The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves follows Annika (pronounced like Monica without the M), a librarian who prefers animals and books to people. It’s not that she doesn’t like people, but she’s always had trouble reading social cues and following social norms, and she finds it all to to be exhausting. The book oscillates back and forth between 1992 while she was in college, and 2001 when she lives on her own and works at a Chicago library. Annika has grown accustomed to her routine as an adult, but her life is suddenly shaken up when she runs into her college boyfriend and first and only love, Jonathan.
What I loved about this book was the purity and wholesomeness of Anika and Jonathan’s relationship. Jonathan is a genuinely good guy with a kind heart. He accepts Annika for who she is and finds her blunt honesty to be charming and refreshing. Pardon the cliche, but it’s the kind of love story that makes your heart melt. I also love that Annika works in a library and always knew that’s what she wanted to do. It’s something I can relate to as I’ve considered becoming a librarian since I was a kid, and here I am today, working in a library.
I think the story and writing could have used some more nuance. I also felt like sometimes Jonathan coddled her a little bit and kind of romanticized her naiveté. Also, I couldn’t help but ask myself – would he accept her as she is even he wasn’t attracted her physically? He does admit that her physical beauty is what drives his attraction to her. Physical attraction is important but it’s not everything, and it’s a question you can’t help but consider while reading.
Overall, The Girl He Used to Know is a moving story about two people who love each other wholly and unconditionally, despite any obstacles that come their way. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something fast and easy, and with a heartfelt romance.
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