You've Reached Sam: A Novel Hardcover – November 9, 2021

My daughter requested this book so I read it first. It was beautiful and sad. It's a grief journey of learning to accept losing someone very close to you and moving on with life without forgetting them and what they meant to you.

The idea behind this story was very different from anything I have ever read and due to this, I definitely think it’s worth the read. After reading the general synopsis I was ready to shed a lot of tears, but that moment didn’t come for me and it had a lot to do with the execution of story. I felt, for what the story was about, it lacked emotion. I was wanting more depth from the characters; more explanation and more details. So badly I wished for Sam to say more than “I don’t know” when responding to Julie’s questions. “What do you see?” She asked. “An endless sky.” He replied. Give me more Sam… Is it cold, is it dark, are you still wearing the clothes you died in, are there stars in the sky, can you see a moon, what are hearing, is it silent, are you alone, what are you doing while you’re waiting on Julie to call? Sam’s side of the story was under developed. I wanted more from him. I wanted more from Julie too and because the story didn’t give these things I felt it stopped me from really feeling something. And let me tell you, I was so in the mood to have a good cry over this book. I must also mention how badly I was waiting for the “You’ve reached Sam” line to make it into the story, and to my disappointment, it did not and I was very let down at this. In the end, I did like the book and I would recommend it, but I just wanted more detail.

This book will make you cry and make you kick your feet and then make you cry again. Prepare the tissues and get ready to go down beautiful memory lane with the main character. “What would you do with a second chance?”

It’s a good piece of writing but I was expecting a whole cry after. However I didn’t sob a bit…to me I really was confused about how exactly the call worked. And since Julie got to call Sam whenever she wants, shouldn’t she feel grateful…? The romantic parts aren’t that emotional and I dunno if it’s just me but it feels too perfect all the way through…I just felt like getting scammed about how the whole thing worked, because that’s what I was reading for the entire time…

The book came in wonderful condition, I was worried because when I opened the box it was just loose in the box with another thing I purchased but it is in great condition still! I love the feel of the book jacket and the design on the hardcover itself, the story so far is already exciting I can’t wait to finish reading (I am prepared to cry)After reading review: I just finished this book like 2 minutes ago and the story is stunning. I love the writing I love the characters I love the emotion and realness of it all! Absolutely amazing read, my partner got me When Haru Was Here and I’m so excited to read it next, very thankful that I found your stories. I can’t wait to read the rest of your works! (Very excited for Oliver’s story)

Best book I could’ve ever had the privilege of reading. Amazingly written, the emotional rollercoaster this book had me in. Every piece and inch of this book was just amazing. I love Sam so much, and it’s crazy how much I cherish that man. I’m in lost for words at how much I wanted this book to twist to a fantasy book where he time travels back in time and given the chance to live but this book is based on the real world, minus the extra time Julie gets with Sam. I think it’s something we all hope to get but can’t. It’s reality written in a way cuz we all hope to get the happy ending when there isn’t one we hope. Given the circumstance of the ending, and given it wasn’t a happy ending it was the close all these characters needed to move on. And moving on shouldn’t and isn’t forgetting about the person rather it’s about to continue living and and looking back at the fond memories and remembering them, even if for a few moments. I lost my brother, it’s been 16 years, and I don’t think about him often and when I do I remember all the good times I had with him, and yes there will always be pain along with that but it’s only fleeting never lasting. The good moments outweighs the bad ones. So I completely recommend this to anyone wanting to read something so raw and emotional especially inspirational book. I’m a reader who loves happy endings, I dislike when the mc’s don’t end up together but this ending couldn’t have been more perfect for both of them. Julie and Sam are soulmates and I believe In another life they got the happy ending they both planned to have. 💗💗

I will admit this made me tear up a few times while reading because it's something that you can't ever imagine happening to you until it does. Julie loses her boyfriend during their senior year of high school due to a car accident he was in. But when she finally gets the nerve to try and visit his grave, she runs away into the woods and tries to call him, which somehow he answers. They can't explain how it happens or why, but they get a second chance, a chance to finally say goodbye, but only when Julie is ready to say those words. You read about Julie trying to reconnect with her friends again and focus on her life some, all while talking to Sam. Julie was able to help 2 of the most important people to Sam with their grief by having Sam talk to them too, which greatly fractured their connection to talk and making Julie realize she needed to move on and Sam wants her to. Their last moments together, the last call, was heartbreaking but they knew they needed to do it because Julie will always carry Sam with her.