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Book Review: You'e Reached Sam written by Dustin Thao
Prepare to be captivated by a tale of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond that transcends death. In "You've Reached Sam" by Dustin Thao, the pages come alive with raw emotion, taking readers on a poignant journey through the depths of grief and the power of letting go. With its heartwarming narrative and unforgettable characters, this debut novel is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can bring solace in our darkest moments. Brace yourself for an immersive experience that will leave you spellbound and profoundly moved.
The story follows the protagonist, Julie Jones, who is devastated by the sudden death of her boyfriend, Sam. Overwhelmed by grief and unable to let go, Julie discovers an old phone that still has Sam's number saved. In a desperate attempt to reconnect with him, she dials the number, only to be surprised when Sam's voice answers on the other end. What follows is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of letting go.
At its core, "You've Reached Sam" imparts an important lesson about the nature of loss and the healing process. Through the protagonist Julie's journey, readers are reminded of the significance of seeking closure and finding the strength to let go. The novel beautifully illustrates that holding onto the past can hinder personal growth and prevent the exploration of new beginnings.
One of the strengths of the book lies in its remarkable ability to authentically capture the full spectrum of emotions. Dustin Thao's masterful portrayal of grief conveys the intricate layers of anguish and the yearning to hold onto what has been lost. Julie's odyssey is profoundly relatable, allowing readers to empathize deeply with her pain and longing.
Thao's writing style possesses a lyrical quality that effortlessly captivates readers, carrying them through the narrative with grace. The pacing strikes an exquisite balance, offering moments of quiet introspection and contemplation, as well as instances of heightened tension and plot advancement. Through vivid and evocative descriptions, Thao paints a vibrant and immersive backdrop, intensifying the emotional resonance of the tale.
The characters in "You've Reached Sam" are multi-dimensional and endearing, contributing to the overall depth of the narrative. As Julie navigates her grief, she is accompanied by a cast of supporting characters, each undergoing their own trials and personal growth. The genuine relationships and interactions between them add layers of authenticity and enrich the story's tapestry.
Delving beyond the surface, the novel intricately explores themes of love, loss, and the process of healing with sensitivity and nuance. It emphasizes the significance of seeking closure, embracing the concept of letting go, and discovering the profound beauty in life's most challenging moments. Thao's storytelling encourages readers to reflect on their own encounters with loss and the potential for hope and rejuvenation in unexpected places.
While a few plot elements may be somewhat predictable, this minor flaw does not diminish the overall impact of the narrative. The emotional resonance and well-crafted character development compensate for any moments of predictability, ensuring a deeply affecting reading experience.
In conclusion, "You've Reached Sam" is an emotionally charged and profound novel that skillfully navigates themes of grief, love, and healing. Dustin Thao's debut showcases his exceptional storytelling abilities, immersing readers in Julie's transformative journey of loss, hope, and self-discovery. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary young adult fiction seeking a moving and thought-provoking read that lingers in the heart and mind. This book not only captivates with its powerful storytelling but also imparts an important lesson - that by acknowledging our grief, honoring our memories, and learning to let go, we can find hope, growth, and the capacity to truly live again.
Disclaimer: The photo above is not mine.
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Blog Post 2
This is a reflective essay on the article of Donna Minkowitz titled, "How I broke, and botched the Brandon Teena Story."
Within the vast realm of journalism, where the profound quest for truth intertwines with the weighty responsibility to faithfully and meticulously report stories, it remains an inescapable reality that errors can inevitably surface, casting an unforeseen shadow upon the veracity of our narratives and inadvertently distorting the portrayal of individuals and events. These unintentional misrepresentations, arising despite our resolute and unwavering commitment to accuracy, serve as poignant reminders of the intricate nature of our craft. They urge us to embark upon a profound introspection—a meticulous exploration of the multifaceted factors that contribute to such lamentable inaccuracies—and a relentless search for valuable insights and profound lessons to fortify our journalistic endeavors in the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
A poignant example of the repercussions that can ensue from such errors can be found in the story of Brandon Teena, a transgender individual who tragically experienced rape and murder after two locals discovered his assigned female identity. Regrettably, Donna's missteps in presenting Brandon's life story as that of a woman grappling with body image due to sexual abuse only compounded the gravity of the situation. The publication of this inaccurate article had unforeseen consequences for both Brandon Teena and Donna's conscience as a writer. The inaccuracies in the story subjected Teena to public scrutiny and false accusations that unjustly tarnished his reputation. Moreover, the trust between journalists and the public was significantly undermined, as readers rightfully questioned the reliability of the information presented.
In the face of such adversity, I find myself deeply admiring Donna's remarkable display of courage. She fearlessly prioritized accuracy over public perception, wholeheartedly acknowledging and rectifying the erroneous information she had initially presented in her article. Motivated by her unwavering conscience, Donna took the initiative to rectify her mistake by providing a comprehensive explanation. Her sincere efforts sought to enlighten others on the pitfalls of her actions, as well as to graciously guide them towards avoiding similar missteps in their own journalistic pursuits. Donna's unwavering commitment to truth and her genuine desire to assist others in navigating the complexities of accurate reporting serve as a shining example of integrity and accountability in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Donna's courageous response to her journalistic error serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, accountability, and continuous growth in the field of journalism. Her actions teach us the value of admitting mistakes, rectifying inaccuracies, and striving for accuracy and truth in our reporting. Through her example, we are reminded to prioritize the well-being of those affected by our work and to work diligently to rebuild trust with our readers.
Disclaimer: Photo not mine
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Flowerbed
Silence weaves a veil of grief,
A tear drops in a brief,
But then a smirked breaks through the pain,
As laughter fills the room once again.
Her children cry in pain and in sorrow
She tap them with blade and said "shh it'll be all right tomorrow.
It's time for all of you to lay in bed
Now take a rest and be dead."
She tucks them in bed, and kisses their forehead,
As she watches them drift off to sleep.
She watches over them with love a mother could give.
As they rest in peace, and dream of the wonderful life they want to live.
She walked with a weary step,
To the grey shovel, so grim,
For it held the task that lay before her,
To cover the fresh compost, for the flower bed.
She then plant a white flowers,
With a gentle touch, and a kind heart,
She whispered to them, with a soft sigh,
"Grow, my dear flowers, and be free."
Cause she knew that she wasn't able to give
The nutrients they needed to thrive,
But now they will be able to live,
Fully and peacefully the life they couldn't live.
Oh, the tears of sorrow and pain,
Mixed with the blood of kin,
Staining her garments, soiled and torn,
As she wiped them away, with a heavy heart.
She then put on the black veil,
With mournful glow but with no guilt to see,
She climbed the stairs where the door of death is waiting.
For she knew that her time had come to finish the race.
She turned her eyes once more
To bid a farewell to the cruel world.
World, that she had once called her own,
But now she left, and fallen into deep sleep.
Disclaimer: This poem is inspired by the great poem of Sylvia Plath entitled, "Edge."
Photo not mine
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