New York Times bestselling author of On the Island, Tracey Garvis Graves, presents the compelling, hopelessly romantic novel of unconditional love.Annika 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.… 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.
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Loved the characters!
I’m a sucker for a good love story, and THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW is refreshingly different. Annika (rhymes with Monica) is an unforgettable heroine–her personal journey through autism and anxiety heartbreaking at times, but also uplifting. I was cheering her on through the last fifty pages, when she does something extraordinarily heroic. And Jonathan is a sweet soul. This is a book to savor, recommend, and share.
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.
From page one, this enchanting story resonates with gentle humor and lush detail. I adored this book. Highly recommended!
Tracey Garvis-Graves has written a beautiful novel that goes far beyond the classic boy meets girl. Annika is a unique character who will stay with you long after the last page and the ending will have you cheering and reaching for a box of tissues at the same time. A true love story for the ages.
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!
So I have mixed feelings on this book I had a lot of trouble connecting to Annika. She was very stand offish. the more the book progresses the more she opens up and the more she became relatable.
The book takes you from past to present. It was well written and the story flowed.
As the story progresses and you get to know the characters more it’s easier to like her. I wasn’t paying attention to the dates and when it gets closer and closer to the end of the book I was literally at the edge of my seat. The more I got into the book the more I liked it.
It took her 10 years to work on herself and learn how to deal with life so she could learn to love again. Not just Jonathan but herself.
She works on herself and learns to be independent and more out going. It’s a great book and worth reading!
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
“I wonder if she remembers how it felt to be in love with me? I haven’t forgotten how it felt to be in love with her.”
It’s been a very long 6 years since I’ve read a paperback and let me tell ya, reading this one was really neat but challenging because I normally highlight on my kindle in different colors to denote certain things for my review. I had to improvise. I actually highlighted in my book (like a monster!!!) and put sticky tabs to denote key parts for me to reference back to. I know, #BloggerProblems aren’t real….hahaha!!
For my first book by TGG, I can easily and readily admit that I want to read more. I loved the ease of her cadence and the way she told this one. Annika was a special one and I really loved who she was, so the way she was written and the way it came across was perfectly punctuated. Her personality, her character as a whole, was such a breath of fresh air – I am so thankful for her story. This was a great introduction to Tracey’s voice and style, but also her mind and the way she was able to convey not only the world revolving around Annika and Jonathan, but the bubble of discovery in which Annika constantly lived in.
This almost read as women’s fiction/chick lit with a heavy romance persuasion. Why do I say that? I felt like this was truly Annika’s story and her growth as a young woman, and I hung on every word as I read it. Her outlook was innocent and she made me giggle throughout, but it’s also her innocence that made this book as wonderful as it was. There’s beauty in sexiness – I’ve read it, but this one had beauty in the innocence being explored. With Jonathan, I saw his frustrations with certain….predicaments, yet he knew to rationalize and justify with an understanding mind. I think that showed a great strength for him, as well. Their bond was amazing and the level of intimacy they had was pure softness around my heart. Jonathan knew her and understood her, which made their connection that much stronger. When the world works just a little bit differently for someone, not many stop and think outside of their own realm of possibilities and bringing into light Annika’s world, it was an amazing read. The way she thought. The way she rationalized. The way she coped. It really was a smooth read. I really, really enjoyed it.
“How were you able to fall in love with someone who acts the way I do?”
“It was easier than you think.”
I know I keep mentioning it, but I wish I could explain coherently the level of innocence this one had. The innocence alone was sweet, but the exploration and the love and adoration that was shown in this book really hit home and made my heart smile. That exploration was new for me seeing it through a new set of eyes and it was definitely worthy. I try really hard to choose books that I know I will love. Some I choose just to test myself and some just aren’t winners and I genuinely hate when that happens….but this one worked for me. It worked well. I cannot say that enough. It spotlighted not only a new ‘world’ for me, but a new type of Hero that truly was what amazing and sweet men are made of. What a great first book by Tracey Garvis-Graves. There was a certain maturity to her writing, her words, that just made this an all out win for me. I am still smiling and can and will highly recommend this book.
