When Haru Was Here

When Haru Was Here is a heartfelt contemporary novel about loneliness, complicated friendships, and the ache—and hope—that comes with letting go. Written for readers who crave quiet, emotional journeys, this book speaks especially to young adults and adults who appreciate stories about healing, friendship, and growing up. Its tender, contemplative tone invites you to lean in and feel along with the characters as they navigate loss and the sometimes fragile bridge between memory and reality. In When Haru Was Here, the story unfolds through the intimate perspective of Eric Ly as he faces the devastating loss of his best friend and the sudden departure of his sister. He starts to cope by imagining scenarios where he can control the chaos of his life, only to be surprised when a ghost from last summer, Haru Tanaka, steps into his world. Haru cannot be seen by others, but he offers companionship and a lifeline when Eric needs it most. The narrative follows this fragile friendship as it tests the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined, all while Eric grapples with the hard truth that healing may require saying goodbye not just to a person, but to a way of living in fear. When Haru Was Here builds a quiet, emotional journey that honors grief while leaving room for light and connection to return. Grief, friendship, and the journey of letting go A ghostly companion who appears when needed and challenges reality Intimate, lyrical prose with memory-rich, cinematic scenes Themes of resilience, healing, and discovering what truly matters After finishing When Haru Was Here, readers are left with a sense of having traveled through a difficult, healing process alongside Eric. The book offers comfort and reflection, encouraging you to hold onto connection even as you face painful truths. It leaves you with a gentler, more hopeful view of growing up and the enduring power of friendship to guide you toward a better tomorrow.