Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Girl He Used to Know” by Tracey Garvis Graves , St. Martin’s Press, April 2, 2019

Tracey Garvis Graves, Author of “The Girl He Used to Know” has written an emotional, heart-warming, intriguing, captivating and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Romance. The time-lines for the story are 2001 and a decade before.. The author describes her characters as complex, and complicated. Some characters are very kind and loyal.

Annika has always seemed quirky and different from other people that she has met. She is kind-hearted to animals, and a genius at playing chess. Annika has a social problem that makes her feel anxious, and insecure. Annika feels comfortable surrounded by books, and easily gets upset when her routine is different and at loud noises and smells. While playing chess , Annika meets Jonathan, and they form a relationship. Annika always regrets seeing the relationship end.

Ten years later, Annika and Jonathan bump into one another. Is it possible that the two can rekindle their passion and friendship? Can they overcome what has happened in the past.? Annika is now working as a Librarian, and has written a play for children. She also volunteer at a wildlife rescue society. Jonathan is in the corporate world.

Is it possible for anyone to change? When tragedy strikes, priorities for some people change. Is it too late for second chances?

I love that Tracy Garvis Graves discusses how people are different, bullying, unconditional friendship, self-acceptance, and self-worth. Also important are friendship, honesty, communication, love and hope. I loved the way that the author has written the story and vividly discusses the characters, their strengths and weaknesses. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel to readers who enjoy emotional and intense stories. I received this ARC for my honest review.

Sweet and beautiful. I fell in love with this story and these characters. I am always excited to read a new book from Tracey Garvis-Graves and it never disappoints. This one was no different. I enjoyed every minute of reading this story and I am already looking forward to reading more from this author.

A well written, engaging novel with 3-dimensional characters. Both main characters are 'different', but this is conveyed by their thoughts and behaviours and not by labelling. The story, perhaps with a touch of "Eleanor Oliphant.." warms the reader and educates us in a gentle way.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Tracey Garvis Graves for the ARC to review. This was such a great read. I was engrossed from the very beginning. The timeline for the book goes between 1991 and 2001. The characters were charming. I couldn't quite figure out what Annika is all about, she seemed so flakey, but Jonathan was so wonderful with her. They broke up and years later rekindled their relationship. They sorted it all out, and were happy together and then BAM! Out of now where, I finally realize what the date is! NO, this can't be! I couldn't put the book down, I just had to finish it. I loved the book, it was a great read, good story! Highly recommend.

Wow, what a wonderful book. I loved reading it and was so sorry when it ended. I would love to know what happens next for them. Maybe a second book about them 20 years from now! The writing is wonderful and it tackles difficult subject matters that is so pertinent to us all. Relationships, kindness, bullying, being different, not fitting in and desperately wanting to, autism spectrum disorder, discovery, acceptance, understanding, maturing, career choices, the importance of knowing who you are and being honest, family, friendship and most importantly the power of love.
Jonathan and Annika meet in college and we get to follow their path from becoming chess partners, friends and eventually lovers who go their separate ways and thankfully find their way back to each other. It is only Jonathan and Janice, Annikas roommate who truly seem to “get her” and help her learn how to navigate the world she is ill equipped to deal with. Her mother home schooled her as a way to combat the terrible treatment she received from her classmates. She was both physically and emotionally abused by classmates and the school seemingly did little to make it a safer place for her. It may have been the best choice at the time, but did little to prepare her for the world later on when her parents just drop her off at college. Really? What was mom thinking?? We all need to devise coping skills to get through our daily lives, but for those on the spectrum it is that much more important. Though it is still a difficult world to navigate for people on the spectrum there is so much more awareness now and I believe that this book can aid in creating a clearer understanding and maybe, just maybe be a little kinder and more accepting through understanding and awareness. I don't want to give away to much of the story and ruin the journey for anyone, but know this book is kind, mindful and one that anyone who reads will be better for having done so.

