The Girl He Used To Know
By
Tracey Garvis Graves

What it's all about...

Annika...rhymes with Monica...is quirky, beautiful and charming. Her quirkiness and inability to tolerate certain things may be due to a degree of autism. Annika meets Jonathan in college. They fall in love but they are separated for 10 years. The book is all about their relationship then as well as now. There is a slow subtle buildup to why they separated.


My thoughts after reading this book...

I loved this book and I especially loved Annika. Her love for animals as well as her odd ways...made her endearing. She didn’t care about body image, her clothes never matched...they just had to be comfortable...her intolerance for lip gloss and perfume and anything constricting...all of these things plus more made her so special. Jonathan was tolerant as well as accepting of all of these issues.


What I loved best...

The writing was special and so was the relationship between Annika and Jonathan.


What potential readers might want to know...

Readers who love quirky interesting characters should truly enjoy this beautiful book.


I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review it.

At its core The Girl He Used to Know is a story of love, acceptance and second chances.

Annika and Jonathan come face to face in a grocery store...after 10 years. The two were college sweethearts and it is instantly apparent that the connection they shared is alive and well even after years of absence. Annika and Jonathan's love story was heartwarming, endearing and unique. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold through the dual timelines both for the first time in 1991 and the second time in 2001.

Annika is beautiful, intelligent and quirky. She is also on the autism spectrum. Although she is considered to be high functioning, she suffers from social awkwardness. Through the course of her life this has led to people taking advantage of her, mistreating her and dismissing her. Yet, as we come to know Annika we realize she is strong, brave, caring, loyal and trusting to a fault. Graves did a phenomenal job developing Annika's character. I found myself rooting for her and wanting to be her friend.

Jonathan loved and accepted Annika for who she was. He was so sweet, gentle and understanding of her needs and quirks. They truly balanced each other out with their relationship. He was a sense of security for her. With him, Annika tried new things and discovered more than her usual routine was possible. In turn, she offered Jonathan a fierce and unyielding love.

Although Annika and Jonathan were the main characters Graves solidly built secondary characters that were an integral part of the story. I adored Annika's best friend Janice who was truly a light in her life. Janice helped Annika navigate the world socially. She acted as her translator, confidant, and guide. Their friendship was just so emotionally satisfying! I adored that Annika had this strong friend who accepted her and saw all she had to offer others.

The one negative I have for this amazing story was the ending. It felt rushed after the time spent building their relationship. I didn't see the traumatic event coming and while I felt a bit like it came out of left field, I was ok with it. I simply didn't appreciate the abrupt ending after everything Annika and Jonathan (and me!) had been through together.

This was a strong debut from Tracey Garvis Graves. Annika is the kind of character that will definitely remain strong in my memory and her story was well developed, emotional and left me feeling content.

I discovered Tracy Garvis Graves a few years ago when I picked up Heart-Shaped Hack based off the cover and description. I count HSH as one of my top favorite book of all time- I loved her writing style and found the wit and banter to be perfection and I have read and enjoyed many of her works. The Girl He Used to know is so very different from her other works, but I cannot stress enough that the author does character development SO WELL no matter the premise! As I have gotten older, I have come to the realization that I am definitely not neurotypical myself and when I read characters like Annika in this book and Stella in The Kiss Quotient, I feel such a connection..... like reading about the feelings I sometimes have about social situations. It's like oh, someone else feels like this too! Such an epiphany. I simply adored this book- I felt the flashbacks lent so much to the story and seeing it all unfold the way it did was just perfect. Just 25% into 2019, and I'm already adding it to my Best of 2019!

Saturday, April 06, 2019
SATURDAY SCOOP












carpe librum

seize the book! What a great thought.

