Scan barcode
A review by vaniavela
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
You lose the love of your life and decide to dial their number one last time, hoping to record it correctly, just to hear their voice on voicemail.
But... they answer.
How is this possible?
Dustin Thao tells us the story of Sam and Julie in a charming non-chronological narrative: from the first meeting to the broken promises. Between dreams and memories, we are shown how Julie's journey to come to terms with her beloved's death after a car accident is altered when she discovers she can talk to him on the phone.
Let's start with the cover. It is simply beautiful. From the color palette, to the drawing of both, this book conveys the feeling of grief and sadness just by looking at the cover. Plus, the cherry blossoms make it even more beautiful and sad (especially because of their relevance in the story).
This book made me cry from the very first page. It should be noted, however, that this will not be the case for everyone. The narrative conveyed the emotions of the characters and made me not only part of the story, but allowed me to feel what the main characters felt. The dialogues between Sam and Julie, especially in the last chapters, devastated me.
I couldn't help but feel anger towards a lot of the characters because of their treatment of Julie. Although, I understand the need to write them into the story.
One of the elements I certainly would have liked to see more of is how the connection was possible, as it never really comes to be understood. I understand that the important thing was to show Julie's grief, but I couldn't help but be curious.
It was certainly a book that I identified with to some extent, because of personal experiences. I thank the author for writing it.
But... they answer.
How is this possible?
Dustin Thao tells us the story of Sam and Julie in a charming non-chronological narrative: from the first meeting to the broken promises. Between dreams and memories, we are shown how Julie's journey to come to terms with her beloved's death after a car accident is altered when she discovers she can talk to him on the phone.
Let's start with the cover. It is simply beautiful. From the color palette, to the drawing of both, this book conveys the feeling of grief and sadness just by looking at the cover. Plus, the cherry blossoms make it even more beautiful and sad (especially because of their relevance in the story).
This book made me cry from the very first page. It should be noted, however, that this will not be the case for everyone. The narrative conveyed the emotions of the characters and made me not only part of the story, but allowed me to feel what the main characters felt. The dialogues between Sam and Julie, especially in the last chapters, devastated me.
I couldn't help but feel anger towards a lot of the characters because of their treatment of Julie. Although, I understand the need to write them into the story.
One of the elements I certainly would have liked to see more of is how the connection was possible, as it never really comes to be understood. I understand that the important thing was to show Julie's grief, but I couldn't help but be curious.
It was certainly a book that I identified with to some extent, because of personal experiences. I thank the author for writing it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Car accident