The Girl He Used To Know #ReadTheGirl

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and She Speaks for sending me an advanced copy of The Girl He Used to Know by New York Times Bestselling Author, Tracey Garvis Graves. The book hits shelves on April 2, so be sure to grab your copy this coming week! All thoughts and impressions about the book are my own.

It’s not everyday that I story takes me completely off guard. I was happily enjoying The Girl He Used to Know when – BAM – the story line hit me in the gut. It was so powerful and emotional that I had to stop my reading and talk to my husband about it. But I promise – there will be no spoilers in this post! You’ve GOT to read it to understand what I’m talking about here.

About The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

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 Thoughts About The Girl He Used to Know

I was instantly intrigued by the main characters, Annika and Jonathan. The story starts off in 2001 (“present day”), with Annika and Jonathan running into each other after 10 years. As the book progresses, we jump back and forth between 2001 and 1991, when Annika and Jonathan met and dated in college. We know from the beginning that their relationship didn’t last past college, but we have no idea why.

I loved seeing the love story unfold between Annika and Jonathan. Annika is an unusual personality (and she knows it!) but Jonathan’s is a pure and unconditional love. One of my favorite parts of the story was seeing how that unconditional love, friendship, and acceptance transformed Annika and helped her reach her personal goals.

It was interesting to read about the effect that Annika and Jonathan had on each other’s lives and futures and wonder about the impact my college roommates, friends and boyfriends had on my own future. And in the same breath, it’s interesting to consider the impact that I have had on the people that have come in and out of my own life through the years.

The Girl He Used to Know Book Club and Discussion Guide

It’s been several years since I was in a book club. I sure miss those days! The discussion guide for The Girl He Used to Know are fabulous for starting a Book Club discussion. Even without the discussion questions, this book left me WANTING to discuss things with someone (hence why I had to tell my husband all about it when I got to the end!). This is a book you’ll want to talk about! Don’t forget that the book is available on April 2! Grab your copy ASAP!