“I might not always understand what people are saying, but I know when they’ve been kind.”
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 star read for me was because as amazing as it was….it just stopped. I was hoping for a little bit more at the end. It was a great and fitting ending, I just wanted more from it. I fell in love with Jonathan and Annika and their second chance, and as life went on, I wanted to see their “beyond”. But SO SO good. So good.
“I truly believe there will always be people in your life who will help you. Who will love you just the way you are.”
~BEE
Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/2I8gkN0
Giveaway on my blog review: http://bit.ly/2TQrgAZ
What a moving, emotional, and beautiful story! I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting when I began this book but I promise you, it was far more than anything I could have dreamed.
Ten years ago Annika was finally finding a way to live her life as normally as possible. It wasn’t perfect by everyone else’s standards, but with the help of her roommate she began to acclimate to a world she was unprepared for. Having been the subject of bullying and emotional taunts, even from those she thought she could trust, she finds it difficult to rely on her own impressions of the people around her. Namely, Jonathan who has insinuated himself first into her chess club and now into her life.
Jonathan was everything sweet and kind, patient and loving and exactly what Annika needed. He fights with a gentle ferocity to get through to her and is rewarded with her heart. But when the unthinkable happens and Annika falls into a dark place, he is left with his own broken dreams.
This story was so incredibly moving. So much so that I can’t find the words to adequately describe it. The author takes us through this couple’s first meeting to their reunion years later with all the angst and heartache along the way. I smiled, I winced, I laughed and I cried over the journey Annika had to survive. There wasn’t a single page that I didn’t feel some type of emotion.
This story is just layer upon layer of emotions. From Annika’s struggles to fit in, to accepting Jonathan into her life, to this ending that was so very shocking and gut clinching, I was a mixed ball of anxiety. I don’t want to give anything away because getting to know these characters is all part of the experience but watching this heroine evolve is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve read in a very long time.
While I absolutely loved this book, I was very disappointed at its abrupt ending. It looks and feels like a happy ever after even while it doesn’t. I desperately needed an epilogue. I need to know that everything really is alright. For the hard fist that landed in my chest at the conclusion, I have to deduct a star. Perhaps if the author releases a bonus chapter/epilogue I may revise it, but until then I will be unhappy with the ending of a story that was wonderful until that point.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars. This book was kind of an odd read for me. I liked parts of it, and it is not a bad book, but there were parts I could not connect to. The Girl He Used to Know is a second chance love story between Jonathan and Annika. The two of them met in college but a traumatic experience caused them to emotionally drift apart and they broke up. Now, nine years later, they run into each other and strike up a friendship which leads to a romance again.
I found this to be in an interesting book. The story is good and I liked the characters. But this book deals with some heavy subjects. It is not a light book. Annika has autism, though it is not called autism until late in the book. It is obvious that she is very different. I think Ms. Graves showed living with autism very realistically. I liked Annika, but I found it very hard to connect with her character and her being in a romance. She was child-like in some ways, which made it hard to see how she could be in an adult relationship, with sex and all. Being in her head was probably very realistic, but I could not identify with her at all. She is very ‘in her head’ with little emotion and little happiness. I liked Jonathan, but did not really understand how he could fall in love with Annika the way she was. I did not truly feel the love between them. But I was still able to enjoy the story. I did find that the event near the ending of the book came out of left field. I didn’t think that event matched with the rest of the book and was unnecessary drama. I also found the overall tone of the book as a little depressing and the story a little on the slow side.
Overall, though, I mostly enjoyed this book even if I didn’t 100% love it. I was a little disappointed because it is nowhere near on the level of Heart Shaped Hack, which I loved. Still, this is not a bad book. It is worth reading. I will continue to read Ms. Graves books and look forward to more from her in the future.
