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Okay, so I just had to share a bit more about my experience with 'You've Reached Sam'! You know how some books just stick with you? This was definitely one of them. Before diving into 'Here After,' I was completely immersed in Dustin Thao's beautiful and heartbreaking story, and it left a significant mark. Looking back at my reading stats for 'You've Reached Sam,' it shows I read all 293 pages, which took me about 7 hours and 52 minutes in total. That averages out to about 37.2 pages per hour for me. Honestly, for a book that deals with such deep themes of grief and moving on after losing someone you love, I found myself getting through it at a pretty steady pace, even though I often had to pause to process what I was reading. It wasn't a book I rushed; it was one I savored, perhaps even dreaded finishing because I was so invested in the characters. There were days I managed to squeeze in 131 pages, and others where I just spent a good 202 minutes lost in the story. These stats really reflect how much I was drawn into Sam and Julie's world and just couldn't put it down. The premise itself is so unique and captivating: what if you could still talk to someone you've lost, just one last time? The emotional journey Julie goes through is incredibly raw and touching. It explores how we cope with loss, the different forms grief can take, and the immense courage it takes to eventually say goodbye and find a way to live again. I found myself tearing up multiple times, especially during certain poignant conversations, but also feeling a profound sense of hope by the end. It's not just a romance; it's a powerful and profound exploration of love, memory, and healing. What truly resonated with me is how authentically it portrays the messiness of grief – the denial, the anger, the longing, and the slow, painful process of acceptance. It made me think a lot about cherishing the people around us and the impact they have on our lives. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel deeply, challenge your emotions, and ultimately leave you with a sense of poignant beauty, 'You've Reached Sam' is absolutely worth picking up. It certainly left an impact on me, and it’s interesting how, in a way, it prepared me for the emotional depth of 'Here After.' Both books, in their own unique styles, are powerful testaments to navigating loss and finding strength in vulnerability. I highly recommend adding 'You've Reached Sam' to your TBR list if you haven't already!