Wow. What an amazing story! I've read a couple Tracey Garvis Graves books before and really enjoyed them. That, coupled with the fact that I've heard a LOT of buzz about this book, gave me some high expectations. The Girl He Used to Know lived up to them all. I stayed up hours past my bedtime last night because I just couldn't stop reading once I started. I was sucked into the story immediately. The author did such an amazing job in developing the characters. I loved Annika right away, and then Jonathan too, when we were introduced to him. I loved getting to read Anikka's inner thoughts and commentary in the chapters from her perspective. She's such a genuine and beautiful person. Some chapters were from Jonathan's point of view, and I'm very glad for that as well. It was interesting to see their relationship from his side of things. My only minor complaint is the end...I wanted more! I need some details!! However, book overall was just so fantastic that I couldn't go any less than 5 stars. One of my favorites (if not the top favorite) of the year so far. Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

In 2001 Annika and Jonathan run into each other at a grocery store one evening. Neither have seen nor spoken to the other in ten years, but come to find out they've both been living in Chicago at the same time for the last five years. They once were in love. Could they still be? If they want to try to get back to what they used to have together they'll have to face a heartbreaking past.

In 1991 both Annika and Jonathan were seniors at the University of Illinois. While Jonathan had always seemingly had an easy time of things, Annika did not. Annika has always found social interactions difficult, having trouble correctly interpreting situations when she was younger she was bullied, and now that she's older she's seen as "socially inept". College was a shock to Annika's system, but, with the help of her friend / roommate Janice, Annika has been slowly learning to navigate the wider world. But then she meets Jonathan and everything feels right. That is, until things go heartbreakingly wrong. But to move on and move forward, Annika will have to show Jonathan, and everyone, that she's more than The Girl He Used to Know.

I really like the way that books like this one and [book:The Kiss Quotient|36199084] are putting a spotlight on autism and the variations of what it means to be on the spectrum. What Tracey Garvis Graves does here, however, in setting her story in 1991 and 2001 respectively is give voice to the fact that the diagnosis for autism is a relatively new thing. Contrast that with the 2001 timeline where mental health is a little more widely acknowledged and you get an interesting juxtaposition of Annika's character.

Likewise, both timelines involve situations that arise that test Annika's mettle. In one instance she is overwhelmed by the things that happen. And in the other - coinciding with a national tragedy - shows readers how far Annika has come. How much she has grown.

I loved that the highlight of the book was Annika's growth as she learns to navigate her world as a high functioning autistic woman. Tracey Garvis Graves does a great job in keeping the feelings between Jonathan and Annika the constant throughout the story.

Jonathan was one of the few people to outright accept Annika for who she is. That never changed. He respected her needs, but he wasn't afraid to let her know about his needs as well. What's the saying "If you love something let it go, if it comes back to you it's yours forever"? I think that, maybe unknowingly, they had to let each other go. Especially in Annika's case because it helped her become a bit more self-reliant. Then she turns around and uses that reliance to help Jonathan when he most needs it.

It's a sweet and beautiful story that's more than just a romance. It's about a woman not limiting herself because of a diagnosis or because of what society deems as "normal". It's about finding your own strength.

This is the story of Annika and Jonathan, and the romance they once shared in college, and the eventual and hopeful rekindling of that romance after a chance meeting several years later.

Annika is a bit different from other people, and she has trouble navigating the world around her, especially if it involves dealing with other people. With the help of her best friend/roommate, Janice, she is able to navigate college and find romance. After tragedy strikes between the Annika and Jonathan, she leaves him hanging and learns to live on her own.

Annika is a strong female lead character, and I absolutely loved her. She has her issues, but she continues to try, and that is important to me when I read novels. I hate when the lead character is weak. Jonathan is somewhat her knight in shining armor, but she proves that she can do it without him, even if it exhausts her, and she sometimes messes up.

When I read the date on the chapter that begins on September 11, I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. I just knew what was coming, and I hated it. I couldn't believe that the book took me through all of that for it to end here. Thankfully, I was wrong. This is an emotional read that kept me up to finish the book in one night. I just had to know how it turned out.

Thank you #netgalley and #stmartinspress for an early copy of #thegirlheusedtoknow. It was absolutely amazing with all kinds of emotions throughout the entire read. I can't wait to grab another book by Graves.

BOOK REVIEW: THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW BY TRACEY GARVIS GRAVES
Jennifer: The Girl He Used To Know stole a little piece of my heart. I’m sad to see it end.

Sarah: So many book friends recommend this one & I can see why. I will miss Annika & Johnathan too, Jen!

