The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
Published by St. Martin’s Press on April 2, 2019
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Pages: 304
Format: ARC, eBook
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
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.
I am always super excited when publishers include me on reading and reviewing new releases — especially when I already know the book will be amazing! Today’s book – The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves – is exactly one of those books!
Here’s the story……… Annika and Jonathan first meet in college back in 1991 when Annika is an undergraduate. Annika is socially inept, doesn’t connect well with other people . Since it’s 1991, no one realizes she’s on the spectrum because it’s not common then. She only has one close friend and spends most of her time in solitude. During a chess game, she’s partnered up with Jonathan and he is able to see her in a different light than the others do. Eventually they begin dating and have an intense romance together.
Fast forward and we are in 2001. Annika works at her dream job at the library and lives in Chicago. While at the grocery store one day, Annika runs into Jonathan. The narrative of The Girl He Used To Know shifts between 1991 and 2001, and it alternates the point of view between Annika and Jonathan’s earlier relationship and then back to 2001 where they are trying to put the pieces back together from why they previously broke up.
Ms. Graves does an amazing job describing things – I felt like I was there, in their minds, or living right next to them. The story line itself was wonderful and heart-warming. The Girl He Used To Know was a very compelling and sensitive story about love and second chances.
Pre-order your copy ~~
Kindle // B&N // BAM // IndieBound // Kobo // Google Play // iBooks
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. She is hard at work on her next book.
Connect with Ms. Graves on social media ~~
WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // INSTAGRAM // GOODREADS
I received an advanced readers digital copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review, but I did because the book was a really good book!
It would be great if you would stay connected with me!! You can follow me on Twitter @DebiL1611, like me on Facebook at 2014 and Beyond, circle me on Google+, follow me on Tumblr, Instagram and Bloglovin’, subscribe on YouTube, or connect with me on LinkedIn and Pinterest.
Please make sure to visit my homepage and subscribe to my blog for more great posts on running, fitness and lifestyle topics as well as food, product, music and book reviews, and more!
