one!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I loved this book so much. Annika charmed me and I fell in love with her early on. Seeing the world through her eyes was just an incredible experience. I am not sure how the author did this so well. Annika's story and her relationship with Jonathan felt so real as well. I adored Annika's best friend, and even her flawed family. I highly recommend this book. I just finished it and definitely have a "book hangover".

I loved that this one was from Annika's POV. She's thoughtful, super empathetic, honest, anxious, and struggles with social interaction/ over stimulation (she's on the Autistic Spectrum). This is awesome for the fact that I haven't read something quite like this, and I don't think something like this exists (to my knowledge), in the realm of realistic fiction & romance-is novels. That being said, the ending didn't work for me and there were parts that felt really slow. (also the back and forth between time periods, sometimes it worked well, but sometimes the flashbacks messed with the pace for me). The main male lead was also relatively uninteresting for me. I'm curious to see how this one does out there in the realistic fiction market, and am cheering on publishers who are continuing to find ways to put more socially & neurologically diverse literature out there.


*I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book The Girl he used to know by author Tracey Garvis Graves. I loved how it was a love story with a happy ending. When I saw where the author was going with towards the end I didn't think it would end well but the author surprised me and took a tragic think and made you think love is strong. The only thing I didn't like about the book is what they really played out until the end what kind of condition Annika has I felt it was a little distracting to to the story. But I think the reason the author did this was because it was a major thing for Annika not so much for Jonathan.

This one started a little slow for me, but I kept reading and am SO glad I did. It is completely worth it to take the time to get to know Annika and Jonathan. Annika is different, but Jonathan gets her. They dated in college, but broke up for reasons revealed later in the book. This story alternates between Annika and Jonathan's POV's as well as in between the past when they dated in college and the present where they have reconnected. Near the end I was extremely anxious to find out what happened because I had not been prepared for what was coming and I had to choose between going to pick up my kids from school and finishing the book and I almost chose the latter. Great love story featuring a "different" kind of heroine.

It is unique and refreshing to read about two people who don't have a conventional love story. Ms. Graves has a way of doing that. She take two very different people and shows the reader how they are perfect for each other. Despite their history. Despite their differences, Despite prejudice of others. In this story it is Annika and Jonathan that we are lucky enough to get to know. Annika, a shy socially awkward young woman who is quietly finding her way in the world, and Jonathan, the charismatic handsome man who finds her intriguing. Their story is one of patience, heartbreak, and second chances and you'll find yourself rooting for them the whole way.

