Title: You’ve Found Oliver
Series: You’ve Reach Sam Book #2
Author: Dustin Thao
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/Dutton Books for Young Readers
Genre: LGBTQIAP+, Teen/YA
Date: September 30, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 288

I read and loved" You’ve Reached Sam" -in that story after Sam died. Julie needs to hear his voice so calls his number. The voice mail responds “You’ve reached Sam”, however it really is Sam talking to Julie!

This story takes place nearly a year since Sam died and his number has been reassigned.
Olive accidentally calls Sam’s number and someone picks up. His name is Ben and he is an astronomy student also in Seattle.

There is no doubt there is a connection between these two but Oliver still cannot get over Sam’ deaths.
Since I loved the first story so much, I believe my expectation were a bit too high. Also YRS was unique and this one has interesting parts but not the WOW factor. I typical love time travel but it wasn’t until the Epilogue that I thought okay I get it!

I do like Dustin Thao and read another.

About the author ~ Dustin Thao is a Vietnamese American writer based in New York City. He graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in Political Science, and is currently in a PhD program at Northwestern University. He writes contemporary fiction, and his debut novel You’ve Reached Sam is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
Introduction from Dustin ~ Oliver and Julie are back for another heartbreaking adventure :) The world of YOU'VE REACHED SAM continues in this equally emotional story with a magical new twist. Yes, you will see all your favorite characters and where they are one year after Sam's death. While both stories are deeply connected, they can actually be read in any order!

Want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Dutton Books for Young Readers for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 30. 2025.

You've Found Oliver is the sequel to You've Reached Sam and while it is not necessary to read the first book, it may shed light onto some supporting characters we meet in this book and who Sam was to those characters. Although I don't think I'm the ultimate target audience for these books, I still thought it was enjoyable and very easy to read.

Oliver is still dealing with the death of his best friend, Sam while attending his first year at college. With Sam's girlfriend, Julie about to leave for a study abroad, a new living situation and an ex that still wants to connect, Oliver is feeling he's losing more and more. But he still texts Sam even though he's gone. Therapeutic in some way? But then one day someone texts Oliver back and it isn't Sam. And these texts soon change the trajectory of Oliver's life.

If you've read the first book, this storyline sounds somewhat familiar, but it has a whole new spin on it. Oliver connects with a fellow college student named Ben, but he lives in Seattle. Over a period of time, they meet up and really build a relationship between them just as Oliver's life is changing even more, making it the perfect time for Oliver to find his own HEA. Besides the *twist*, I found the story easy and quick to read and the dialogue age appropriate, but felt it could've "aged up" more with these being college students. I liked that the story dealt with grief and friendship and love for older teens. And while the writing felt almost too simple, it will be easy to digest for a younger crowd.

The thought of time and space and alter universes appealed to me, so I liked seeing what happened within the texts between Oliver and Ben and where it would go. Was it real? Was it a dream? Was it time travel? While the connection between them seemed more friendly, I think the author had a real opportunity to dive a little deeper with their conversations.

Overall, this was an ok story. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. But I also think I wasn't the target audience. I think the story could've benefited with having a more full cast, but keeping it simple would make it easier for a younger audience. I would recommend this one to someone between ages 12-20. And with all that said, can we give some love to the cover art? Because Stunning!!

3.5⭐️

This was a cute read, though it didn’t carry quite the same emotional impact as You’ve Reached Sam. Honestly, if I hadn’t read Sam first, I think I would have enjoyed this one more. On the bright side, it absolutely works as a standalone—the recap of the first book is woven in creatively and gives just enough context without feeling repetitive.

I really appreciated the relationship that develops over the course of the story. It felt authentic and offered a scenario I think many young readers will connect with and embrace. While You’ve Reached Sam had a more universal appeal that resonated with older readers as well, this one leans more solidly into YA and doesn’t quite have that same wider punch.

That said, I’d happily recommend this to teen readers—especially queer teens—who are looking to see themselves represented on the page. It’s heartfelt, affirming, and ultimately a story that will speak directly to its intended audience.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Dutton Books for Young Readers via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

3.75*

I’m probably not the ideal audience for this sort of book since I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about life or philosophy or reading between the lines in books. But I will say it’s a pretty cute read regardless, and if you’re like me, and don’t ponder those things, this might still be a book that works for you.

