Right from the beginning I was hooked into this book and the story. I just totally loved Annika and her background story.  In college she was not very socially adept, missed cues, spoke her mind, hated loud noise and wasn't keen on being touched. But... what a heart and gorgeous person. I also fell for her room mate Janine who was kind enough to reach out in genuine friendship and help Annika to find her way through the world that mystified her.

In college she meets Jonathan and he is everything you'd like in a male. We find out that something separated them and now as they meet ten years later and begin to find their way with each other, we are led on, wondering what on earth went wrong between this wonderful pair.

The story is told in two time lines, college days and 2001. They fit together seamlessly and as I read, the question I held about what went wrong was answered. And no more about the plot - its best discovered as you read.This book was a fast read, I picked it up every moment possible. It was emotional - heart warming and heart breaking. If you love unforgettable characters, a little mystery, and an emotional read with an intense ending - pick this one up. I hated it had to finish!

After getting into this book, I've found it is not for me. I will not be formerly reviewing it because I don't think I could review it with justice. I am a fan of Tracey Garvis Graves novel, ON THE ISLAND, and I wanted to have the same love for this book. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to connect well with the story and found myself unable to continue on. This is a mis-match between reader and book, rather than a strict book problem, and for that reason, I don't feel right reviewing this title and risking driving potential readers away from it. I will happily recommend this book to the right reader, that reader just wasn't me.

A charming a captivating character study and romance. The Girl He Used to Know is a compelling and refreshing look at love, self-awareness and vulnerability.

This was my first book by this author and I loved this story!! Connected to these characters right from the beginning... highly recommend!!

Umm. This book was quite something. I haven't read anything from this author before but I had heard such good things from other reviewers. I was excited to try The Girl He Used to Know since it features a second chance romance and an autistic heroine. It started off on a decent note. I was easily swept into the story. The writing certainly felt stilted to me. I initially attributed that to the heroine being autistic, but even the hero's voice was rather robotic. The Girl He Used to Know is the story of Annika, an autistic young woman, and Jonathan, a young man she slowly falls in love with. Annika was an interesting enough character. I haven't read many stories told through the points of view of neurodiverse characters, so I enjoyed getting to know some of the intricacies of individuals with autism through Annika. I liked Annika's character, but Jonathan I seemed to struggle with. I can't exactly pinpoint what it was about him that bugged me, but perhaps it was his lack of personality. As a result, I just didn't care for the romance. All that being said, this book was heading towards the 3 stars direction until the concluding chapters. The author decided to use 9/11 to create conflict in the romance, but I found that to be quite disrespectful. There are just some real-life historical events that shouldn't be used as a plot point in my opinion, and 9/11 is one of those. In the end, this book left me with a bad taste. I do seem to be a bit of a black sheep when it comes to this book, so if this sounds like it would work for you, I say go for it.

<b>2.5 Stars</b>

Ms. Graves is a first time author to me. I thought I'd give her a try since so many sing her praises. I'm not sure if I chose the wrong book or what, but I was bored. So so bored. This book took me forever to get through. Having a child on the Spectrum-Aspergers- I was really intrigued. However, even that aspect fell flat for me.

It was very slow moving. And I just couldn't connect to the book. I liked Annika and could see my son in her, which made me relate to her a bit more than Jonathan. In all honesty, our hero did absolutely nothing for me. I wasn't enamored by him as others were. In fact, I wasn't impressed with him at all. I agree with another reviewer, he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He's very manipulative. What you see isn't quite what you get. I don't get all the love for him, but hey we all read a book differently, so...

If it wasn't for Annika and Janice, I would have DNF'd this book. Annika was the shinning light, in my opinion. I had such high hopes for her and those hopes didn't include our leading man. And Janice was the best friend I wish for my son to find.

Annika Rose feels lost in the world. She has trouble reading other people's emotions and social cues. She feels safest alone--around books and animals. That changes in college, when she meets Jonathan. Jonathan brings something out in Annika that she didn't know was within her. But something happens between them, and now ten years has passed since the two have seen each other. When they run into each other in a store, Annika's feelings for Jonathan come rushing back. But can show him that things have changed, she has changed? And even so, does he feel the same way about her?

This is a quiet but powerful love story, and I fell deeply for the character of Annika. At first, I was worried this book would be an Eleanor Oliphant clone, but it easily held its own. As I started reading this novel, I was curious where it would go, and it took me a little time to adjust to the fact that it might not roar off and go crazy places, if that makes any sense. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers and mysteries, my brain learned that it was instead a lovely story about two people who had been in love, lost each other, and now had a second chance to find each other again.

