THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW by Tracey Garvis Graves
THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW by Tracey Garvis Graves
Sometimes books come to you at the right time and present you with the right characters just when you need them. I felt that way about Evvie in EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER and I equally feel that way about Annika in THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW. I think what also colored my appreciation for Annika is that I knew going into this book how much research, time, and energy Tracey Garvis Graves put into writing her character. This is a love story--not just between college lovers reconnecting ten years later, but about finding yourself, your independence, and the strength to overcome presumed insurmountable struggles.
While I connected with Annika in many ways, I think what really elevated this book for me was Jonathan's character. His unconditional love for Annika and the way he treated her reminded me so much of my husband (also aptly named Jonathan)--there have been times when I've shut myself off from the world in a bout of crippling anxiety and he knows exactly how to act, what to say (or not say), and what to do to make the situation best for me. Finding someone who accepts you for you (FULLY, 100%, no questions asked) is rare and I felt that Jonathan's character exemplified that rareness.
And don't get me started on Janice--Annika's best friend. I want to pull her from the pages and bring her into my own life. Rarely have I read a book with a best friend with unwavering devotion to another friend--and that right there separates this book from the pack.
So why not five stars? I wanted more! I felt that the ending was a bit rushed--there was A LOT to unpack in the last 50 pages--and I wish VERY MUCH that we had an epilogue to complete this story. I also wanted Annika and Jonathan to work through a little more of their past. I think this story could have easily been another 100 pages. But I appreciate it immensely for what it is and the reprieve it gave me from an otherwise very stressful week.
CW: bullying; thoughts of self harm; death of a parent; 9/11; miscarriage