At first, I had just enjoyed the simple, slice-of-life romance for what it was — one sad lonely Oliver + one Ben that was filled with hopes and dreams — and it was great like that, actually, until the plot started happening and my life got ruined. I am being a bit dramatic when I say this, because neither Ben nor Oliver speak to me enough to actually ruin my life. They’re nice people, and I actually wanted Oliver to be happy, but I don’t really relate to them.

Dustin Thao has a sort of writing that is really easily consumable. It’s not melodic or lyrical, but there’s something in it that makes the writing work really well with the story beats. This, I heard, was one of their least heartbreaking books, and whilst I do agree with it, in my mind the couple is still doomed. The ending tries convincing you they aren’t, but I never think that sort of thing is really a happy ending for them.

I did not read You've Reached Sam before I read this (but it is on my list!), and I'm sure the first book is slightly spoiled by reading them out of order. Outside of that, this is a beautiful story of friendship, love, loss, and philosophy. I can't say too much without giving away some very important plot twists, but these two are great together. Fate may have other plans for them. Is it fate? Is it coincidence? Just how much of your life is a choice? I loved it! Emotional and makes you think. Could be tear-inducing!

Thanks to Netgalley & Penguin Young Readers Group for the E-ARC! Wow! Beautiful story! Cried so much! The characters were so good together. Will read more from this author.

ty to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review

dustin never fails to make me feel all the things. he does such a wonderful job of making you feel the grief of loss, then that glimmer of hope when the plot begins to thicken, then bringing you back down to reality when things start to seem too good to be true

you’ve found oliver encapsulates feelings of grief, loss, hope, and love through the eyes of oliver, who has experienced immense loss and instability in his life. but it is also a story about growth, development, and selflessness

dustin’s stories never cease to teach me a lesson on how to be the best version of myself for myself

This is my 3rd Dustin Thao book and once again not let down at all! Cannot wait to add this on to my bookshelf! If you’ve read any of Thao’s other books you *wont* be disappointed!

The book I didn’t know my heart needed. This was such a good book in the sense that it gave you a warm feeling after reading YRS.

When I read "You've Reached Sam", my heart shattered into a thousand pieces, and I knew that reading this book would make me feel just as many emotions. Dustin Tao's writing is magical and truly tugs at your heartstrings. I can only recommend this book, which feels lighter than its predecessor, with such lovable characters. I loved Oliver from beginning to end. I’m so grateful to have had an arc, and I can’t wait for the book to be released so I can talk about it with the rest of the world!

4.5🌟
Aww, this was such a cute read! It actually gave me “Your Name” vibes.
I think we’ve all had that little wish to go back in time at some point. And if we could, would we actually change anything?

I really connected with Oliver—how he felt like time was racing ahead and he was just scrambling to keep up. That longing to hit pause and hold onto moments with the people you love? Yeah, I felt that.
Like Julie’s mom said: “You see, we’ve been taught to check things off schedules, to think of time as something that is always running out, which in turn forces us to live ahead of ourselves. In order to change the way we think about it, we have to understand how it tangles itself around every part of our lives in different ways. Only when we stop trying to pin it down, does time begin to move in another direction.”

I also really appreciated his growth. Honestly, becoming an adult has to be one of the hardest transitions ever, and some people just make it look way too easy.

Oliver wasn’t immature—he was just scared.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

ARC provided by Netgalley. Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers Group | Dutton Books for Young Readers

✨ARC Review: You've Found Oliver by Dustin Thao ✨
📚Romance, Magical Realism | 🗓️Release Date: Sep. 30, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC!

This was actually a really fun read, and I got through it fast. The writing was very easy to get lost in. I was also curious to see Oliver again after reading YRS. The visuals were great, and it truly felt like I was watching a movie.

It was interesting seeing the different ways Julie and Oliver dealt with their grief (comparing YRS and YFO) and how they grew closer because of it. I loved Bens's influence on Oliver. They both played an important role in each other's life, and I loved watching both of them change because of each other.

I also loved how attentive Ben was and how their relationship blossomed. The ending left me screaming in a good way. Overall, this was a fun, quick read and a great addition to this series. As always, I can't wait to read the next one!

I’ve been waiting for this book to come out, and thanks to NetGalley I was able to get an ARC!

After finishing You’ve Reached Sam I was left feeling so empty, so when I heard we’d get more in You’ve Found Oliver I was beyond excited. Dustin Thao gave us a chance to see Julie and Sam again, but he also gave us such a beautiful story with Oliver and Ben. Oliver’s journey of love, loss, and finding hope pulled at my heart in the best way, and I was hooked from the very first page.

