The Girl He Used to Know in Freaks Between the Book Sheets Romance Recs

Mar 24, 2019 angela rated it it was ok

I am going to just jump right in and get to my thoughts on this book. I am conflicted. I have discussed this book with others who recently The Girl He Used to Know, and haven’t been able to resolve my feelings about this book.

On the one hand I love the writing. I could not put this book down. I read it in a couple of sittings.. I loved delving into Annika and Jonathan’s story. The moving between past and present and between their points of view really worked well. And I thought the portrayal of I am going to just jump right in and get to my thoughts on this book. I am conflicted. I have discussed this book with others who recently The Girl He Used to Know, and haven’t been able to resolve my feelings about this book.

On the one hand I love the writing. I could not put this book down. I read it in a couple of sittings.. I loved delving into Annika and Jonathan’s story. The moving between past and present and between their points of view really worked well. And I thought the portrayal of Annika and her struggle with autism was beautiful and so true to life. When it comes to Annika’s and Jonathan’s relationship and their development as characters, this book is easily a 5 star read. And I would be shouting my love of this book from the rooftops.

However, and this is a big however, the ending was very problematic for me. Though there was some foreshadowing, in my cross section of readers many did not see the ending coming. There are just some things that shouldn’t be used as a surprise ending or merely as a plot point for character development. And the ending is an example of this. Personally, I think the ending of this book cheapened the story and cheapened the beautiful story of a woman with autism. Why couldn’t this book just be about a woman and the man she once loved grappling with her struggle with autism? Secondly you cannot throw out this twist as an ending and not spend more considerable time with it it. It was wrapped up too quickly, considering the subject matter. The ending, I have to give 2 stars. I think numerous other situation could have been used as a the point of conflict and climax.

So as you see I am conflicted. Overall I will give this book three stars. The fact I am wrestling though does demonstrate that this book was well written. And I think it would be perfect for a book club discussion. I am interested to see what her other books are like. Her writing was exceptional. So will look to give her another try!

Trigger Warnings needed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

May 03, 2019 Brei rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, coming-of-age, st-martins-press, 2019-bookshelf, buddy-read

I loved this book. I don't love how some authors treat autism but I loved how Tracey handled autism.

Annika and Jonathan were a pleasure to read about. Their love story was timeless. Graves made me want to find my own Jonathan. He was so patient and understanding even in college. Annika was so strong. She took on the world and found ways to cope.

This is a beautiful story and I hope everyone picks it up. ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Jan 06, 2019 Kellisa rated it really liked it

I really loved this one. I had such high expectations after loving On the Island and I felt like this story definitely met them! But I was apprehensive almost immediately, it’s clear from page 1 that Annika is on the spectrum. I didn’t know how that aspect of her character would be handled, but I felt that Graves used a lot of care in crafting Annika. It’s impossible not to feel empathy when reading about her experiences. This almost felt more like a coming of age story than a romance, and I lov ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

May 19, 2019 Kate (kate_reads_) rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 03, 2019 Madison rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, arcs, romance

When The Girl He Used to Know came in the mail, I literally squealed in delight. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
⁣
I started this book and could not put it down. I flew through it in two days flat. The story flipped back and forth between the past and present and was also told from both Jonathan and Annika’s point of view. I really love books with multiple points of view because you get some insight into what all the main characte ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 19, 2018 Laura Yamin (What to Read Next) rated it really liked it

I received a free ARC through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. The opinions are my own.

On the Island and White Hot Hacks were some of my favorite books from this author. When I heard she was releasing a new book I knew I needed to get my hands on it. I have to admit this book did not disappoint.

This is a love story between Jonathan and Annika. This is a second chance romance as it’s told in dual timelines between 1991 when they first fell in love and then when they reconnected on 2001. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 31, 2018 Julia rated it it was amazing

A Goodreads giveaway winner! One of the best I've read this year.
Lovely love story ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 21, 2019 Sadie Longren rated it it was amazing

This book. I couldn’t have been more engrossed if I tried. ⁣
⁣
We have two individuals that meet and immediately fall in love and connect with each other. The beautiful Annika who feels lost in all social situations, and Jonathan, who is smart and terribly good looking. ⁣
The two start dating during their senior year of college, break up, and end up running into each other years later, neither completely getting over the other.
⁣
The telling of the story goes back between then and now which works sea ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Feb 02, 2019 Dawn McGill Dalrymple rated it really liked it

this is my 1st book by author but it won't be my last! This was such an easy read but def not easy subjects. It was so nice to read about someone different and not the "typical" all American girl. I was also surprised by the events and happenings toward the end of the book since there really isn't alot written about that time period (or at least romance book-wise) ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2019 mrsboomreads rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, publisher-arc, five-star-reads, books-read-in-2019

The Girl He Used To Know is a contemporary romance, as well as a tale of loss and becoming. Annika and Jonathan meet in chess club, while in college. She is a bit different from her peers. He has just changed schools for his senior year, following a scandal. What follows is the story of their romance, separation and reunification. Told in dual timelines, we see the evolution of their love story, then and now.

I loved this book. I loved the romance, the unlikely feel of the pairing, the diverse vo ...more

Like · see review

Feb 26, 2019 Lacy rated it really liked it

Ok this book was super hard for me to get into, I kept putting it down and picking it back up again. I had a love/hate relationship with Annika but I finally accepted how unique she was and so protective of Jonathan at the end. Also THE END was freaking crazy and I wanted to skip ahead to see how it ended so bad. Loved their relationship from the start and I really loved Janice too. If you love a good 2nd chance romance with unique characters than this is a good one

Like · see review