You've Reached Sam – Dustin Thao

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao is an emotional young adult novel that explores grief, love, and the impossible hope of hearing from someone you’ve lost. You've Reached Sam is a deeply moving young adult novel by Dustin Thao that tells a story of love interrupted by loss and the fragile hope that follows. Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future carefully planned with her boyfriend Sam—leaving their small town, attending college, and spending a summer together in Japan. Everything changes when Sam suddenly dies. Overwhelmed by grief and longing to hear his voice one last time, Julie calls Sam’s cellphone just to listen to his voicemail. To her shock, Sam answers. What begins as a moment of disbelief turns into a powerful emotional connection that allows Julie to say the things she never got the chance to say. As Julie continues these impossible conversations, she must confront the reality of grief, learning how to live without the person she loved most. The novel explores the pain of unfinished goodbyes, the comfort of memory, and the courage it takes to move forward while honoring the past. Written with sensitivity and emotional depth, You've Reached Sam resonates strongly with readers who enjoy heartfelt contemporary fiction and stories centered on loss, healing, and first love. Dustin Thao delivers a touching narrative that reminds readers that love never truly disappears—it simply changes form. This book is a must-read for fans of emotional young adult novels and contemporary romance, offering a powerful exploration of grief, hope, and the strength it takes to let go.