SWEET, SEXY & ENGROSSING READ
Jennifer: Do you ever have one of those books on your ever growing TBR pile, and when you finally get it to it you’re so upset it took you so long to read it? That’s how I felt as I was reading this book. I should’ve known I would love this book by reading the back. Four of my favorite authors sang their praises. The Girl I Used To Know is a beautiful love story that is both sweet and sexy, and the last 30 pages will literally have you on the edge of your seat engrossed in every word.

Sarah: Honestly, the cover of this book deceives me. While I knew it was technically in the romance category, I didn’t expect a hot & heavy love story. As a romance lover, I’m pleasantly surprised by the sweet & sultry nature of this book. Don’t worry, it’s not a Jenny Holiday type of super hot romance. Instead, it’s a truthful & kind exploration of falling into an intimate relationship with someone you love dearly.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Jennifer: Annika is unlike most girls her age; she’s brutally honest and never says the right thing in a social situation. When Jonathan and Annika were in college they met playing chess, and Annika knew the feelings she felt just being around him were different then she’s ever felt before. Jonathan is taken by this beautiful girl who is honest and charming, and even though she is very different, that’s what he likes about her the best. The two move slowly in the beginning and appear to have the perfect relationship until heartache tears the two apart and Annika needs time to recover on her own.

Sarah: The Girl He Used To Know features a feal character with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & I love it. Females with ASD are underrepresented in all forms of media, so I love getting to know Annika. Truthfully, Annika’s story is a novel in its own right.

REVISITING YOUR FIRST LOVE
Jennifer: Annika and Jonathan have a history and memories that bind them together. When they see each other after years of distance, all of those emotions come flooding back. While they didn’t break up on the best of terms, their love for each other is so true and genuine they quickly start where they left off. They have things they need to talk about and decide if they want a future together. The two will be put to the test once again, and this time what’s important is coming out of it alive.

Sarah: This story is so tender. Tracey’s writing sends my mind to visit my first love. While reading The Girl He Used To Know, I’m back to a lovesick teenager. I don’t mean that in a trivial fashion. Through Annika & Johnathan, I remember how special it is to find someone who truly sees you & loves in spite of everything.

THE VERDICT
Jennifer: Tracey Garvis Graves has written a beautiful story of love and acceptance. I fell in love with the main characters and found myself cheering them on throughout the book. Just as I’m settling into the softness of the romance and relationship between these two, Tracey takes your heart and squeezes it tight. From page 249 until the end I’m pretty sure I read at the speed of light while holding my breath. Pick up your copy ASAP!

Sarah: What Jen said! I’ll be thinking of this story for a long while.

Special thanks to Tracy Garvis Graves & St. Martin’s Press for providing my copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Annika is so different from any character in any other book I have ever read. I loved this book from beginning to end. This is the first book by this author I have ever read.
Annika is bullied as a child because kids consider her weird. People are mean to her, they laugh at her because they don’t understand her.
I liked Jonathan because he was nice to Annika. He and Janice try to teach Annika about different things and they care for her. Janice is the only one who is willing to be friends with Annika in college.
Annika and Jonathan meet during a chess meeting. He doesn’t give up on her and becomes friends with her. He’s interested in her and they become involved.
This book has heart and so many emotions. From the very beginning you see Annika for who she is. I felt for her. She’s what makes this book come alive. We get to see Annika in college and ten years later and the changes in her. She and Jonathan meet up ten years later but you find out why they went their separate ways. And there’s a reason for why the chapters have the months on it.
I loved this books and I highly recommend it. I didn’t want it to end.

An absolutely charming and touching novel! The premise of the book might be about an opportunity to revisit a college relationship but it's really all about the neurodivergent heroine and how she learned to navigate, and excel, in her world. The author wrote the heroine with such a delicate and sensitive manner that your heart palpably aches for her as she learns lessons that come naturally to most people. Left me with such a smile on my face!

The Girl He Used to Know was a breath of fresh air! Once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop--even though I was currently reading another book. I loved the characters. They had an important story to tell and I was furiously flipping pages toward the end. And while the romance was center stage, I also loved Annika's friendship with Janice. Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like that. It was a beautiful novel and it will be one that sticks with me for awhile.

I literally just finished this book and have to write my review now to get all my feelings out. First, I absolutely, 100% adored Annika. She was such a loveable, warmhearted character that you just wanted to take her under your wing, just like her roommate Janice did way back in college. I will say right now, I wanted to be Annika’s Janice. I wanted to be the one to help her navigate social norms and have that closeness with her. They had an amazing, understanding, comfortable friendship that only deepened over the years. We would all be so lucky to have that.

