Sandy M’s review of The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis-Graves
Contemporary Romance published by St Martin’s Press 2 Apr 19
When I receive early copies of books to review, I always try to wait to begin reading so I can post my review as close to the publication date as possible. In the case of Tracey Garvis-Graves books, that idea always goes by the wayside. She has become a favorite of mine over the last several years, and I can no longer wait to read her when I finally have her newest book in hand. At least there’s more happiness for me down the road, because I get to read it all again when it’s time to write my review.
I love every character in this book. Annika is my first choice. She’s a vulnerable, in so many more ways than one, and engagingly delightful heroine who has a difficult time navigating everyday life due to the fact she doesn’t catch social clues in any form and takes more time than average to follow a conversation and figure out what’s being said to interact with strangers. We meet up with her in college and the only person, other than her parents, who is a friend to her is her roommate, Janice. It’s through Janice Annika discovers the university’s chess club. Chess is one of those things, along with reading and caring for animals, where Annika can block anything and everything out, be calm and focused, and enjoy herself as she plays.
It’s there she meets Jonathan. His first night with the club, he’s partnered with Annika and he’s charmed by her on all levels. Her quirkiness doesn’t bother him one bit and he wants to get to know her. After he breaks through her initial barriers – and Annika is assured by Janice she believes Jonathan is a good guy – they begin a young and happy relationship. It’s through both Janice and Jonathan that Annika learns so much to help her get through meeting new people and going new places more than she ever has before. Before, the old Annika wouldn’t even have tried.
Now, in between these looks back to the early ’90s, we see how Annika and Jonathan meet again after ten years apart. The story effortlessly moves back and forth between their college years and the present – their beginning, their tragedy, and hopefully their current life together. In that intervening time, Annika has grown a lot, more confident in meeting people, in her work (she’s a librarian, her dream job), and just life in general. She still gets discombulated here and there, but with the help of her therapist, she does quite well. It’s Annika who follows her reunion with Jonathan with a phone call to get together again. Little does she know his answer could have gone either way – he’s still hurt after all this time with the way their relationship ended – but there’s still that pull toward the woman he can’t ignore.
Ms. Gravis-Graves has written a wonderfully poignant and moving story, placing a highly functioning autistic woman front and center. You will love her from the moment you meet her. She’s a breath of fresh air, out of the norm from the majority of romance heroines, and you have to keep reading to see where and how she blossoms. You will also love Jonathan for his ability to see beyond her issues and his capacity to love and protect when the world Annika comes into contact with is mean and cruel.
I have to say when I saw the date Chapter 34 begins with, I nearly came to tears before I went any further. I didn’t think the story could get any more emotional than it already had by that point, but I was proven totally wrong over the next ten or so chapters. Annika’s faith in Jonathan is complete and I had to believe a happily ever after was coming, whether it truly was or not.
I highly, highly recommend this book. I know you will enjoy every page of Annika’s and Jonathan’s story.
Grade: A+
Summary:
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.
No excerpt available.