Welcome book lovers


saturday scoop features a "scoop" on books- whether it's my review or other book related news you may have missed.

this book just came out tuesday and i was louck enough to have read an ARC of it:





Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.
Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game—and his heart—to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.
Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She's living the life she wanted as a librarian. He's a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.






so-

i'm not going to say much about this beautifully written magical and inspiring story except

READ IT

oh- and maybe keep a few tissues close by too!

this book made me smile, laugh and as mentioned above shed a few tears.

annika is a special character that touched my heart on so many levels. there was also a sense of nostalgia here for me too in the settings (time frame and places).

I very much enjoyed Graves "On the Island," but "The Girl He Used To Know" fell flat for me. A romance about someone who is on the spectrum? It's been done before, and far better, by others (THE ROSIE PROJECT, for instance). Although it was refreshing to read about a high-functioning woman with autism (a condition more common in males), I never grew to care about Annika (or any of the characters). And instead of leavening the story with humor (as Simsion does in THE ROSIE PROJECT), Annika's story is told with detachment and without humor. Perhaps that's reflective of Annika's personality, but it doesn't make for an engaging story.

SPOILER ALERT: While the intersection of the romance with the events of 9-11 were compelling, this plot twist came too little, too late. What if the book had started with the events of 9-11, then worked in flashbacks leading up to that date? Perhaps it would have been a more enjoyable read.

I loved this book! One of my favorite tv shows is The Good Doctor about a surgeon with autism. Annika is like the female version of Shaun.

This very well-written book is heartwarming and heartbreaking by turns. The wonderful characters are so realistic and sympathetic. The story progresses at an even pace and kept me holding my breath wondering what on earth had driven Annika and Jonathan apart ten years ago,. And then I was holding my breath again wondering if their
chance meeting would lead to a reconnection.

The story is too good to ruin with spoilers. Suffice it to say I spent the last half hour of the book in tears. Sad tears? Happy tears? Read the book and decide for yourself.

I've really struggled with how to review this book because i couldn't find the words. I really enjoyed this book. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming. I laughed and i cried. Frankly, i thought the story and how it was told was beautiful.
I reserve 5stars for books i will read again.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. :-)

Title: The Girl He Used to Know
Author: Tracey Garvis Graves
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

Annika Rose prefers books and chess over people. She doesn’t understand people—and they don’t understand her. When she meets Jonathan, who’s new to the college and to chess club, she thinks he’ll be just like everyone else. But he’s not. He understands her. He wants to get to know her. And he loves her unconditionally.

Ten years later, Annika runs into Jonathan again. She wants to show him how much she’s changed, but Jonathan is wary after Annika broke his heart all those years ago—with no explanation. She wants to try again, but he isn’t sure he wants to risk his heart a second time.

This novel was an intriguing look inside the head of someone who thinks just a little differently, who sees the world in slightly different shades. Annika is a fascinating character, and her journey is compelling. I found myself rooting for her all the way.

Tracey Garvis Graves is a bestselling author. The Girl He Used to Know is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

As I was reading I kept thinking that this is one of those feel-good books, where you witness two characters' lives and love story. There is more to this, of course. Annika is an autistic woman and this makes many things more difficult and challenging for her. I adored her! Jonathan, the other half of the love story, is a guy who sees Annika's awesomeness and falls in love with her. I adored him! Basically, there is no bad character for me in this novel.

By the time I crossed the half point of the novel, I was worried that things seemed to be heading in a too good to be true direction: where is the twist? the drama? the unexpected something? It comes when you see the date at the beginning of one of the chapters: September 8. And the year 2001. So that's why this story is set so many years ago! I literally stopped reading, closed the book, and whispered: "oh, my God! I hope not!" Because 9/11 can only mean one thing.
It was a good novel, it was funny and Annika was an endearing character, as was her best friend, Janice (if I remember correctly...)

One thing that bothered me was all the explicit love scenes; the graphic depictions could have been left out and nothing of the romance of the story would have been lost. In order to understand that Annika and Jonathan's love story was possible, I am sure we could have done without being given all the details of their intimate moments. Annika would have cringed had she seen this part of her life exposed. Just sayin'. It seemed that their story was hard to believe possible, so we needed to be proven through detailed love-making that see? they can be a normal couple. It was a belittling of the characters.

