When Haru Was Here
by Dustin Thao
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What It’s About
When Haru dies suddenly, his friend Eric is left reeling and searching. As he grapples with the loss, something strange begins to happen: Haru starts appearing again. Is it a ghost, a memory, or Eric’s mind refusing to let go?
This is a story about grief, tenderness, and the thin veil between what’s gone and what lingers.
My Take
Soft, sad, and honest.
There’s a subtle magic in this one not fantasy, but that dreamy grief-space where memory and presence blur. I saw the ending coming, but it didn’t take away the ache of it. It’s a gentle story that sits quietly with you, even after the last page.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially if you want something short, bittersweet, and emotionally grounded. Ideal for a quiet evening or readers drawn to introspective coming-of-age stories.
Read it if you liked:
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi - Kindle Unlimited as of 06/2025
Almond by Sohn Won-pyung - Kindle Unlimited as of 06/2025
My Brilliant Life by Kim Ae-ran
The Place Between Breaths by An Na
Quiet novels that explore grief, memory, and finding light in dark moments
Where to Read It:
Read on Kindle Unlimited (as of June 2025) • Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.org. Join the conversation in the My Asian Era book club on Fable.
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My Asian Era is where literature meets culture — thoughtful reviews, quiet voices, and stories worth slowing down for.
