The GIRL HE USED TO KNOW by Tracey Garvis Graves-Humerous fiction

Annika works in the library, something she has always dreamed of doing-” to be

surrounded by books for the whole of her adult life”. By chance she bumps into someone

she used to know at university, Jonathan,  and they go out. Alternate chapters take us

through their college life ten years beforehand and the difficulties Annika faced with life

and dealing with others. I quickly grew to like Annika and her sensitivity around others,

of dealing with social situations that others take for granted, and even what to wear when

you have always been comfortable in the same things. Jonathan understands her and

appreciates her as does her friend in college Janice and they both take her under their

wing. We know something happened ten years ago which split them apart but not what.

Annika takes her confidence from those around her and has had some hard knocks-

something most of us can understand in one form or another. “Women are like tea bags

- you don’t know how strong they are until they are in hot water” (Eleanor Roosevelt).

I didn’t take much notice of the dates until it hit me big time. Oh my. I had a lump in

my throat and on the edge of tears. If there is one book to read about hope and

determination then this is it. I have my own 5** for about 10% of books read

(I read around 250 a year) for those that have that special something. This one

deserves 10**. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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