55 pages 1 hour read

Dustin Thao

You've Reached Sam

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao, high school senior Julie Clarke struggles to cope with the sudden death of her boyfriend, Sam Obayashi, in a car accident. Isolating herself in her grief, Julie unexpectedly reconnects with Sam through magical phone calls that allow them to communicate from beyond the grave, giving them both a chance to say goodbye and find closure. The novel incorporates themes of loss, grief, and healing.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao is a heartfelt novel exploring grief, love, and letting go. Readers praise its emotional depth and relatable characters, though some feel the pacing drags and certain plot elements stretch believability. Overall, it’s a touching story with poignant moments that resonate, despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read You've Reached Sam?

Fans of emotional, heart-wrenching YA novels like If I Stay by Gayle Forman or They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera will deeply resonate with You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao. Ideal for readers who appreciate poignant love stories intertwined with themes of loss, healing, and the supernatural.

RecommendedReading Age

13-18years

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Magical Realism

Drama / Tragedy

Topics

Grief / Death

Religion / Spirituality

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Emotions/Behavior: Fear