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fifi9527 's review for:
You've Reached Sam
by Dustin Thao
I was so excited to start this book, but for whatever reason I had a hard time connecting with the characters and story on an emotional level. Sam and Julie’s relationship was cute, but I wasn’t fully invested in the “before” moments. I wanted to feel more connected to their journey. They’re both decent characters, and their relationship is made up of some cute moments and some sweet moments, but I didn’t think there was anything memorable about it. It just felt like a typical romantic subplot that didn't add much depth to the overall story.
I think I was more invested in the story than in Julie as a character, which is hard because this is primarily a character-driven book. I found myself yearning for more depth and development in Julie's character, as well as in her relationship with Sam. I wanted to see more growth and complexity in their interactions, something that would truly draw me in and make me emotionally invested in their journey. Without that deeper connection, their story felt somewhat lacking and didn't leave a lasting impact on me as a reader. Perhaps with some more nuanced character development and a deeper exploration of their relationship dynamics, their story could have been more engaging and resonant.
I can see why people love You’ve Reached Sam so much. It’s an interesting exploration of grief. I love the fact that we get to watch Julie process her emotions. Moving on isn’t a simple, linear journey, and Thao paints a realistic picture of loss that feels believable and genuine. Julie's journey through grief felt raw and authentic, making her a relatable and sympathetic character. Thao's writing skilfully captured the complexities of loss, showing how it can affect every aspect of one's life. The way Julie navigated her feelings and memories of Sam was both heartbreaking and cathartic, making her growth and healing throughout the story truly compelling.
I can’t pinpoint exactly why I didn't enjoy You’ve Reached Sam. There’s nothing glaringly bad about it, but nothing exceptionally noteworthy, either. Sometimes these kinds of books are the hardest to write about because they’re just fine. The characters were likeable enough, and the plot was decently paced, but there was just something missing that prevented it from truly standing out. Perhaps it was the predictability of the storyline or the lack of emotional depth in the writing. Overall, You’ve Reached Sam was a pleasant enough read, but it failed to leave a lasting impression.
I think I was more invested in the story than in Julie as a character, which is hard because this is primarily a character-driven book. I found myself yearning for more depth and development in Julie's character, as well as in her relationship with Sam. I wanted to see more growth and complexity in their interactions, something that would truly draw me in and make me emotionally invested in their journey. Without that deeper connection, their story felt somewhat lacking and didn't leave a lasting impact on me as a reader. Perhaps with some more nuanced character development and a deeper exploration of their relationship dynamics, their story could have been more engaging and resonant.
I can see why people love You’ve Reached Sam so much. It’s an interesting exploration of grief. I love the fact that we get to watch Julie process her emotions. Moving on isn’t a simple, linear journey, and Thao paints a realistic picture of loss that feels believable and genuine. Julie's journey through grief felt raw and authentic, making her a relatable and sympathetic character. Thao's writing skilfully captured the complexities of loss, showing how it can affect every aspect of one's life. The way Julie navigated her feelings and memories of Sam was both heartbreaking and cathartic, making her growth and healing throughout the story truly compelling.
I can’t pinpoint exactly why I didn't enjoy You’ve Reached Sam. There’s nothing glaringly bad about it, but nothing exceptionally noteworthy, either. Sometimes these kinds of books are the hardest to write about because they’re just fine. The characters were likeable enough, and the plot was decently paced, but there was just something missing that prevented it from truly standing out. Perhaps it was the predictability of the storyline or the lack of emotional depth in the writing. Overall, You’ve Reached Sam was a pleasant enough read, but it failed to leave a lasting impression.