A review by faeriefox
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.5

Would round up to 5⭐

I loved this book so much. It's the first contemporary romance I've picked up, and I don't regret it. It was completely heartbreaking, but also beautiful.

I loved Sam as a character so much, and Julie's journey to find peace (as well as his) was really touching. Though not the main focus of the novel, I especially loved Julie's friendships with other characters, especially Oliver.
I loved seeing them bond over a heartbreak they both shared and how they made each other stronger because of it.

I also got really choked up and teary at the end when Sam and Julie said goodbye, and then at Sam's voicemail.


Dustin Thao seems to really speak from the heart and understand emotion, and, like Julie, I love a story that can make me cry.

The only issues I found with this book were the numerous typos and grammar mistakes, which I found very distracting. The prose was also a bit young-sounding for a YA novel, but not to the point where it was distracting. 

The cover art is also simply gorgeous.

All in all I look forward to Thao's next book coming out!
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