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Book Review: The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves




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. ⁣

Jonathan and Annika are two of the most relatable characters I've ever read about. I identified so vividly with Annika and her anxiety that I felt like I learned more about myself even as I read this. She learned later in life how to react to her own anxieties and it was very comforting for me to see her journey.

This is a great love story because it is so real. They don't just meet, fall in love, have a fight⁣ and break up, only to find each other years later and rekindle their relationship. There is so much more to it than that. These characters have depth, they are complicated and messy and misunderstood.

When a random trip to the store for milk results in a reunion, Annika and Jonathan start to walk down memory lane about their relationship and from both points of view, you get an understanding of where it went wrong.

Now, 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.

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