You know that feeling when you finish a book and just sit there, staring into space, letting the emotions wash over you? That’s exactly what happened to me after turning the last page of Dustin Thao’s sophomore novel, “When Haru Was Here.” It’s like… wow. Just wow.
Thao, who burst onto the YA scene with his tear-jerker debut “You’ve Reached Sam,” has done it again. But this time, he’s taken us on a journey that’s both familiar and entirely new. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and question the very nature of reality—all while wrapped up in the cozy blanket of magical realism.
The Story: When Imagination Becomes (Almost) Real
Okay, picture this: You’re Eric Ly, a 19-year-old guy trying to navigate life after losing your best friend, Daniel. You’re stuck in a rut, working at a theater box office, and struggling to move forward. Then BAM! The impossibly charming Haru Tanaka, a boy you met briefly in Japan last summer, shows up out of nowhere.
The catch? No one else can see him.
As Eric and Haru’s relationship deepens, we’re taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. There’s joy, confusion, and a creeping sense that something isn’t quite right. Is Haru real? A figment of Eric’s imagination? Or something in between?
A Dance Between Reality and Fantasy
Thao’s writing shines as he blurs the lines between what’s real and what’s not. One minute, you’re convinced Haru is flesh and blood. The next, you’re questioning everything. It’s like being in a dream where you can’t quite tell if you’re awake or not. And honestly? It’s kinda brilliant.
Characters That Feel Like Old Friends
Let’s talk about our main man, Eric. He’s not your typical YA protagonist. He’s messy, he makes mistakes, and he’s trying to figure out who he is in a world that suddenly feels way too big. But that’s what makes him so darn relatable. We’ve all been there, right?
And Haru? Oh boy. He’s the kind of character you can’t help but fall for. Charming, mysterious, and with a habit of folding origami stars at the most unexpected moments. He’s the perfect balance to Eric’s more grounded personality.
But it’s not just our two leads who steal the show. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn:
- Jasmine, Eric’s sister, whose presence (and absence) is felt throughout the story
- Simon and Alex, Eric’s coworkers at the theater, who provide much-needed comic relief
- Kevin, a link to Eric’s past and a reminder of what he’s lost
A Shout-Out to Diversity
Can we take a moment to appreciate the diversity in this book? Eric is Vietnamese-American, and Thao doesn’t shy away from exploring his cultural identity. It’s refreshing to see LGBTQ+ characters of color taking center stage in YA fiction. More of this, please!
Themes That’ll Make You Think
Alright, let’s dive into the meaty stuff. “When Haru Was Here” tackles some heavy themes, but in a way that never feels preachy or overwhelming. Here’s what stood out to me:
- Grief and Loss: The way Eric processes his grief is painfully realistic. It’s messy, nonlinear, and sometimes involves creating elaborate fantasies.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: Watching Eric figure out who he is—as a son, a brother, a friend, and a young gay man—is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
- The Power of Imagination: Thao explores how our minds can be both a sanctuary and a prison. It’s fascinating stuff.
- Family and Cultural Expectations: The tension between Eric’s desires and his family’s expectations is handled with nuance and care.
- The Nature of Reality: Get ready to question everything you think you know about what’s “real.”
Writing That’ll Give You All the Feels
Okay, let’s talk about Thao’s writing style for a sec. It’s… poetic. The prose is lyrical without being pretentious, and there are moments of such raw emotion that I had to put the book down and just breathe.
One thing I absolutely loved? The way Thao weaves in little details about Vietnamese culture. It’s not heavy-handed, but it adds a layer of authenticity that makes the story feel lived-in and real.
Magical Realism Done Right
Balancing the magical elements with the harsh realities of Eric’s life is no easy feat, but Thao pulls it off with grace. The way Haru appears and disappears, the little origami creations that seem to materialize out of nowhere—it all feels both magical and grounded in Eric’s emotional journey.
A Few Nitpicks (Because No Book Is Perfect)
Look, I loved this book. But in the interest of a balanced review, here are a couple of things that didn’t quite hit the mark for me:
- The pacing in the middle section felt a tad slow at times.
- A few of the secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more.
But honestly? These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar read.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for YA Fans
“When Haru Was Here” is the kind of book that’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s a beautiful exploration of grief, love, and the power of human connection. Thao has crafted a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
If you loved “You’ve Reached Sam,” you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. And if you’re new to Thao’s work? Welcome to the club. You’re in for a treat.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of YA contemporary fiction with a magical twist
- Anyone who’s ever felt lost or struggled to move on from a loss
- Readers looking for diverse LGBTQ+ representation
- Those who enjoy stories that blur the lines between reality and fantasy
Similar Reads to Check Out
If “When Haru Was Here” leaves you hungry for more, here are a few books that hit similar notes:
- “We Are Okay” by Nina LaCour
- “The Astonishing Color of After” by Emily X.R. Pan
- “History Is All You Left Me” by Adam Silvera
- “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson
Final Thoughts: A Story That’ll Stay With You
In a world of cookie-cutter YA novels, “When Haru Was Here” stands out as something truly special. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to help us process our emotions and make sense of the world around us.
Dustin Thao has proven that he’s not a one-hit wonder. With this sophomore novel, he’s cemented his place as a voice to watch in YA literature. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
So, do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of “When Haru Was Here,” find a cozy spot, and prepare to be transported. Just make sure you’ve got some tissues handy. Trust me, you’re gonna need ’em.