My favorite part of this book was Annika. She felt like a kindred spirit in many ways--her love of books, animals, and the way she was overwhelmed in the world around her, memorizing the actions and social steps of others so she could fit in. I highlighted so many quotes that resonated with me.

"I required more downtime than most people. I needed to be able to read and sleep and be alone."

Graves captures Annika perfectly. The little details she puts in; the stories she includes. I could picture her so well. I fell for her, and I rooted for her from the beginning. It was easy to get swept up in the story when you loved the main character so much.

The novel is told mostly from Annika's perspective--going back and forth between the present and ten years ago--but we do hear from Jonathan occasionally. The format works really well. It pulls you into their love story and makes you a part of their romance. It's a surprisingly sexy one at times (be prepared) but also sweet and lovely, too. There are heartbreaking moments and moments of true resilience.

Overall, I haven't read a book like this in a long time. It was a different read, but not at all in a bad way. I really liked the characters, I was caught up in their story, and felt really changed and affected by the end. I definitely recommend it.

This was my very first Tracy Garvis Greaves book (I knew her name sounded familiar but didn’t even realize until I got to the end of the book and the author bio that she wrote the plane crash book about the 30 year old and the 16 year old lol).

So: there were things about this book that I really loved. The synopsis doesn’t mention (and I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that Annika is on the spectrum.) I loved seeing a character like Annika be a main character, front and center, worthy of her own story, rather than a secondary character there to add diversity or teach us something.

The story is told in dual POV that shifts between the 1990s (when Annika and Jonathan meet in collets) and 2001 (when they bump into each other.)

I found Annika’s relationship with Jonathan to be really moving and interesting and I liked getting both POVs and the back and forth time shift. Those stories can be awkward but I thought that all worked really well. I see some people on my timeline say that they were bored, but I was really invested!

The dramatic stuff like the reason they drifted apart in the 1990s felt less successful to me. I was kind of shocked at the reason their relationship fell apart – it wasn’t what I’d been expecting.

The development near the end was much more problematic for me. It felt emotionally manipulative in a way that the book hadn’t been up to then, and for reasons that are a bit spoiler, that really bothered me.

Those objections aside, I will remember Jonathan and Annika and their moving story of love and separation and a second chance at love – that part of the story I thought was great.

The Girl He Used to Know by Travis Garvis Graves is an unusual romantic novel with completely engaging characters. Jonathan is attractive, loving, and exactly the guy you want to meet in college…or want your daughter to meet. Annika is beautiful, smart, quirky and somewhere on the autism spectrum. She is that person who always seems a bit off-script and out of step. Jonathan and Annika find each other, lose each other, and reunite again. The plot twists surprised me more than once.

Basically, however, this is a love story about two delightful people. Like all of the best love stories, it is also about friendship and loyalty. Graves jumps back and forth between the couple’s college days and their adult meeting and also tells part of the story from each of the couple’s point of view. It sounds jumpy, but the author is talented enough to make it work seamlessly. There is an authenticity about the story and dialogue that is refreshing. While this seems like a light read, I suspect that these characters will stay with you for a long time.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an opportunity to read the electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was my pleasure.

Favorite Quotes:

“Marched to the beat of a different drum, did she?” “She marched to the beat of an entirely different band. One you’ve never heard of and under no circumstances ever expected to like.”

Whenever I think of Annika, my mind returns to the way we left things and the same unanswered question. It’s like a pebble in my shoe, uncomfortable but not unbearable. But it’s always there.

He had the whitest teeth I’d ever seen, which made me think his kisses would taste like Pep O Mint Life Savers. Joe’s kisses probably tasted like pot and Funyuns. And failure.

All my life, I’d been waiting for someone I could be myself with. It had never occurred to me that I could be that person for someone else.

It’s a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt… My best friend bought me a book of them. ‘Do one thing every day that scares you’ is what got me through my twenties.

My Review:

This is my favorite book so far this year, it was highly engaging, keenly insightful, and hit all the feels. The storylines were ingeniously crafted and flawlessly populated with an intriguing and captivating cast of characters. Ms. Graves' writing was emotive and perfectly pitched; she bruised my cold heart, held me transfixed to my Kindle, and stung my eyes more than once.

The story was cleverly woven between two timelines and told from the equally mesmerizing POVs of the two compelling and intriguing main characters. This was my inaugural outing with the stunningly talented Tracey Garvis Graves and I am at a total loss as to why I have never availed myself of this clever scribe’s works before as it was nothing short of brilliant. I covet all her lovely words and am greedy to amass her entire listing.

