Seventeen-year-old Julie Clarke’s life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Sam Obayashi dies in a tragic car accident. Overwhelmed with grief and the struggle to move on, she frantically calls his contact on her phone, only to hear Sam’s voice on the other end. Through this mysterious phone call, Julie gets to say goodbye one last time, but the more they talk, the harder it is for Julie to let go. The novel’s pacing is well-balanced and sure to be a tearjerker as the chapters move through moments of intense emotion throughout Julie’s journey. Dustin Thao, the author of this book, vividly portrays the void left by Sam’s death and the bittersweet magic of the phone calls. The characters, particularly Julie and Sam, are relatable and well-developed, as they both demonstrate young love and the pain of unexpected loss. The way Julie handles her grief is portrayed so authentically that it’s easy to empathize with her, which is something that I loved most about how this book. Ultimately, You've Reached Sam is a great read for anyone who enjoys YA fiction similar to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It deeply resonates with those who have experienced loss and are looking for stories that relate to the complexities of grief and healing.

Review by: Hailey M.

Hailey is a volunteer at Sylmar Branch Library. She is a 10th grader at Granada Hills Charter High School.

—Dana Eklund, Sylmar Branch Library