Other than this unfortunate part, I enjoyed this novel. Annika reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant of Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, but this is only because these two novels are the only ones with an autistic character.

Review found here: https://www.lifewithemilyblog.com/2019/04/march-2019-reading-list-reviews.html

The Girl He Used to Know is a wonderful, memorable novel. Told in dual timelines, you follow the story of Jonathan and Annika who meet in college, and then again when reconnected in Chicago a decade later. Their romance is anything but conventional. Annika prefers space, alone time and doesn’t do well in social situations because she is on the Autism spectrum. Jonathan is the guy everyone can’t help but like with his good looks and personality, but he only wants Annika. Graves is methodical and deliberate in her story telling. The story of their relationship is a gripping one and you will certainly fall more in love with Annika and Jonathan the longer you read. review: I don’t think I could have loved this book more, even if I tried. I adored this book and everything about it. The dual timelines work perfectly for this book and the storyline within it. I loved seeing how Annika and Jonathan’s relationship progressed with the dual timeline and found myself cheering them on and wanting them to work out so badly. I felt a fondness for Annika – my youngest sister has Asperger’s and a lot of Annika’s anxiousness and social awkwardness is something I am very familiar with. In fact, I picked up on Annika being on the spectrum almost right away from just a few clues at the beginning. I certainly was not prepared for quite a few parts of this book and ended up crying over the ending, but man, it was excellent! This was my first book written by the author and her others have quickly jumped high on my TBR list. rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️

I received an Advanced Review Copy of The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves from the Publisher St. Martin's Press through NetGalley (I also won a copy in a Goodreads, so we (the book and I were destined to meet) ) in exchange for an honest review.

What It’s About: This book tells the story of a couple over ten years, the book is told when they originally met in college in 1991 and when they are reunited in 2001. Annika and Jonathon met in chess club and began dating, except things are not so simple. Annika is different (she is on the Autism Spectrum) and she has habits and frustrations that can be difficult for her to understand. The first part tells the story of how they fell in love, while the later part tells the story of how they find their way back to each other after a really awful break-up.

What I Loved: This book is the ultimate romance book. It has characters that you cheer for, hot scenes, and a really beautiful/sweet love story at its core. However, its so much more than that, It talks about trying to find yourself in your twenties, trying to understand the world around you, while handling complex relationships. This book has very likeable characters. I fell for Annika and her caring nature and love of reading and really felt connected to her. I also loved her roommate Janice and her mother who understand her nature and are patient and loving with her. You felt like you were observing a really great connected group of people and it was a joy.

What I didn’t like so much: The conflicts that arise seemed sudden at times and like not enough time was being spent dealing with them. They all seemed to pop up in the very end of the book and I wish we had gotten more time to see the characters manage them.

Who Should Read It: People who love a good love story. People who love stories about human nature. People who love characters they can cheer for.

General Summary: A love story told over ten years that you will feel invested in.

The Girl He Used to Know is a beautiful love story between the quirky Annika, and the sweet and caring Jonathan. Annika and Jonathan meet in college, when they both join the chess team. Jonathan quickly falls for Annika's quirkiness, and Annika, for his kindness and acceptance of her differences. The two develop a meaningful first love, before parting ways as their college years draw to an end. 10 years later, Annika runs into Jonathan at a supermarket and asks to see him again. Can they rekindle their relationship after so much time has passed?

I truly loved the characters in this book. Annika was adorable, and Jonathan was an amazing match for her. Annika's best friend Janice, is the kind of friend every woman should have in her life. I became completely wrapped up in this love story, and it was just such a feel-good book. I give it 4.5 stars, rounded up.

This book was amazing, I didn't expect to love it so much, but it touch me in so many ways.It was intense , emotional, fast paced and intense. The story was perfect, it was unique and it has a deep meaning.It's not your usual romance.

