**You've Reached Sam** by Dustin Thao is a poignant and emotional novel that explores themes of love, loss, and healing. The story centers on 17-year-old Julie Clarke, who is deeply in love with her boyfriend, Sam Obayashi. They have plans for a future together, filled with dreams and aspirations. However, their plans are tragically cut short when Sam dies in a car accident, leaving Julie devastated and struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief.

In the aftermath of Sam’s death, Julie is consumed by sorrow and guilt. She finds herself unable to move forward, haunted by memories and regrets. Her life seems to have lost its meaning without Sam, and she feels isolated from her friends and family, who are also dealing with their own grief.

One day, in a moment of desperation, Julie calls Sam’s phone just to hear his voicemail, seeking some form of comfort. To her shock, Sam answers. The phone call defies logic and reality, but somehow, through a mysterious and magical connection, Julie is able to speak with Sam again. These calls become a lifeline for her, providing solace and a chance to say the things she never got to say while he was alive.

As Julie continues to talk to Sam, she is faced with the challenge of balancing her need to hold on to him and the necessity of moving forward with her life. Through their conversations, she begins to confront her emotions, her guilt, and the pain of letting go. Julie learns to cherish the memories they made together while finding the strength to embrace a future without him.

"You’ve Reached Sam" is a beautifully written exploration of grief and the healing process. Thao’s narrative captures the raw, authentic emotions of losing someone you love and the difficult journey toward acceptance. The magical realism element of the phone calls adds a unique layer to the story, allowing readers to explore the depths of Julie’s love and loss in a deeply moving way. This novel is a touching reminder that while the pain of losing someone may never completely fade, it is possible to find hope and a path forward. ❤❤