When Haru Was Here

From the acclaimed author behind the TikTok sensation You've Reached Sam, Dustin Thao presents his new novel When Haru Was Here. This compelling story delves into themes of solitude, complex friendships, and the journey of letting go. Author Adam Silvera, known for his book They Both Die at the End, praises Thao's knack for making readers appreciate heartache. Eric Ly, grappling with the sorrow over the loss of his best friend, constructs vivid fantasies in his mind to cope. These fantasies take a surprising turn when one materializes: Haru Tanaka, a boy Eric met the previous summer, appears beside him in a café. Curiously, only Eric can see him. Haru's presence provides Eric with much-needed companionship, alleviating his feelings of isolation. However, as their bond deepens, Eric struggles to distinguish between reality and illusion. He finds himself faced with the challenge of accepting reality, even if it means saying goodbye to Haru. Alex Aster, best known for Lightlark, describes it as a profound and emotionally gripping tale of love and loss, advising readers to have tissues on hand.