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, author of They Both Die at the End

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.

'Get your tissues ready, this is another heart-wrenching, stunning exploration of love and loss from Dustin Thao' – Alex Aster, author of Lightlark