The Girl I Used to Know is an honest examination of love. It shows the depths at which two people come together and make changes, adaptations and sacrifices to be together. Ratcheting up the tension in the final chapters of the book, leads to a breathtaking, page-turning conclusion that will leave readers believing that love does survive the toughest struggles and as a result, becomes something more.

The characters Jonathan and Annika pulled me in right away and I found myself really caring for them and rooting for them also. I identified quite a bit with Annika in her dislike and fear of social settings and a few of her other quirks.

The characters were well rounded and realistic, feeling like someone I might know or want to know. The relief Annika felt when Jonathan "got her" was so very well written. It was almost as if I were feeling it myself.

If you enjoy books about second chances and about someone who is a little different, you will enjoy this book. Give it a try. I asked for and received an ARC from Netgalley. My thoughts are my own.

Great book, great characters. The plot has many twists and turns that really held my interest. The author had good insight when she portrayed Annika. I found Annika to be an interesting and believable character. I will definitely recommend this book to friends and family. Look forward to reading more books by this author.

Wonderful Story. I'm not usually a fan of Romance, but this story held me the entire book. I will be recommending this book to romance and non romance book fans.

It took me several chapters to really get into this book. You are that Annika has run into an old boyfriend, Jonathan, while shopping at the grocery store. But she didn't know that he moved back to Chicago from NYC. You can tell that she has some social problems and exhibits strange behavior, but you're not sure why. Slowly, while looking back to her college years you can see that she has a form of autism. Jonathan knew all along, but he was so in love with her that he didn't care. He wanted to stand by her side forever.

When an accident happens in college, Annika doesn't bounce back emotionally so easily and takes a semester off. Her plan to graduate with Jonathan and move to New York is put on hold. She knows that navigating a big city like NY will be very hard for her and unfair to Jonathan, so while he's there working and going to night school for his master's degree, she starts to pull away and let's him go.

When they run into each other in the grocery store 10 years later, she wants to rekindle their relationship. But he is still hurting from his divorce and still has questions that he needs answered from her. He doesn't know if he wants anything more from her.

An interesting read. I had years in my eyes several times.

Five stars all the way! Anniko and Jonathan are such likable, believable characters that I couldn’t help but root for them. This is a heart wrenching and thought-provoking love story, but it is so much more than that.

Anniko is struggling in college. Home schooled from an early age, she is socially awkward. She has a tendency to be unintentionally blunt and too direct. But she is beautiful. Her tenacious roommate, encourages Anniko to join their college chess team where she excels and that is where she meets Jonathan. He is sweet and kind and he gets her, until she ruins it.

Ten years later, they randomly run into one another at a grocery store. They could have a second chance. But most of all, it gives Anniko an opportunity to explain her point of view.

This novel is about loyalty and bravery and navigating life without a safety net. It’s about bullying, the true meaning of friendship and deep, understanding love.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Annika is a sweet, brutally honest and quirky college student who has extreme difficulty navigating her way through everyday social situations. She enjoys books and would rather be alone. She hates crowds and loud noises. She meets Jonathan who finds her intriguing. He patiently teaches her that she is worthy of true love during the year they spend together. However, a decade later, we find that they haven't been together, but that fate has brought them together for a chance meeting. What really tore them apart? Can and should they try to rekindle the beautiful relationship that fell apart, or will it be too painful?
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All Opinions are my Own.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Annika is a quiet and reserved college student, unable to fit in well with others due to her inability to read social cues. Uncomfortable around most people, she finds solace in chess and books. Jonathan is ambitious, with a goal in mind to take over the financial world in big-time New York City. Although the two could not be any different, when Annika meets Jonathan she feels an instant connection and is finally able to be herself around someone, eccentricities and all. When tragedy strikes, despite their attempts, Annika and Jonathan go their separate ways, with Jonathan heading to New York and Annika finding comfort in her job at the local library. Ten years later, the two are reunited but before it can be determined if they really are meant to be, two planes hit the Twin Towers. Annika must challenge herself more than ever before in her quest to determine if the man she used to know can still be the man she loves.
“The Girl He Used to Know” by Tracey Garvis Graves, tells the story of true love lost, than rekindled, and then (maybe?) lost again. A bittersweet tale of the power of love to connect two very different people.
Annika is an easy character to relate to. Sweet, naïve, and loving, she is aware that the outside world sees her as different, and has taken her share of abuse as a result. When Jonathan comes along, she assumes he will be just like everyone else, unable to understand her and not willing to try. However, when he proves her wrong, the basis of their relationship is formed.
Similar to “Eleanor Oliphant” and Graeme Simsion’s “Rosie Project”, Annika is the charming, socially awkward and eccentric character you will root for.
“Girl” jumps back and forth between timelines, both in 1991-1992, when Annika and Jonathan first met, and ten years later, when they are reunited. The timelines are clearly marked, therefore making it easy to determine which time period you are visiting, and each chapter is narrated by either Annika, or Jonathan (this, too, is clearly marked). Although I am not normally a fan of stories told in this method, I found that this structure was beneficial for “Girl”, and it did not pull away from the wonderful storytelling.
Delightful and sweet, without being saccharine, Garvis Graves’ novel will strike a chord with readers who are looking for a charmingly human love story, fraught with faults and dysfunction but also kindness and understanding.
A powerful ending wraps up this touching novel, and will leave a reader on an emotional high. From compassion and understanding, to heartbreak and sorrow, this novel will run all of the emotional bases. Highly recommended for those looking for a creative, yet powerful and thought provoking love story.

