Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

77 reviews

pheenyreads's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was a hard one for me to face. Since I've lost someone close to me reading about grief brings up a lot of hurt, but this book might've helped me in a big way in regards to my grieving process. It's taught me not to cling on the hope that things to go back to how they were before because they wont, that person isn't coming back. However, that doesn't mean I can't live my life and be happy while making new memories and having fun because being angry at everyone and the world  may seem okay at first, but it drags you down over time and the last thing any of us need after loosing someone dear to us is to be dragged down. So I think this book is so important in the fact that it shows that it's okay to move on and that to move on doesn't mean to forget but instead it means to not let your life sit on pause forever.

Also, one thing I would like to say about this book is that it has one of the most beautifully written prologues I have ever read. The way we get a glance into some of the core moments in Sam and Julie's relationship feels as if I were watching them play by on a film strip and the way the memories fade into one another so seamlessly just makes the whole thing satisfying to read. By the end of the prologue I truly felt as if I understood there connection so much.

Overall, I would say this book is a must read but just make sure you have several boxes of tissues on standby.

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lorepanda's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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najmanasir's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Honestly, I went in thinking I'd be fine while reading, but the last two chapters before the epilogue really got me 😭 This book left me thinking about a few things, but also had me at a loss for words. While we tread carefully around the topic of grief and loss, this book had moments I resonated with in some way or just left me in thought. You understand how different people handle the loss of someone dear and it shows that coping comes in different ways. Julie of course had her flaws, but I think that's what made her character and journey to coping more real. She experiences guilt, regret, sadness, and hope like anyone else, and I empathized with her. The switch between then and her present-day throughout the book was interesting and added depth to Julie and Sam's relationship. The magic realism also added a unique way for characters to experience closure other than Julie which was comforting to read.

While the book wasn't as plot-heavy as I had hoped for, I think the story is a really good read and could resonate with anyone who has dealt with loss or struggled moving forward from one. Saying goodbye to loved ones is never easy, but the emotions, experiences, and lessons the characters go through really brought realism to the book. Sam's perspective and feelings throughout the story also made a powerful impact on how we perceive loss. Overall, I enjoyed the read as it was a touching story with beautiful moments.

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angeldevoursliterature's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Unfortunately, I wasn't really invested as I progressed throughout the story and it's not as emotional as I was expecting. Some parts were well-written, and some just fell flat. I liked how it depicted the different ways people cope and deal with grief though. I just wish some parts and characters (especially Sam) were fleshed out more. 

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mary_do_12's review

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emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

i’m embarrassed to say that i judged this book by its cover and i was wrong.
as beautiful as the cover was, the content was the most boring thing i’ve ever read.

seriously, the basic plot line had so much potential, but it was wasted. there was no tension, no suspense, nothing.
the characters felt like they had no personality, the events were predictable, and overall it felt like something i would’ve written in 4th grade.
all i can say is i’m happy to be through with it.

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kirstenf's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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kiwij96's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I had higher expectations for this book tbh. The pacing was all over the place. The "before" sections were just a sequence of memories and dreams flowing into each other and the "after" sections we just too lengthy and it just felt like Julie was being so incredibly selfish. I understand grief and how it is different for everyone but she was honestly insufferable.

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bookishlucy's review

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Julie wasn't exactly a likeable character throughout the story but the other characters and plot made up for it. I'm not sure I would've finished this book if I didn't buddy read it with someone. I didn't start enjoying the story until about 60% in. Most of my enjoyment was coming from reading it with my friend. I am glad I finished it though but Julie made it hard to enjoy the book at times lol.

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sophia_irene's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

As always take this with a grain of salt because of dissertation regency *

An extremely sentimental books where everything happens and also nothing happens at the same time— like grief in some ways. I think I personally hate Dustin Thai for doing this to Sam and for unlocking this deep fear that MY musician boyfriend who is also named Sam, will tragically die. So thanks.

3 stars because of some annoying plot holes and overall the story felt very repetitive and dragging on at certain points but also 3 stars because the ending was one of the most emotional and special moments I’ve experienced. A very surreal and yet realistic view of grief and letting go.

I didn’t cry because my Sam is currently sleeping next to me. I’ll give him a kiss when I press submit— for Julie.

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mengzhenreads's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

even though the main character was unlikeable at times, seeing her growth was really great and the ending was easily the highlight of the book. 

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