The Girl He Used to Know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.5 wonderful stars!!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Girl He Used to Know - I’ve read and loved previous novels by Garvis-Graves (On the Island & Covet) and both dealt with the situations of love in somewhat taboo situations (tutor student, extramarital) so the story of Annika and Jonathan taking a totally different turn really surprised me and I absolutely love how this novel played out. Annika is a girl who is stunningly beautiful, but her autism has her lacking confidence when it comes to relationships. When she meets Jonathan at a chess match, they fall in love and her walls begin to come down a bit. The story takes place in two different timelines and the reader is aware something happened between the then and now to push them apart.

This book has such strong characters who are well developed and feel real as well as plot lines that will stay with you for quite some time (they will with me for sure)! I don’t want to spoil anything but I can say this book is a masterpiece and an absolute must read. Tracey Garvis-Graves has outdone herself here and I was thrilled to be an early reader of this beautiful book.