The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves | Expected publication: April 2nd 2019 by St. Martin’s Press  |  304 Pages | Goodreads

✅ PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION

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.

✅ REVIEW

This is a romantic story about second chances. It is also a story about reconnecting, growing, and hope.

One of the main characters is in the spectrum, and we get to hear the story from her point of view. The novel explores the challenges of living with the condition, and the difficulties many still face from society.

The story is narrated from different points of view and in dual timelines (1991 and 2001).  I enjoyed it and recommend it to readers of romantic and contemporary fiction.

Received ARC from the publisher

✅ BOOK SOURCE AND FORMAT

ARC, paper book