Unwind, Read & Create: A Review of “The Girl He Used To Know” and a Simple DIY Tassel Bookmark

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding moments for self-care and personal enjoyment can feel like a luxury. For many, including myself as a working mom of seven, carving out this precious time is essential for mental well-being. My go-to escapes? Diving into a captivating book and engaging in a simple, satisfying craft. There’s something profoundly therapeutic about losing yourself in a story or creating something beautiful with your own hands.

Today, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on a recently finished novel, “The Girl He Used To Know,” by New York Times Bestselling Author Tracey Graves – a read that truly resonated with me. And, because a good book deserves a beautiful companion, I’ll also walk you through how to create an easy, charming DIY tassel bookmark that will make your reading experience even more delightful.

Deep Dive into “The Girl He Used To Know” by Tracey Graves

An Insightful Journey into Connection and Identity

“The Girl He Used To Know” isn’t just another romance novel; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, connection, and the challenges of navigating a world not always designed for everyone. Tracey Graves introduces us to Annika Rose, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to live with autism without initially understanding her condition. The narrative is set in a time when understanding and awareness of autism were significantly less prevalent, amplifying Annika’s struggles to connect and fit in with her peers. This historical context adds a powerful layer to the story, highlighting the isolation and misunderstanding faced by individuals with neurodevelopmental differences.

As Annika grapples with social cues, sensory overload, and the overwhelming desire for genuine connection, Graves masterfully paints a picture of her inner world. The author doesn’t just tell us Annika is autistic; she shows us through her unique perspective, her meticulous routines, her unwavering honesty, and her moments of vulnerability and strength. This approach is incredibly refreshing and deeply informative, offering readers a window into an experience that might otherwise remain abstract. Through Annika, we gain a more nuanced appreciation for the diverse ways people perceive and interact with the world around them, fostering empathy and greater understanding.

The Heart of the Story: Annika and Jonathan

While Annika’s personal journey is central, the relationship between Annika and Jonathan truly captivated me. In a world often saturated with idealized romance, their connection felt remarkably real and grounded. Annika, by nature, preferred solitude and was selective about who she allowed into her inner circle. Jonathan’s presence in her life challenged this preference in the most beautiful way. Their interactions were not born from a fairytale script but from organic moments of awkwardness, misunderstanding, gentle persistence, and profound understanding.

Jonathan isn’t portrayed as a flawless hero; he has his own complexities and imperfections, which only serves to make their bond more believable and relatable. He navigates Annika’s unique way of communicating and experiencing the world with a blend of patience, occasional confusion, and genuine affection. Their struggles to bridge communication gaps, to truly see and accept each other for who they are, form the emotional backbone of the novel. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way, invested in whether their unique connection could withstand external pressures and internal doubts. It’s a testament to Graves’s writing that she can craft a love story that feels both tenderly romantic and refreshingly authentic, moving beyond superficial attractions to delve into the deeper currents of mutual respect and acceptance.

Why You Should Read It

“The Girl He Used To Know” is more than just a good book; it’s an important one. It sheds light on autism in a way that is both educational and deeply humanizing, avoiding stereotypes and embracing the complexity of individual experience. Tracey Graves’s storytelling is both sensitive and compelling, drawing readers into Annika’s world with ease and compassion. The pacing is engaging, ensuring that you’ll want to keep turning the pages to discover what happens next in Annika’s life and her evolving relationship with Jonathan. If you’re looking for a novel that combines thoughtful character development, an engaging plot, and a realistic portrayal of love and understanding, then this book is an absolute must-read. It’s a quick read, but its impact lingers long after the final page.

You can find “The Girl He Used To Know” at major retailers and bookstores. It was available April 2nd, so grab your copy today and prepare to be moved!

Enhance Your Reading: Easy DIY Tassel Bookmark

What better way to celebrate a fantastic new book than by creating a personalized, charming accessory to go with it? This DIY tassel bookmark is not only incredibly easy to make but also adds a touch of handmade elegance to your reading routine. It’s a perfect craft for all skill levels and a wonderful way to express your creativity. Plus, a beautiful bookmark means you’ll never lose your place in your favorite stories!

Supplies You’ll Need:

Yarn: Choose your favorite color or a mix of complementary hues. Different textures can add character!
Cardboard: A sturdy piece, approximately 4 inches wide. This will dictate the length of your tassel.
Ruler: For precise measurements.
Pencil: To mark your cardstock.
Cardstock: A piece of thick paper for the bookmark itself.
Hole Puncher: To create the opening for your tassel.
Scissors: Sharp ones for clean cuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Craft Your Perfect Bookmark

Wrap Your Yarn: Take your chosen yarn and carefully begin wrapping it around the 4-inch wide cardboard. For a full, luscious tassel, aim for approximately 55 wraps. The more wraps, the denser and more luxurious your tassel will appear. Once you’ve reached your desired fullness, cut the yarn, leaving a small tail.
Secure the Top Loop: Cut a separate piece of yarn, about 8-10 inches long. Gently slide this piece underneath all the wrapped yarn, centering it at one end of the cardboard. Bring the two ends of this new piece of yarn together and tie a tight knot. This will form the top loop of your tassel. The tighter you tie this, the more secure your tassel will be.
Cut the Bottom Loops: Carefully slide the entire wrapped yarn bundle off the cardboard. Now, using your scissors, cut through all the yarn loops on the opposite side from where you tied the knot in step 2. This will release the individual strands, forming the fringe of your tassel.
Shape the Tassel Head: Take another piece of yarn, about 6-8 inches long. Position it about half an inch down from the top knot (from step 2), around all the loose strands of your tassel. Wrap it tightly around the entire bundle several times and then tie a secure double knot. This creates the distinct “head” of your tassel.
Trim and Refine: Trim any excess yarn from the knot you just made in step 4. Now, hold your tassel by the top loop and gently comb through the strands with your fingers to straighten them. Use your scissors to trim the ends of the tassel so they are all even, creating a neat and polished look.
Prepare Your Bookmark Base: Take your cardstock and, using your ruler and pencil, measure and cut a strip that is 2 inches wide and 7 inches long. This will be the body of your bookmark.
Punch the Hole: Use your hole puncher to create a single hole at one end of your cardstock bookmark strip. Make sure it’s centered and not too close to the edge.
Attach the Tassel: Take the top loop of your finished tassel and thread it through the hole you just punched in your cardstock bookmark. Pull the tassel through the hole and then loop the tassel head back through its own top loop, pulling gently to secure it to the bookmark. Alternatively, you can tie a simple knot to attach it.

Beyond the Pages: Creating a Reading & Crafting Haven

Both reading “The Girl He Used To Know” and crafting this adorable tassel bookmark offer more than just entertainment; they provide a valuable opportunity for relaxation and creative expression. Imagine inviting your girlfriends over for a delightful book party! You could serve some wine, discuss the thought-provoking themes of the book, and then unleash your inner crafters by making these charming DIY tassel bookmarks together. It’s a wonderful way to socialize, engage in meaningful conversation, and create something beautiful as a keepsake.

Making time for hobbies like reading and crafting is crucial for nurturing your soul and fostering a sense of calm amidst life’s demands. This simple bookmark project is a reminder that even small acts of creativity can bring immense joy and enhance everyday experiences. So go ahead, treat yourself to a new book and a fun craft – you deserve it!

More Crafts You’ll Love:

DIY Easter Bunny Basket
Quilled Heart Frame

Don’t forget to pin this idea for later so you can always find your way back to this fun project!