Annika Rose is an unusual young woman by most standards. Though she’s beautiful, smart and kind, her social awkwardness and struggles keep others at a distance, some even resorting to cruel and rude responses. When she begins college at the University of Illinois, it gets even worse until her roommate befriends her and she joins the chess club. There she meets Jonathan Hoffman, also a chess lover, who sees Annika’s inner beauty and loves the innocence and authenticity behind that social awkwardness. He becomes instrumental in changing the course of her life.
The story is told from both Annika’s and Jonathan’s points of view but the primary voice is hers, transitioning between the years 1991 and 2001. It doesn’t take long to suspect that she may be on the autism spectrum but rather high functioning. Whatever opinions you may have of the people you’ve encountered with this disorder, you’ll leave more enlightened after reading this story. I found Annika’s inner discourse fascinating, how the things I react to instinctively were massively hard for her to navigate. Her eventual coping mechanisms were even more exhausting and I came to admire her for her willingness to try no matter the outcome.
Annika and Jonathan’s relationship truly captured my heart. While he wasn’t perfect, Jonathan’s appreciation of her qualities endeared him in my eyes. I didn’t find him unrealistic as his life experiences led him to be open to someone like Annika. Theirs was an equal combination of heartwarming and heartbreaking situations, especially when one sparks a ten year separation. The dramatic and pivotal event that transforms Annika from her sometimes crippling dependencies was one I should have seen coming but didn’t. Her reaction might have stretched credulity but it just more strongly emphasized her emergence from her own fears, giving to the relationship in equal measure to what she received. It’s a beautiful story that taught me something important that I’ll never, ever forget. I have a newfound respect for those with this disorder and that makes this book significant.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 2, 2019
- Page Numbers: 273
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
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(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
Lovely review.
Thank you, Jules 💕
It sounds like an uplifting but at times heartbreaking read. One for the list!
That’s exactly what it was, Alexandra. More importantly, I learned something important and gained insight I didn’t have before reading this story. That’s rare for me in fiction.
Oh, I like that too, and I like the idea that this was exploring aspects of autism as well.
I have this one and am looking forward to reading it. It sounds like quite an emotional one. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
Thank you, Marialyce! I hope you get as much out of this story as I did.
Lovely review, Jonetta! Seems like the author has clearly brought out the struggles the protagonist faces and has also portrayed her as a strong character.
Thank you, Debjani! She definitely created a complex character.
Wonderful review!
Thanks, Yvo!
This sounds like a beautiful and sweet story, Jonetta. Definitely adding it. 😊 Excellent review!
Thank you, Mischenko! It was a beautiful story in its way.
Great review, Jonetta! Not one on our list! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, Brenda! I think you may have really enjoyed this one.
Fantastic review, Jonetta! This book captured my heart too! I absolutely loved every bit, especially the author’s sensitivity towards her characters. ♥️
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I inhaled this book.
Wonderful review, Jonetta! Looking forward to this one!
Thank you, Julie!
This is a beautiful review. I’ve seen the cover floating around but never checked in on it. Sounds like I’d be missing out!
Thank you, Christopher! I got hooked on this author a few years ago after reading On the Island and she became an auto read. This book is nothing short of special.
Great review. Sounds like a sweet story.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Thanks, Melanie!