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The Girl He Used to Know

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The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis-Graves tells the story of Annika and Jonathan, a couple who meet in college, fall in love, and then reunite ten years later. Annika is portrayed as quirky and charming, with potential autism spectrum traits that affect her social interactions. The novel alternates between two timelines, 1991 and 2001, showcasing the growth and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their relationship. The writing style is described as thoughtful, realistic, and romantic, with a focus on character development and the complexities of relationships.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Annika's struggle with autism illustrated alongside Jonathan's growth and support, making them relatable and engaging.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and emotional, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Annika and Jonathan's journey from their college romance to their reunion after a decade, navigating personal struggles and societal expectations.

Setting:

The setting transitions from a college environment in the early 1990s to the complexities of life in the early 2000s, enhancing the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively weaves between timelines and perspectives, fostering suspense and emotional engagement.
I run into him at Dominick’s, of all places. I’m poking around in the freezer case, searching for the strawberries I put in my morning smoothie, when a man’s voice somewhere off to my right says, “Ann...

Notes:

The main character, Annika, is on the autism spectrum, which influences her social interactions and relationships.
The story spans two timelines: Annika and Jonathan's college years in 1991 and their reunion in 2001 after a ten-year separation.
Annika struggles with social cues, making her character relatable and unique in contemporary romance.
The novel explores themes of second chances, personal growth, and the impact of past relationships on present lives.
Annika's best friend, Janice, is a strong supportive character who helps her navigate social situations.
The romance is described as deep and heartfelt, with moments of both joy and heartbreak for the characters.
The story includes real-life events, such as 9/11, which serve as a pivotal point in their relationship and character development.
Readers emphasize the relatability of Annika's character, especially in regard to her neurodivergence and personal struggles.
The alternating perspectives between Annika and Jonathan provide insight into both characters' thoughts and feelings, enriching the narrative.
Tracey Garvis Graves is known for her ability to create memorable characters and emotionally compelling stories.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings related to social anxiety, discussions of bullying, past trauma, and the events surrounding September 11th.

Has Romance?

Romance plays a central role in the book, characterized by deep emotional connections and evolving relationships.

From The Publisher:

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.

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.

Ratings (14)

Loved It (7)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (39):

Read It (15)
Want To Read (18)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
8 months

Very good plot. Well written

 

About the Author:

Tracey Garvis Graves is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into thirty-one languages, and is in development with MGM and Temple Hill Productions for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, Cherish, Heart-Shaped Hack, White-Hot Hack, and The Girl He Used to Know.

 
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