This is a love story – but it’s unlike any love story that I’ve ever read. It’s about love and forgiveness and second chances and most importantly, it’s about a girl who is socially awkward and trying to find her place in the world.
The story is told in two timelines. In the first, Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. She is anxious in social situations and college is very difficult for her because she finds most people confusing. She prefers her life of books, animals and her joy in playing chess. She meets Jonathan at chess club and he is entranced by her quirky ways. They fall in love and make plans for the future until life pulls them apart and they go their own ways and he move to NYC to pursue his career. The second time line is 10 years later when Annika and Jonathan run into each other in a store. She still lives in Chicago and works in a library and he is visiting Chicago on business. The feeling between them is still strong and they have to decide whether they want to try again and risk the pain that they had before or take a chance and maybe find true love that will overcome their obstacles.
This characters in this book are well written but Annika is the character that I’ll remember the most. Her best friend Janice helped her with social cues and ways to handle life but for someone on the autism spectrum like Annika was, life is full of confusion and difficult social interaction. The character is so well written that I found myself wanting to help her out and being upset when she was. She is aware of the fact that she is different “Most people can draw these conclusions instantaneously, without any extra analysis at all. How amazing but also heartbreaking, because I’ll never be one of them.” Annika is a character that I won’t soon forget – despite her differences she is a brave and loving person. This is an uplifting and beautiful novel and one of my favorite books of the year so far.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
“You’re like the ketchup in my life,” I’d told Jonathan one night on the phone, and he laughed.
“I don’t know what that means, exactly, but if it makes you happy, I’m honored to be your condiment.”
This book. All the feels. All the tears. Such a beautiful story about first love, heartbreak, and coping with life. But for someone who is different in society’s eyes, that life can be a constant struggle and this was such an eye opener for those who don’t know what they go through.
This book hit close to home for me. I have a niece that is autistic with anxiety, and although she’s high functioning, she has her struggles. And to read about how others treated Annika and how her mother raised her, I completely understand because we go through the same thing. So thank you for putting this story out into the world. For opening society’s eyes to those that don’t see life the way that many of us do.
And Jonathan. What a strong, patient, beautiful character he is. His compassion and love for Annika was heartwarming.
Thank you, Tracey Garvis Graves, for your beautiful words and for sharing them with us.
I gave this book 4 stars and wished I could give it one more. I feel the hype that I’ve seen on social media may have played a big factor in the reason I couldn’t find that one last star.
I loved the characters even though I had a tough time connecting with Annika. I had a nagging feeling the whole time while reading that I knew what was going on with her and when I found out I had the whole “I knew it!” moment.
The second chance that Annika and Jonathan got was surprising and full of hope. I was really rooting for them.
There were a few twist in the book that I was able to predict which also factored into only 4 stars. I like not being able to predict what is going to happen, and that was not the case with this book.
The surprise twist at the end would not have been a surprise if I had been paying attention to the dates at the top of the chapters but that detail I failed to see, leaving me surprised.
I feel like the ending was a bit lackluster. I wanted more from the ending and it fell short for me. Don’t get me wrong I love that they got their HEA but i feel like I was missing something. It was rushed a bit for my liking.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Natasha is a Book Junkie for the opportunity to read this book!
I loved this book and devoured it it one sitting. The author does a fantastic job building toward a suspenseful finish you won’t see coming–I didn’t see coming–and it had me on the edge of my seat the last few chapters. This is a love story between unconventional characters, though there is nothing more lovely than the beauty and depth of their connection. You will root for Jonathan and Annika as I did and close the book wanting way more of them. Highly recommend! Brava Tracey Garcia Graves.
Wow! A wonderful book about an unlikely love interest that I truly enjoyed. Will be looking for more books from this author
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Girl He Used to Know in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’m not sure any review I give this book will do it fair justice. This book far more than a 5 star book for me, and will definitely be one of the best I read this year (and it’s only January), if not of all time. There is something in Tracey Graves writing that will just make you fall in love with Annika and Jonathan.
