Reviews with content warning for Car accident - You've Reached Sam

I heard it was a highly recommended romance and read blindly. I'm not usually a crier but, my goodness, I didn't last past chapter 2. It's a solid four star read. But I'd like to keep this review spoiler-free as possible. So, vaguely, I'll admit that the ending left me with more questions than I would like. It's a beautiful novel of second chances, honoring the memory of a loved one, and moving forward.

Content Warnings

rhiannon_burden's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I could have easily given this 5 stars but opted for 4.5 because some parts I found unmemorable overall. However this book made me cry multiple times I am well acquainted with death and it took me back at some points to the throws of grief and the end made me ball my eyes out because I don't know what I would give to hear those kind of words from the people I have lost in my life. I love books that make me cry because they make me feel something (something that is briefly touched upon in the book and was therefore also very relatable) but it was overall in a way very cathartic for me.

Content Warnings

lorepanda's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Content Warnings

valpacheco's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I decided to read “You’ve Reached Sam” as it was available online on my Libby app and I had previously heard online reviews it was a good romance. Generally, I think that the romance aspect of the book was done well. There were so many great romantic gestures from Sam that were definitely novel-worthy; my favorite was of course him giving his number to Julie in the origami cherry blossom. Besides that the concept of Julie and Sam having an opportunity to have a fleshed out goodbye process was interesting and a unique take on grief. I found that their last phone call was especially beautiful and touching, and a good way to end the book. My favorite subplot had to be Oliver admitting his feelings for Sam had been more than platonic and it generally being a non-chalant confession where we later get a nice development of a budding romance with another character, Jay. I thought that it was really well handled and super cute.

Onto what I thought could have worked better was the general pacing of the book and my investment in Julie as a main character. Because Julie is grieving for about the entirety of the book, I find it hard to get to know her and care about her grief as an individual person. I feel like I learned about who she is with Sam, but not who she is by herself and exactly why I want her to move on. I wish we had learned more about her life before Sam, particularly her family life which is glossed over quite a bit. Secondly, the book’s pacing seemed off as emotions could escalate and de-escalate on a certain issue quickly. For example, Julie instantly regretting what she said to Mika but then not taking action until MUCH later in the book. I felt those kinds of things tended to drag on. Lastly, I also found the antagonists of the book, Sam’s former friends, to be a bit one-dimensional to the point where I rolled my eyes.

I think I also read this is a debut book, so I definitely think this author has potential and I would be willing to pick up another book by them.

Content Warnings

najmanasir's review

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

angeldevoursliterature's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

tuvqnn's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring sad slow-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

4.5

Content Warnings

More...