When Haru Was Here

By: Dustin Thao

Narrated by: David Lee Huynh

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

We Are Okay meets Wandavision in this novel about loneliness, complicated friendships, and what it means to let go.

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 when a boy he met last summer in Japan finds his way back into his life. When he least expects it, Haru Tanaka walks into the coffee shop and sits down next to him. The only thing is, nobody else can see him.

In a magical turn of events, Eric suddenly has someone to connect with, making him feel less alone in the world. But as they spend more and more time together, he begins to question what is real. When he starts losing control of the very thing that is holding him together, Eric must finally confront his reality. Even if it means losing Haru forever.

A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books.

©2024 Dustin Thao (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

I’M IN TEARS

Thank you for writing something so beautiful and relatable. Every step of grief made it feel so real.

Queer, grief and Vietnamese

The narration and storytelling are truly exceptional. As a queer Vietnamese person who has recently experienced loss, this book brought a sense of healing I didn't know I needed. Hearing my culture and language woven into the narrative was deeply moving. For those who understand Vietnamese, the use of the language adds an authentic layer of connection, enriching the story without feeling like a gimmick.

This story is one tragedy after another. Just when you think it’s reached its peak, a twist comes that completely wrecks you. I’m talking Uncle Iroh singing to mourn his dead son, the hide and seek scene from Anohana type ugly crying.. IYKYK

I cannot say enough great things about this book. I finished it in one sitting because I could not stop the audio book.

Pulls at the heart

This listen has got me feeling like no other. Emotional roller coaster ride all the way. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is so worth it.

teen angst - young love and loss

the book was clear and well written. showed a believeable teenage experience with some superficial reactions to coming of age life experiences and tragedies. rooting for the protagonist until the end. found a box of kleenex was useful by the final chapters. highly recommend. adults will equally enjoy. reader was perfectly cast.

Masterful storytelling and narration

Dustin has mastered the art of making his readers cry. His stories are wonderfully written. I was blown away by David Lee Huynh’s narration.

The twist?!?

This book was very well written and expected from Dustin. I knew from the start that I was gonna cry from this book but I didn’t know when, where, how and it was just tragedy after tragedy. The plot twist really gets you out of nowhere with a ball of tear to go with it.


This second book by Dustin was incredible and blew my mind all the way home.

It left me sobbing in a good way

This book has everything I like. A love story, a plot twist, magic, amazing real dialogues among the characters, people of color as the main story, no white saviors, teachings about other cultures that flow naturally in the story, It also made me laugh! I loved it even though I’m not the target audience since I am a straight middle age white woman. Nevertheless it talked to me and made me feel so much which is what good books do. I highly recommend it
I’m grateful for the TikTok algorithm that somehow knew I was going to love this book