The literary world is filled with" boy meets girl, boy and girl break up only to realize they're miserable apart, find their way back to each other, and ride off into the sunset together" romance novels. There's probably several at your local library right now. The plots are predictable and reliable because they are relatable-almost everybody has a "one that got away." Knowing when to walk away, or fight for the person you believe is your true love is a tightrope most people have walked at least once. Learning to read the romantic "tea leaves" accurately is a necessary skill- even if it means falling off the tightrope a few times. But what if your brain doesn't process information the same as everyone else-you can't interpret what another person is trying to convey through facial expressions or tone of voice? Even worse-what if you don't know your brain doesn't know how to read the tea leaves? Life can become pretty difficult-as it is for Annika in The Girl He Used To Know. To most people Annika is the "weird girl." Quiet, (unless she is interrupting a conversation), asks awkward questions people would rather not answer, and unable to tell the difference between a "come on" and a "come hither" look. Annika relies on her college roommate Janice for advice on what to wear, how to approach their landlord about a leaking toilet, and not to cut ahead of people in line at the bank. Although it is not addressed directly until late in the story, it is assumed (read the tea leaves!) that Annika is on the autism spectrum. But there's one area where Annika doesn't need help-she's a first class chess player. Annika meets Jonathan at their college chess club, and their friendship develops into a tender romance. Jonathan loves Annika's spontaneity and unfiltered enthusiasm. Seeing the world through Annika's eyes is a revelation-she embraces life without the cynicism most people cling to like Saran wrap. With Jonathan, Annika goes from not being able to look people in the eye, to facing the world and all its challenges with eyes wide open. But Annika wants to be independent and not use Jonathan as a crutch, so she lets him go. The Girl He Used to Know is a such a sweet story-it's humbling and gratifying to believe people like Jonathan, Annika, and Janice exist. The timing of the story seems strange at first-Jonathan and Annika meet in college in 1991 and reconnect 10 years later. You think there's going to be an epilogue of a middle aged Annika and Jonathan with a mortgage, two kids in college, and barely speaking (talk about cynicism!). But then the reason for the timing becomes clear-in August, 2001 Jonathan is working as a financial analyst in Chicago, preparing for an important meeting in New York City the next month that will hopefully lead to a big promotion. The sense of impending doom, even as Jonathan and Annika rekindle their relationship, increases with every page. Jonathan on a plane, landing in New York City, heading to the financial district, not knowing what that fateful day will bring. But it's the events of 9/11 that prove Annika truly is not The Girl He Used to Know. She rises to the occasion with determination and grace, and none of the fear that has blinded her for decades. The Girl He Used To Know is a spirited story about not letting labels define us, and learning to fly when people say you should stick to the ground. Only a special few can relate to Annika and her approach to love and life, but everyone should be lucky enough to know her.

Annika Rose is an awkward English major at the University of Illinois. She has anxiety in every social situation--she doesn't know how to respond or how to act. She over analyzes every interaction with others. Her over analysis comes in handy every Sunday night when she casually plays chess with the members of the chess club. This is the only time she enjoys the company of others--she prefers her solitary life.



Jonathan Hoffman is trying to finish out his last year of college at U of I since he had to transfer there from Northwestern. Jonathan has always enjoys a good game of chess. The first time he ever loses is the same day he loses his heart to the quiet awkward girl. He slowly uncovers what makes Annika tick one piece at a time. She is brutally honest --almost to a fault. But he loves that she doesn't play games and tells it like it is. She pushes and challenges him like no one has before.



Jonathan was offered a job in New York and Annika remains in Chicago to finish her degree and recovery. Though the two made plans to be together after her graduation...they grew apart by tragedy. Annika realized that she needed to learn to take care of herself without her best friend and roommate or without Jonathan. But that didn't stop the anxiety or her "weird quirks" as her co-workers call it. Later, Annika finds out exactly why she is the way she is. Her therapist helps her cope and deal with her inner turmoils and encourages her to step outside of her comfort zone. That's what lead Annika to give Jonathan her phone number when she ran into him at the grocery store ten years later.



What started out as a "let's catch up" lead to a new relationship. But Jonathan is fresh off of a divorce and is attempting to re-establish himself at the Chicago office of the financial brokerage company he works for. How can he have a relationship with Annika and have a flourishing career where his is required to take a plus one to assist him with networking? Annika can barely talk to him let alone socialize with strangers! But after a new diagnosis from a neuropsychologist and her therapist--Annika has new skills that she didn't have before.

Annika is further pushed beyond anyone's comfort with a new tragedy that changed not only her life but the lives of an entire nation on September 11th. Her boyfriend, brother, and best friend's husband were all at work in the financial district in New York. One of them were in the South Tower of the World Trade Center when a commercial flight hit the building. Annika is determined to get to her loved one--no matter her own personal fears including her fear of driving.

This book is all about 2nd chances.

I was hooked from the get go. I really liked how the chapters were from alternating perspectives.

Definitely a must read, a few tears were shed as well.

5 million stars!
First let me start off by saying that The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, is one of the best books I have ever read, Funny think is, On The Island is another one of my all time favorite books, and it is also written by
Tracey Garvis Graves. If you are looking for a beautifully written story with lots of emotion and wonderfully written characters, then her books are for you.