I’m not wild about the title of this book (I wish Annika, who is awesome and wonderful and an incredibly full character with layers and complications that make her something special, wasn’t presented in her OWN STORY (and yes, this really is Annika’s story more than anything) through her romantic relationship), but man I’m wild about the story. Annika is different than everyone else and has always had trouble relating to her peers. She meets Jonathan in college and they fall in love. Through a series of difficulties, they lose each other but meet again 10 years later by chance. This is not really the story of their love. It’s the story of Annika growing and of her journey through the world.

I’m gonna be honest. I almost DNF’d this book. I was frustrated about 50% through when there was no mention of autism and it was clear to me that Annika probably had ASD. But I’m so glad I didn’t. This book is heartbreaking and moving. The ending was definitely rushed and I would have liked to see Annika struggling a little bit more as she went through driving to New York and finding Jonathan, but I really loved how determined she was. She didn’t revert to the habits that gave her comfort and she didn’t expect other people to fix the problem. She knew that she needed to be the one to fix it and so she did.

I had some trouble with the writing. It’s a little more spare than I tend to like, but it is well done and packs enough of a punch in the scenes where it really matters that it doesn’t overly bother me. I would have loved more description when the characters are speaking, but I’ve read enough bad writing to know that this ain’t that.

I loved this novel! The story follows Annika, who has trouble in social situations, has trouble connecting with other people. Except Jonathan. This is a story of love, heartbreak and redemption. A modern day love story that will have you hooked from the very beginning. I absolutely recommend this novel!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

This is the first book I’ve read from Tracey Garvis Graves and I was not disappointed! I will definitely be reading more from her. The story is told from the perspectives of both Annika and Jonathan in the years 1991 and 10 years later in 2001. I really loved getting to know them in the past and watching their friendship, and later their relationship develop. When they meet again in 2001, they haven’t seen or talked in 10 years and I enjoyed watching them get to know each other again.

Both characters were written beautifully. They had a lot of depth to them and I think Annika’s austism was handled beautifully.

My only issue with the book was the 9/11 plot line. Maybe I should have realized it was going to happen, but I didn’t realize until the chapter was dated September 10th. Being a New Yorker, I don’t like reading about 9/11, so I ended up just skimming the last remaining chapters. I also don’t feel like the ending was at all realistic, even though it did make me happy.

Other than that, The Girl He Used to Know was a beautifully written story which I enjoyed immensely!

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review, "The Girl He Used to Know"
by Tracey Garvis Graves. An excellent work of women's fiction! This book was so different from anything else I have ever read. I really enjoy flashbacks from the past and coming back to the present. I also like chapters from different character points of view. The only reason I am not giving this 5 stars is due to the sex scenes being awkward (in my opinion) and the ending. I would have loved to see a more upbeat ending! I really did enjoy Annika and Johnathan as characters. I am looking forward to reading more from Tracey Garvis Garves!

Having been a fan of Tracey Garvis Graves for some years, I jumped at the offer to review an early copy of The Girl He Used to Know almost a year before publication. But just to refresh my mind on the story, I listened to the audiobook and I ended up giving it another whole star rating. That rarely happens, but when a gifted narrator can bring such a moving story to life the way Fred Berman and Kathleen McInerney did, it’s only fitting. This story alternates between the past (1991) and present (2001), and it also alternates between Annika and Jonathan.

First, let’s begin with Annika in 1991. All her life she felt different from other people. She had a hard time understanding a lot of the things people would normally do. She just felt she was “weird” or “quirky.” In reality, Annika was on the autism spectrum. This is not something she will find out for another year as she was never tested as a child. This definitely made it harder for her to understand all the “social norms” and it really made her doubt herself and her ability to be out on her own at college. Her roommate and best friend was a great help to her though. She understood that Annika was not a typical girl and grew to really care for her. She also introduced her to the college’s chess club, where Annika found an activity that made college life a little easier on her. This is where she meets Jonathan.

Jonathan is a new student and a new chess club member when he meets Annika. She really makes an impression on him and before long, their friendship grows to something really loving. I wish everyone’s first loves were like Jonathan. He was caring, kind, and handsome, but that didn’t mean he was without faults. At times he would get frustrated because Annika wouldn’t act as he thought a normal person would. While that’s sucky, he was quick to hear her out and try to understand how her mind works. Before long this relationship grows to the point where they’re making plans together for after graduation, but something huge happens to Annika and it leaves her emotionally paralyzed for a long time.

Fast forward to 2001 and Annika has really flourished. She has her dream job and her autism isn’t so much a mystery anymore. Now, thanks to a therapist, life isn’t as overwhelming and she has learned different ways to cope with certain situations. Running into Jonathan at a grocery store of all places wasn’t something she was expecting. It definitely throws them both for a loop but something makes her want to reconnect with him. He’s a little more skeptical about it but goes along with it. They soon realize how much they’ve each grown and changed and it gives this second-chance romance some legs.