I honestly can’t explain how this book made me feel. Like all of Dustin Thao’s stories, it left me completely speechless. By the end, I felt both full and empty at the same time, and I know I’ll be thinking about Oliver for a long time.

All of Dustin Thao’s characters just stick with me, and I swear I think about them almost every day.

stunning. truly impeccable.

I have so loved following these characters and investing myself in their journey while feeling every possible feeling on the spectrum

You've Found Oliver by Dustin Thao is the sequel to You've Reached Sam which was an incredible novel of the strength it takes to recover from the loss of a close friend and love in high school. This novel picks up later when Sam's best friend Oliver can't stop texting Sam's phone, although he knows Sam won't answer. When a response finally comes, Oliver knows it can't be Sam, but who could this person be? I loved being able to immerse myself back into their world! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I had so many conflicting feelings about this book. I loved it and hated it. I was swooning with the promise of young love and then overcome with an anxious sense of foreboding. And this dichotomy is the kind of story that Dustin Thao is really good at telling and makes his Ellensburg novels so compelling, heartbreaking, and beautiful.

I’d 100% recommend reading You’ve Reached Sam before diving into You’ve Found Oliver (but also, do what you think will give you the best reading experience). While Oliver is a minor character, YRS gives you more insight into Sam as a character and the gaping hole that his absence leaves in the community and the hearts of his loved ones. While YFO is still a story about grief, it has a vastly different tone as life picks up almost a year later. It is a lighter story that has more hope for the future as well as some romance. We also get to see what Julie is up to, as she plays a supporting role in YFO. I personally prefer Oliver as a narrator to Julie, and Julie is almost unrecognizable from where we left her in YRS. (Which is good for her for growing and healing. She wasn’t particularly likable in her own story, but under the circumstances it’s very understandable.) Similarly to YRS, the weird happenings surrounding Sam’s old phone number are never fully explained, but the focus on the characters and their relationships are what makes the story move forward. I loved the budding romance between Oliver and Ben, as well as the focus on Oliver and Julie’s friendship and the bond between Oliver and his mom.

Thao’s characters are very honestly written teenagers, and that’s what makes these stories so easy to follow, relate to, and also be irritated by. And the conclusion is always where the story needs to go, even if it makes you cry in the process. I’m grateful to Penguin Young Readers Group for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.

You’ve Found Oliver by Dustin Thao is a tender, heart-wrenching romance about grief, connection, and the unexpected ways love finds us. A year after the death of his best friend Sam, Oliver still can’t stop texting Sam’s old number. It’s his way of holding on—until the day someone answers. That someone is Ben, a college student who’s been receiving Oliver’s vulnerable messages for months, and when the two finally meet, their connection is instant and undeniable. But as Oliver and Ben grow closer, a strange force threatens to pull them apart, testing whether love can overcome even destiny itself.

Like You’ve Reached Sam, this companion novel blends emotional depth with magical realism, exploring longing, memory, and the infinite versions of love. Gorgeously written and bittersweet, it’s a story sure to break hearts while offering hope and healing. I loved it! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

What a good follow up to You've Reached Sam. I was always curious about Oliver's story after Sam and I feel like this book did a good job at telling it. Dustin Thao always writes such great magical realism while changing up the element every time. I loved the exploration of space and time in this book as it went along with the dual realities that Oliver was facing. I also love how each situation that a character faces in a Dustin Thao book relates back to how they grieved. Oliver can not let go of the past and the what ifs with Sam and so that translates into what he experiences. I really enjoyed this latest read from Dustin Thao.

“You’ve Reached Sam” has been on my TBR since I got sucked into booktok in 2020. I’ve just never got around to picking it up. The cover for this follow up is beautiful so it made me really want to read it. This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

the perfect follow up to You’ve Reached Sam

In grief, Oliver sends occasional texts to his deceased friend Sam’s old phone number. Life updates, memories, “I miss you”…but as the anniversary of Sam’s death looms closer and Oliver’s messages become more frequent he decides enough is enough and decides to delete Sam’s number. Instead he calls it. Ben answers.

Ben has been reading the messages with no reply for months. He and Oliver connect quickly and decide to meet. But the meetings are always unusual. They can never find each other at first and the world around them always seems a bit off.

Surprise! It’s a time warp story…which I do love and found this one to be well done. Nothing extremely unbelievable and it really made me think.