by Tracey Garvis Graves
New York Times bestselling author of On the Island, Tracey Garvis Graves, presents the compelling, hopelessly romantic novel of unconditional love.
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.
My review: 5 stars
I discovered Tracey Garvis Graves a few years ago when I picked up Heart-Shaped Hack based off the cover and description. I count HSH as one of my top favorite book of all time- I loved her writing style and found the wit and banter to be perfection and I have read and enjoyed many of her works. The Girl He Used to know is so very different from her other works, but I cannot stress enough that the author does character development SO WELL no matter the premise! As I have gotten older, I have come to the realization that I am definitely not neurotypical myself and when I read characters like Annika in this book and Stella in The Kiss Quotient, I feel such a connection..... like reading about the feelings I sometimes have about social situations. It's like oh, someone else feels like this too! Such an epiphany. I simply adored this book- I felt the flashbacks lent so much to the story and seeing it all unfold the way it did was just perfect. Just 25% into 2019, and I'm already adding it to my Best of 2019!
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