The ending was unexpected, but it shouldn’t have been if only I had been paying closer attention. And if you find yourself reading those last few chapters expecting the worse… I was there with you! I know some people found it rushed or unexpected but I understand that in the end, it was to show just how capable Annika was now. Tracey Garvis Graves really delivered a moving look into what it’s like to live with autism and the struggles one might have to endure. I definitely recommend this book, maybe in audiobook format even more because I really liked it that way. So go out and get a copy and see for yourself!

4.5 Stars

Ten years does little to extinguish the flame that burns between Annika Rose and Jonathan. Seeing each other for the first time after such a large space of time is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket at the first sight of winter, it's comfortable, but it also brings back the painful hurt each was left with at the end of their youthful relationship. Annika still prefers her solitude and the quiet, but Jonathan reminds her of the comfort of a companion, the trust, and the difficulties that sometimes come with dating when one doesn't understand social cues quite as well as others. She's not sure he'll want to see her again, not after the past, but she wants to see him again and this time, she's willing to do the work.

For those who haven't read On The Island, Tracey Garvis Graves' debut novel, let me tell you about how even years after reading it is unforgettable. I know the characters, I know their feelings, I think of them when people ask for specific types of stories, I think of them like old friends. Sure, she's published others since then, but that book just had that memorable quality to it. When I read the blurb for The Girl He Used to Know I felt that rush of excitement, that same feeling of butterflies before getting on a roller coaster, it was an immediate feeling of I must read this book. The blurb doesn't give much away, but the line, "She feels lost in social situations, saying the wrong thing or acting the wrong way - she just can't read people." told me this would be a unique read and I wasn't wrong. I was wrapped up in this story for several hours, I couldn't focus on anything without thinking about what I had left to discover on the pages. It was an all consuming read that left me smiling through my tears.

Annika Rose is your typical female main character, she's gorgeous, she's self sufficient, she's loved and lost, but she also struggles quite a lot with social interaction. What others call weird or avoid her for is really her high functioning autism and the tools she has learned to use to cope with her inability to understand facial expressions, social cues, and body language. When Jonathan first sees her he sees her beauty and soon after her brain and, despite the difficulties he has in just befriending her, he sets his sights on dating her. It isn't easy though, Annika is used to others "babysitting" her and is unprepared for what is required of her on date nights or even in Chess Club as she moves from occasional member to a competitive teammate. She frequently runs away to the safety of her room, is often unaware or almost too aware of the looks and comments made about her, and without a diagnosis has no tools to help her in the fast-paced college atmosphere. Tracey Garvis Graves really captured the misconception many held, and may still hold, about people with autism, I felt like I really was Annika as she battled the stigma of being dumb or slow. Tracey Garvis Graves also really highlights the uniqueness of high functioning autism, with Annika being so beautiful, but also easy prey for those who recognize she is unable to understand their intention. I am so thankful this girl has a roommate and best friend that loves her and helps her and never sees her as a burden, it's absolutely one of my favorite secondary relationships I've ever read.

The romance aspect of this story is just beautiful and so unique, the novel flashes back between 1991 while the two are in college dating and 2001, ten years later, with many more life experiences behind them. These two love so deeply, when they fall they fall hard, but college-aged Annika isn't prepared to cope with adulthood and the affects of choices and adult Annika has relied so much on her coping mechanisms that starting fresh with Jonathan sounds much better that dealing with the past. There is significant character growth in the ten year gap and while I would have loved to read it all I think we get just the right amount of highlights to understand where life took the two. Each are hardened a bit by their experiences, yet the spark between them still flickers innocently like it once did. I so loved Jonathan and his patience, understanding, and love of Annika. He puts other's expectations behind him and loves her fiercely, even when he doesn't know what to do to be there for her. I also loved how he learned to ask things of her, to explain the love, commitment, and trust he needs to make the relationship work. I think it is important to highlight that Annika doesn't know how a relationship should work, being a partner to her rather than being a caretaker is Jonathan's goal and I think the dialogue we get in this novel as they explore dating again is incredible. It felt realistic and accurate and really made me think. The two face challenges, massive challenges many of us would never dream of facing, and yet they continue to fight for themselves and for each other. My only complaint is the lack of an epilogue, while I could have read the story of these two forever I really think an ending that gives readers a reprieve from the tears would have been amazing.

Told from Annika and Jonathan's alternating perspectives, The Girl He Used to Know captures the essence of first love and the mark it leaves on you so perfectly to me. It's the story of the underdog, a romance with depth that left me in tears, it's so beautiful and yet so heart wrenching, and begging for more. Tracey Garvis Graves' The Girl He Used to Know will have a spot on my favorites shelf forever.

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.