The Girl He Used to Know is an emotional tale of second chance love, with a curve ball storyline thrown in. Annika and Jonathan had a unique love story. They have something so special, it does really conquer all. It is a rollercoaster of a relationship that is played out through their college years as well as in the year 2001.

Annika was such a beautiful soul that I felt so much for. I loved her story and wanted more. Even days after finishing it, I am still am thinking about it. It left me with such a book hangover. I need more to this story!

This story was so well developed and drew me in from the opening pages. The characters were easy to invest yourself in. I would recommend this over and over again.

I recieved a free Advanced Readers Copy of The Girl He Used To Know from NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review. I am so glad I did too, because I absolutely loved this book! It had everything I enjoy in a good heartwarming story. A wonderful telling of not only one, but two loves stories between Annika and Johnathan. Well rounded characters you can't help but care about and become invested in their decisions as the story develops. A strong female lead, with plenty of twists, turns, and even more complicated given Annika's perspective of life. Yet through it all, every character had amazing life lessons that the audience can relate to and apply to their lives. I loved it and can't wait to share it with my bookclub, #BooksBrewsandBags

Fans of women’s fiction as well as romance will love this story of a second chances.

Annika and Jonathan were a couple back in collage and a chance meeting in a shop ten years later just serves to reinforce the attraction that Annika felt all those years ago. But of course, a lot can happen in ten years and Annika knows that she’s not the same girl anymore.

We learn fairly early on in the book that Annika struggles in day-to-day situations and certainly; I suspected that Annika would be on the spectrum. For many people this makes Annika someone to avoid, to make fun of and for some, to take advantage of.

But Jonathan is different and he takes the time to get to know Annika and to try to understand her.

The story is told from both Annika and Jonathan’s point of view and is divided into when they are in college in 1991 and then again when they both find themselves living in the same city in 2001.

Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a gift for me, giving me remarkable insight into the life of a young woman on the Autism spectrum. Annika is one of the narrators in remarkable novel that tells the story of a love affair, almost doomed by her issues, with a man who loves her unconditionally.

The story is divided into the two periods of the relationship between Annika and Jonathan, in college 1991 and again when they reconnect in 2001. Despite their great love and plans for a future together a tragedy crushes the fragile Annika and she withdraws from school and their future together.

The extraordinary thing for a reader is seeing the world through the eyes of someone on the spectrum whose guileless honesty and social awkwardness make her a figure of fun, until she meets Jonathan.

The two meet by chance 10 years later. Annika has learned new coping skills and has gained strength, Jonathan is able to rekindle their love and, again, find peace and calm dealing with her unique quirks.

When tragedy strikes again, we root for them, and glory in Annika’s inner strength and courage.

This is a special book, especially for educators who often deal with students on the spectrum. I look forward to many discussions on campus in book clubs and seminars. Thank you NETGALLEY for allowing me to read this unique novel.

I really enjoyed this book by Tracey Garvis Graves. The main characters Annika and Jonathan meet at Chess club during their Senior year of college. Annika recognizes that she has a difficult time reading social cues and is probably "on the spectrum" but has never had herself tested. Annika is a sensitive sole who you can't help but care about. The reader wants to protect her. Jonathan is a transfer student at her school who is at a low point when they meet. The story is told from two time perspectives. We see the couple during college and then almost a decade later when they meet again. This is a love story but more so it is the story of how Annika learns to navigate the world around her as well as her finding the confidence to face life head on. The only weak part of the novel, is probably the way that Annika and Jonathan breakup during college. I felt that he would have fought harder to not let her shut down on him. On the other hand their breakup was necessary for Annika to develop into a strong and confident woman. I would have liked more of an epilogue but all in all- this was a very satisfying read.

This book amazed me. For a while, I had a hard time identifying with Annika but by the end, I closed the book and said "Wow" out loud. I actually cried. Moving and heartfelt.