You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao (Paperback)

Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future carefully planned: move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, and spend a summer in Japan. But her life is shattered when Sam unexpectedly dies, leaving her heartbroken and uncertain about how to move forward.

Consumed by grief and longing, Julie finds herself compelled to call Sam’s phone one last time, hoping to hear his voice. To her astonishment, Sam answers. What follows is an extraordinary and emotional journey, blending the realities of first love and loss with a touch of magic that forces Julie to confront her feelings and the choices she must make.

You’ve Reached Sam explores the fragile moments that define young love, the impact of sudden loss, and the courage required to accept when it’s time to let go. As Julie navigates her grief, she is faced with impossible questions: what would you do if given a second chance to say goodbye? How do you balance holding on with moving forward?

Dustin Thao’s story captures the intensity of adolescent emotion, crafting a poignant tale that resonates with anyone who has loved and lost. Heartfelt, captivating, and moving, this novel is both a celebration of love and a meditation on the inevitability of change.