You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

3.6/5 stars

This is truly a sentimental story that was just dampened by a crappy protagonist.

The story follows Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out—move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes.

I wanted to cut Julie some slack at the beginning because grieving is tough and can affect us in various ways, but as I saw more of what she was like in the flashbacks of her and Sam together, I realized that she is just as selfish and rude in the flashbacks as she is after Sam died. It’s just kind of a shame because if it wasn’t for Julie, I’m pretty sure this would’ve been a high 4-star book.

The story, however, really has so much heart. Sam is literally the guy any girl dreams about. He is charismatic, loving, and is above all, selfless. For me, this book broke me, especially at the ending pages. I feel like this book speaks to people who have struggled with loss and letting someone go. The last chapter and the epilogue are so so touching, but I know I could’ve cared even more if Julie wasn’t so goddamn annoying.

This was such a good debut novel, and I can’t wait to read what Dustin Thao writes next.