Annika was an interesting heroine, I adored her.I liked her personality and her love story was sweet but also there were moments I cried so much.Annika and Jonathan’s relationship touched me, I loved their moments together.

It was an amazing story that I would definitely reread it!If you are looking for a powerful story this is what you need!

Struggled a bit to finish this one. The different time periods were unevenly spaced and I felt myself slogging through the one to get to the other. Main character wasn't always the most likeable as the growth was slow and there was a lot of repeated behaviour. But had some nice moments.

Holy cow what an emotional book. These characters are unlike anything I have read in recent years. I always love stories about people who are in love, break up and then find themselves back in each other’s orbits. This is what happens to Annika and Jonathan; together in college but split up afterwards, 10 years later they fine each other again.

Annika has worked on those things that she struggle with during college and Jonathan is still recovering from a divorce.

What an awesome story. The Girl He Used To Know is such an original and beautiful book.

Annika Rose is unique and kind and drawn for us by the author with such care and honesty. There is no way to read this book and not be touched deeply by the story and it’s amazing characters.

The story is told back and forth between 2001 and 1991. This is not a style I’m usually overly fond of, but in this case it works and the flash back chapters connect perfectly keeping the story flowing seamlessly.

This is a book that I will be recommending to all of my friends.
-5+ Stars!-

Quite simply, I loved this book. One of the characters is on the autism spectrum, and it was very enlightening to read the sections that are told from her point of view. This book also contains a beautiful love story. I highly recommend it!

Charming romance between awkward, introverted Annika and her boyfriend Jonathan who she meets at chess club. The story is told from alternating viewpoints and back and forth in time between 1991 and 2001, when the two first date and then when they reconnect a decade later. I really enjoyed the authenticity of the characters and following Annika’s self-growth. I do wish they hadn’t made both Jonathan and Annika good-looking- it’s ok to have average or not so good-looking protagonists sometimes. I really like the 3 dimensional portrayal of a person with high-functioning autism showing strengths as well as weaknesses. Strong 4 star read.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author Travis Garvis Graves for a digital review copy. This book was first published April 2, 2019.

Well, if this one of the sweetest romances that I’ve read in a long time! 'The Girl He Used to Know' by Tracey Garvis Graves was honest, emotional, and such a refreshing read!

Jonathan and Annika’s characters completely captured my heart! I adored Annika’s unique and quirky character. I felt for her challenges in social settings and conveying how deeply she really cared for people. Jonathan’s character was just wow! He had such patience and a simple appreciation for Annika. I felt his pain and understood his conflicts in dealing with her, and I also loved his wholehearted belief in her as well!

Jonathan and Annika’s second chance romance was definitely challenging but incredibly sweet. Their story was told in both of their point of views, in the present and when they first met ten years prior, and their insight really brought their characters to life. Their journey was passionate, angsty, and heartbreaking at times, but above all showcased the true meaning of understanding and unconditional love.

Tracey Garvis Graves did an amazing job with this beautifully written story that will make you think and make you feel. It’s a story of overcoming your weaknesses, finding acceptance and success with who you are, and also a reminder of how judgmental and cruel people can be. I really don’t want to give too much away, because I loved how everything unfolded in an unpredictable and captivating way!

I’m not trying to be greedy here, but the ending was quite abrupt. If I had it in me to take a little off my rating, I would. But, I just can’t do it. This is such a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it!

I started out liking <i>The Girl He Used to Know</i> quite a bit, however the last 1/3 of the novel totally ruined it for me. <i>The Girl He Used to Know</i> is a story told in alternating time lines and points of view between Annika, a young woman with undiagnosed Aspergers and Jonathan, who falls in love with her in college. The novel moves slowly at times, but the characters are engaging. However, the novel moves into the ridiculous in the last third. I feel like up to that point the novel had the potential to be a lighthearted love story with interesting character, but the twist at the end seemed completely out of place for the rest of the story.


Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.