When Haru Was Here

From the author of the bestselling TikTok sensation You’ve Reached Sam comes When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao, a magical exploration of loneliness, complicated friendships, and what it means to let go.

'It's magical how Dustin Thao can make you fall in love with having your heart broken' - Adam Silvera, #1 bestselling author of They Both Die at the End

What does it mean to let go . . . ?

After the death of his best friend, Eric Ly creates imaginary scenarios in his head to deal with his grief. Until one of them becomes real, and a boy he met last summer – Haru Tanaka – walks into the coffee shop and sits down next to him. The only thing is, nobody else can see him.

Eric suddenly has someone to connect with, making him feel less alone in the world. But as they spend more time together, he begins to question what is real. Soon Eric is losing control of the very thing that is holding him together, and must confront his reality. Even if it means losing Haru forever.

Review

Get your tissues ready, this is another heart-wrenching, stunning exploration of love and loss from Dustin Thao. I read When Haru Was Here in a single sitting, and cried at the ending. Filled with raw emotions, relatable moments, and a touch of enchantment, prepare to have your heart broken and mended by the time the story is over. -- Alex Aster, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Lightlark

When Haru Was Here is a mind-bending, gut-punching, heart-healing portrait of grief. It's magical how Dustin Thao can make you fall in love with having your heart broken. -- Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of They Both Die at the End

About the Author

Dustin Thao is a Vietnamese-American writer based in Southern California. He graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in Political Science, and is starting a PhD program at Northwestern University. He writes contemporary young adult fiction. You’ve Reached Sam is his YA debut, followed by When Haru Was Here.