You've Reached Sam

Have you ever wished for one last chance to say goodbye to someone you've lost? Imagine if you could get a second chance to talk to them, even just for a little while. This summary explores the heart-wrenching journey of navigating grief when the impossible happens. You'll follow seventeen-year-old Julie after her boyfriend, Sam, tragically dies. Devastated, she calls his phone just to hear his voicemail one last time—but he picks up. Discover how Julie grapples with this miraculous connection, keeping it a secret while trying to move on, and learn what it truly means to let go of the past.

Dustin Thao is a Vietnamese American author whose debut novel, You've Reached Sam, became an instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, capturing global attention. Currently a student in a PhD program for creative writing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Thao draws upon his personal experiences with grief and connection to craft emotionally resonant stories. His work explores the poignant intersections of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory in the digital age, offering a fresh voice in contemporary young adult fiction.