Annika is slightly on the spectrum, and Tracy Graves delicate portrayal will leave the readers with a better understanding of what it really is like to live with Autism. Jonathan is the man who has stolen her heart and falls deeply in love with her as he seeks to rebuild his own life. What follows is their story which follows a dual timeline their time in college and then 10 years later in Chicago.
This book will pull at every emotion you have – you will laugh, cry, and root for the characters as you live right along with them. There are twists and turns which readers will not see coming – which are so eloquently written. I was left wanting so much more as I didn’t want their story to end.
I cannot recommend this book enough to all my reader friends out there!
5* Forever Stars
The story begins with Jonathan and Annika running into each other at the grocery store 10 years after they parted ways. Their connection is still strong and alive. The story alternates between the present and the past and this enable the reader to get the back-story of how they met and how their relationship ended. You also get a good insight into who the two characters are and how likeable and realistic they are. I did have a few laugh out moments with Annika’s very honest ways and thoughts. I loved her from the beginning and I think everyone would love to have a Jonathan in their lives too. He was such a gentle soul with so much compassion and patience.
I love anything Tracey Garvis Graves writes and you know that you will be sucked into the story and have all the feels one can experience.
The love story of Jonathan and Annika was heartfelt and will stay close to your heart long after the book is read. I absolutely loved it!
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.
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.
PLEASE DON’T READ IT IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED!!! I’m pretty sure I’m not spoiling anything BUT some people are weird!
Jonathan and Annika met over a decade ago at College.
Now it’s 2001 and they haven’t seen each other for 10 years.
But both are now living in Chicago for work.
Something ended their relationship back then – we don’t yet know exactly what. We just know they belong together and we hope that now is the right time for their second chance.
But of course it’s not going to be easy. Jonathan just got divorced 18 months ago and Annika is still her complicated, socially awkward self. Jonathan was always the only one person she felt safe and comfortable and happy with. But whatever happened ten years ago is still very much between them….
What will happen to Annika & Jonathan?
Will there finally be a Happily Ever After?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
Ugh!
Too bad that I had a paperback ARC of this book, not the kindle version. Tears are much more easily wiped from a screen. And also???? How did people in olden – paperbook – ages highlight something in a book???? I guess you can use post-it stickers? But I don’t wanna hurt the book! I took a pic of the quotes with my phone!
I just adored this book. Annika and Jonathan are so perfect for each other.
Annika is such an amazing person. She has all of those problems – and with her mega social awkwardness – Jonathan just gets her. He knows exactly what to do and say and it’s so adorable to watch those two.
The book is told in both POVs and we go back and forth in time. They met in 1991 at college and the present time is August 2001. And that makes me really nervous, because even though we’re in Chicago, I just know that someone will be in NYC in September – I was a bit scared all through the book.
The whole book was basically a huge cry-fest for me. I started reading and nothing bad happens … and still I cried. It was all so beautifully sad. Poor Annika with her challenges. She doesn’t like noise, smells, lots of people in one place and so much more. She’s happiest with her books or playing chess.
But she’s in college now and she needs to live a little – says her room mate!
And then she meets Jonathan at chess club.
And he’s instantly attracted to the pretty girl – but of course he didn’t know that being with her would be quite the challenge – but also so very worth it!
AMAZING BOOK!
I don’t want to say any more, I could keep on writing for hours – all you need to know is that it’s a beautiful book with beautifully written characters and moments and feelings and problems and … it’s not your typical New Adult & Second Chance romance. I absolutely adored everything about this book. Welllll – maybe I would’ve loved to have an epilogue – but I can make one up in my head!
PLEASE HOLLYWOOD!!! Come and make something out of this book. A Netflix show or something! I NEED TO SEE Annika & Jonathan!
THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW was the most beautiful love story! First love and second chances and ALL THE FEELS!
READ IT!