The Girl He Used to Know is a wonderful, memorable novel. Told in dual timelines, you follow the story of how Jonathan and Annika met in college, and then again how they reconnected in urban Chicago a decade later. The two parts each tell the story they need to tell, not revealing secrets until you, the reader, are ready. Graves is methodical and deliberate in her story telling. Never boring you, never losing you, making you fall more in love with Annika and Jonathan the longer you read. You come to care very much for these two souls and want so badly for them to make it.

They have obstacles, they have faults, and they undoubtedly have fierce love for each other. When they meet again, you can’t just pretend the bad stuff didn’t happen. Can we learn from our mistakes? Do we grow stronger and wiser with age? Annika and Jonathan navigate their relationship both then and now and Graves keeps you there like a fly on the wall. Fantastic writing, beautiful-souled characters. This is not your typical coming of age or love story. This is so much deeper than that. Highly recommend.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved getting to know Annika but something about this book just didn't sit right with me. I feel it was somewhat misrepresented at least at the end of the book. It's about more than just their love story. It wrapped up a little too easily and it bothered me that we have a main character with Autism but it's not an OWN voices representation. I liked the story and I was invested in the characters and I understand that the ending was meant to show growth and her overcoming the obstacles she had struggled to face before but something is still bothering me about this book and I can't figure out what it is.

This book was amazing! I loved every second of it. I have never read a book like this with a autistic main character that was so refreshing to see that perspective written. I fell in love with the characters especially Annika but Jonathan and Janice too. They were so well written and such special characters the uniqueness of getting to understand the perspective of a women living with autism made Annika stand out and the kindness and compassion of Johnathan and Janice made them some of my favorite characters I’ve ever read about. The love story was beautiful and sweet and the ending had me holding my breath! I loved the development of Annika and the courage and strength she grew into it was beautiful heartwarming story that will be hard to leave I miss the characters already

I was so excited to dive into this story because I’m a big fan of TGG. Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite of her novels. Couldn’t quite connect with Annika. However, I really liked Jonathan. This isn’t a spoiler because their breakup is shared in the first chapters, but when the reason for their breakup is finally revealed, it felt like TGG didn’t put much thought into it. Also, the last few chapters of the story confused me a bit. It’s like TGG didn’t know how to end the book so she decided to take us on a wild ride and kick us out of a moving vehicle. So abrupt and somewhat sloppy.

The Girl He Used to Know is the first book I’ve read by Tracey Garvis Graves, and it will not be my last. I love the author’s writing style - it flows really well. The characters are fantastic and very real, as is the storyline. The ending was perfect - I was so glad it didn’t go the other way,

I received an advance copy of this book.

In this outstanding novel, we meet Annika who suffers from some form of Autism when she enrolls in university. To navigate her environment is difficult for Annika and she faces many problems in typical social situations. This made me aware of how we act and treat people with a disability or just people who are different. Often her fellow students take advantage of her condition, like her first boyfriend. She finds help through her roommate Janice who becomes her interpreter what ‘normal’ people would do. Through the chess club Annika gets some interaction and here she meets Jonathan, her great love and supporter. Unfortunately, life separates them and they meet by chance 10 Years later. I do not want to give away too much but the ending is surprising and the whole story fascinated me. I definitely would recommend this book.

4.5 Stars

The Girl He Used to Know is another fabulous read by this author. This author is a favorite of mine. She knows how to make you feel every emotion that the characters are going through. This book is raw and emotional with a surprising twist.

We really understand the story of how Annika and Jonathan met and reconnected as it flip flops from the past and present throughout the book. Annika is a unique character who you just want to befriend, even with all her quirkiness and honesty. And it's exactly what made Jonathan Hoffman fall for her ten years ago in college.

Annika and Jonathan shared a special bond. Jonathan understood her the way no one else did and she brought out the best of him. But after college plans fall through, their college love affair took a toll and they grew apart. Ten years later, Annika and Jonathan reconnect and begin to rekindle their friendship and romance. They are older and been through a lot over the years, but still the same with each other.

A fabulous second chance story.

This book absorbed me so much thst I read it in one sitting. I loved the characters and felt very profoundly for Annika as a person. I enjoyed the back and forth. The ending was a bit rushed and I could have used an epilogue, but overall... All the feels.