Annika was not expecting to fall in love when she met Jonathan. Shy and anxious in new situations, Annika keeps to herself. Annika has issues with personal relationships. She finds most people difficult to be around. But not Jonathan. He loves her for her quirks. Their relationship is perfect until a tragedy forces Annika and Jonathan apart.

10 years later and 10 years wiser, Jonathan reunites with Annika in Chicago. Jonathan realizes that his feelings for Annika never went away. Annika comes to the same realization and they restart their relationship. Will their relationship be as strong as the first time? Or will another tragedy stop it before it can begin?

When I started reading The Girl He Used To Know, I didn’t know what to think about it. I was also a little put-off. This book is told from two different 1st person perspectives. It is also told in two different time periods. In my experience, those two things do not go well together. I usually have issues following these types of storylines. I didn’t have those issues with The Girl He Used To Know.

I loved the storyline that revolved around Annika. I did guess that she had autism early in the story. I have a nephew who is non-verbal autistic and he shares many of the earmarks that Annika did. What I also enjoyed was seeing how far Annika came from college. There was a point in the book where I thought she would give up.

I liked Jonathan. I did have my doubts about what his intentions were when he first started hanging out with Annika. But as their love story deepened, I could see that he cared about her. He never pushed her past her limits. By the end of their college romance, I was in tears. I didn’t want them to break up.

I do want to give some attention to Annika’s friendship with Janice. It was even more amazing that Janice chose to become Annika’s protector on campus. That scene where she saved Annika from a potential gang rape was short of amazing. Janice became my hero.

I thought that Annika and Jonathan’s romance was one of the sweetest romances that I have read. I couldn’t wait to see what the next step would bring. I was devastated when they broke up (and why they broke up too). When they reunited in Chicago, I did have my doubts if they would rekindle their relationship. And I was happy when they did.

The end of The Girl He Used to Know gave me chills. I am not going to get into what happened but it was tragic. What Annika did and her determination to find Jonathan made me cry. I was a little confused by the last line of the book. It was the only thing that made zero sense to me. While I knew what it was referring to, I didn’t understand why it was at the end of the book.

I gave The Girl He Used to Know a 4-star rating. This was a well-written book that had me in tears. The characters were relatable. The plot-lines were well written. The only complaint I had about the book was the end. It made no sense to me.

I would give The Girl He Used to Know an Adult rating. There is sex (but not graphic). There is language. There is mild violence. There are triggers. They would be bullying, attempted rape and drug use. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread The Girl He Used to Know. I would also reccomend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Girl He Used to Know.

All opinion stated in this review of The Girl He Used to Know are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Sometimes I crave a book that has some depth, likable characters, and a unique plot that pulls me along frantically flipping pages. This was the perfect book for that! I cried, I laughed, I worried, I rallied and rooted for them and I missed these characters when I finished up the book. Some may call this book slightly predictable or that there was too much packed into one story (I borderline on this one myself), but I loved it and miss these characters now that I have finished their story.

There are some major themes going on in this book, but I don't want to give anything away. I think it made it more enjoyable to go into this one relatively blind. The one big theme and takeaway from this book for me is...What is love? What does it mean to be in love? People say that it's loving someone despite their flaws and quirks, but this book reminded me that it's BECAUSE of these flaws and quirks that we should love someone. Annika and Jonathan reminded me of that and it warms my heart more than I could imagine. I hope you'll give this quick, sweet story a read when it comes out in April-you won't regret it.

If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, give this one a try!

Reviews can also be found at bookishfolk.com

I became so attached to Annika and Jonathon that I finished the book at 3:00 AM. Annika is such a gentle soul that cheering her on as she battled her social limitations seemed like the natural thing to do. Jonathon is the son any mother would be proud of, or the son-in-law she would choose for her daughter if the choosing was up to her.
The author does an admiral job of switching between the viewpoints of Annika and Jonathon and their two relationship periods that were separated by a 10 year gap. I am not only left with a memorable story but also a better understanding of the higher functioning autism spectrum.
I thank NetGalley for the ARC of The Girl He Used to know in exchange for an honest review. I have discovered a new author to me, and I look forward to reading other writings by Tracey Garvis Graves..

