You've Reached Sam: A Novel

i picked this up because it’s genuinely one of my favorite books of all time, and this luxe special edition felt like the right way to own it. i’m happy to say it’s just as beautiful in person as it looks online (i'd even say prettier in person, as i've given it its own special place on my bookshelf) this story handles grief in a way that feels intimate and painfully honest. it’s not overly dramatic or rushed, why would it be? even as a debut novel, dustin really seemed to know what he was doing. it really sits with the emotions. julie’s journey through loss, denial, and learning how to move forward feels authentic, and that’s what makes it hit so hard, especially if you've dealth with this type of grief before. the writing style is accessible and smooth, simplistic even, but there are moments that sneak up on you emotionally (i had to put it down more than once, admittedly) as for the luxe edition itself, the design details make it feel like a keepsake rather than just another copy on the shelf. the cover is stunning, and the overall presentation makes it gift-worthy (or something you’ll want to display instead of tuck away) (my personal choice) that said, this is a slower, character-driven story. if you’re looking for heavy plot twists or fast pacing, this may not be the right fit, and that's okay! this book won't be for everyone, but it is the right fit for me (thank you dustin thao) overall, it’s a beautifully written story about love and loss, and this special edition does it justice. if you connect with emotional ya contemporary, this one is absolutely worth owning.

This was a great book. So sad, but has so many sweet moments, so many different things to think about. The story is unique and interesting, it's unlike any book I've read before. The main characters are developed really well, so you get a sense of their personality, and how everyone fits together. The emotion in this book! I had to take so many breaks to stop and just cry for a minute. I lost 2 family members in 2021, so reading about grief and how you'll forever be without that person was definitely hard, but it was such a good book I didn't want to stop reading it. My only slight issue- it gets a little confusing at times going between past and present, and when all of the memories are running together. Other then that, I would definitely recommend this book. Not the most amazing book I've ever read, but definitely worth the read!

Best book I could’ve ever had the privilege of reading. Amazingly written, the emotional rollercoaster this book had me in. Every piece and inch of this book was just amazing. I love Sam so much, and it’s crazy how much I cherish that man. I’m in lost for words at how much I wanted this book to twist to a fantasy book where he time travels back in time and given the chance to live but this book is based on the real world, minus the extra time Julie gets with Sam. I think it’s something we all hope to get but can’t. It’s reality written in a way cuz we all hope to get the happy ending when there isn’t one we hope. Given the circumstance of the ending, and given it wasn’t a happy ending it was the close all these characters needed to move on. And moving on shouldn’t and isn’t forgetting about the person rather it’s about to continue living and and looking back at the fond memories and remembering them, even if for a few moments. I lost my brother, it’s been 16 years, and I don’t think about him often and when I do I remember all the good times I had with him, and yes there will always be pain along with that but it’s only fleeting never lasting. The good moments outweighs the bad ones. So I completely recommend this to anyone wanting to read something so raw and emotional especially inspirational book. I’m a reader who loves happy endings, I dislike when the mc’s don’t end up together but this ending couldn’t have been more perfect for both of them. Julie and Sam are soulmates and I believe In another life they got the happy ending they both planned to have. 💗💗

You’ve Reached Sam was a cute book. It was sad but heartwarming. I read it in my book club. Probably won’t read again tho.

Bestie… WHAT do you mean I’m crying over unanswered phone calls?! 😭📞 You’ve Reached Sam is heartbreak wrapped in hope. Soft love. Deep grief. All the feelings. This book hurts — but in the most beautiful way. If you love emotional romances that stay with you long after the last page, this one will own your soul. 5 stars. No notes. Just tears. 💔✨

The book came in wonderful condition, I was worried because when I opened the box it was just loose in the box with another thing I purchased but it is in great condition still! I love the feel of the book jacket and the design on the hardcover itself, the story so far is already exciting I can’t wait to finish reading (I am prepared to cry) After reading review: I just finished this book like 2 minutes ago and the story is stunning. I love the writing I love the characters I love the emotion and realness of it all! Absolutely amazing read, my partner got me When Haru Was Here and I’m so excited to read it next, very thankful that I found your stories. I can’t wait to read the rest of your works! (Very excited for Oliver’s story)

I really liked this book but I was ready for it to be really emotional and heartbreaking but I didn’t even cry once

This book broke my heart in the first 2 chapters. How dare you. But definitely a great read!!

For some reason, I love sad and tragic books, and this book definitely was tragic. I was really connected to the two main characters and I really felt like I was Julie at some points, and feeling the emotions with her. I loved the character of Sam and reading them talking on the phone together was heartbreaking. I loved the flashback scenes of their relationship, and the way that each scene tranforms into another scene. I thought it was quite unique and conveys the sense that it's a flashback, with different images constantly flashing through her mind. The ending is great but so so sad. You kind of know the ending from the beginning, it's set up so you know what will happen, and the more you read the book, and the ckoser it comes to the ending, the harder it was to read. I was definitely crying during the last few chapters of the book. There are some great messages and inspiring quotes in this book too so it's not completely depressing. Spoilers below: If I was to change anything in the book, I have two little issues: I liked the build up of Julie listening and then working on Sam's music and how she met the ex producer of Sam's favourite band. I kind of get why it ended with the email that he had forwarded the music on to the band members, but I wish there was a better outcome, like they worked on a song and released it, so Sam would have something to hold onto, and it would be good for those who lived him too, to feel close to him. Another thing, during their phone calls, Julie always asks Sam questions about where he is, why this is happening, etc, and Sam always replies with the sams vague answers and says he can't tell her that yet. The way I interpreted that was by the end of it, we'd learn more about what's going on. Where is he? Where is he going next? But we never really find out. Why does their connection fizzle out? But I'm not too bothered about it because I guess in a way, it's realistic. Nobody knows where you go or what happens to you. But it would have been nice to use the opportunity to create something there. Anyway, great read, highly recommend!!

Book came in good condition.

At first i had mixed feelings. We jumped from memory to memory. It was not easy to follow for me. But then the story Fame and i’ve loved every person in this book and i wish there was more of Mika, Oliver and Tristen!!! Ouch and the little brother.. MY HEART <\3 I just had a feeling that the ending was very fast and like the begin/middle was more slow. But this did not bother me.

Beautiful story!

I've read it in german before and I had to buy this pretty english version, too! This book made me cry so many times. It is so beautiful written. This version is so pretty and really special.