Graves created an incredible story with equally incredible characters. Annika amazes me. Jon took my breath away, together they tugged at my heart strings.

I liked the alternating between past and present. I absolutely adored the ending, certainly kept me on my toes until the very end.

A stunning love story with Annika serving as her authentic and charming self. So glad she found a man loving her for who she IS. Talk about a deserving couple.

Must must read.

I have never read a book told from this perspective before. It made me think a lot about one of my friend's children. It made me consider how he sees the world.
The book is told mostly from the point of view of one young woman by the name of Annika, and the other part is told by a young man by the name of Jonathan. The book goes back and forth between two different time periods of their lives together/apart. The beginning of the book starts with them stumbling upon each other in a grocery store after having no contact for about 10 years, and the rest of the book fills in the gaps as it goes.
I don't want to say much more because I don't want to give anything away, but I think this book was a great read!

For me to read a book in 2 days that's saying something. I was all in! Loved everything about this sweet love story and the author did a great job of keeping it good until the very end.

Highly recommend!

4.5 stars

Tracey Garvis Graves is one of my favorite authors. I fell in love with her story-telling abilities when I first read On the Island. So any book by her is a must-read for me. The Girl He Used to Know is a beautiful second-chance romance about two amazing characters that find and elevate each other for the better. Annika is a unique and amazing person, and there were a couple of scenes that broke my heart. Jonathan, who is a great guy, learns quickly how to socialize and put her at ease. Of course they both aren't perfect, and unintentionally they hurt the other. I will not really go into the plot because the synopsis of this book is perfect in my opinion. I also think you should just dive in blind and just experience the beautiful love between these great characters.

"Life isn't easy for anyone. We all have challenges. We all face adversity. It's how we overcome it that makes us who we are."

I just loved that the author took her time including flashbacks to tell how these to met and fell in love. I was glad that the flashbacks weren't overwhelming or take over the whole story. Because I do have a love/hate relationship with flashbacks. Sometimes it can be a bit too much, but that wasn't the case for this book. The individual character development was really good, and you could really see a growth, especially in Annika. The last quarter of the book was very emotional, and I was tense and on the edge of my seat. It was such an emotional roller coaster for me. I honestly wouldn't change anything about this book, but I really would've loved an epilogue. I felt like this book needed one. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye and I wanted to see more of Annika and Jonathan.

I really enjoyed this full-of-heart story and I’d rush back to reading at every chance I got. Hopeful and sweet.

This was probably closer to 3.25 stars for me. It was an enjoyable book, nicely written, and I appreciated what the author was trying to do. I liked the nuanced way the relationship between Annika and Jonathan was built, and the switching back and forth between time periods worked for me. I also liked that Annika wasn’t neurotypical, and the author’s desire to address ASD in her plot. That said, I was a little frustrated by the incessant focus on how pretty Annika was, and the degree to which she needed protecting. I know the idea was for her to grow strong and independent with age, but all of that was shown through the man’s perspective, which kind of defeated the purpose. It kind of felt like... this man has declared that she is pretty and strong, therefore she has value? But the element of her being her own person wasn’t there the way I hoped it would be. I think the author was trying to convey some feminist concepts, but the way she tried to get there missed the mark. Still, it was an overall enjoyable book.

It's not even 2019 yet and this book might be a contender for my biggest letdown of the year. I'm so disappointed, this book was even on my list of most anticipated releases of 2019 and it's a DNF! I was so excited when I got the approval for it.

I saw SO MANY early reviews suggesting it was similar to the Kiss Quotient, which I loved (it's probably my favorite book for 2018), so I hoped to love this book.

Judging from the other reviews, I imagine I'm in the minority here, but this book just didn't work for me.

The biggest problem for me is that I felt like the author insisted on telling vs. showing. Jonathan does this... I don't like that... I get overwhelmed by.... Show me Jonathan doing the things, show me Annika being overwhelmed. I couldn't connect with either character and that bothered me a lot.

I'm a fast reader, I have a tendency to pick up a book and get lost in it. I'll read the entire thing in a day if I enjoy it. This is a book that should have taken me a day (maybe two) to read instead I've suffered through bit by bit for 29 days and I'm still only at 60%. I think it's time to give up.

I loved it! Such an interesting twist and I truly couldn't put it down. I've enjoyed all of Tracey Garvis Graves' books and this one is no exception.

I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately I’m left feeling very underwhelmed. This is a romance that takes place in 2001 and 1991, it alternates timelines between chapters and we follow Annika and Jonathon who are college students in 1991. They meet at a chess club at their school and develop a friendship/romance shortly after.