What If It’s Us Review

Synopsis from Edelweiss:

Becky Albertalli, award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and Adam Silvera, New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End, combine their talents in this funny, heartfelt collaboration about Arthur and Ben, two very different boys who can’t decide if the universe is pushing them together—or pulling them apart.

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

About: What If It’s Us is a young adult contemporary written by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera. It will be published on 10/9/2018 by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins, 448 pages. The genres are young adult, romance, contemporary, LGBT, and fiction. Both authors have written many books but this is my first time reading Silvera’s writing. Please follow the links to my reviews for Albertalli’s other books: Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and The Upside of Unrequited. Please see below for more information about the authors.

My Experience: I started reading What If It’s Us on 8/30/2018 and finished it on 9/3/2018. The most amazing love story to read ever! The humor is contagious. I love the two main characters: Arthur and Ben. I like Ben’s friend Dylan, he’s extra hilarious! I like Namrata, she always has something wild to say. Arthur and his dad has the best father-son relationship. Ben and his family are great too! I love how sweet and innocent Arthur is especially how excited he gets for his first date, first kiss, first boyfriend, first everything.

This book is told in the first person point of view following Arthur Seuss, 16, who has never been kissed and who believes in love at first sight. He’s currently living in New York for the summer with his parents. He already came out to his best friends Jessie and Ethan. He’s walking on the street of New York when he happens to meet a good looking guy carrying a box. They strike up a conversation about what the universe has in store for them when a band came by and the box guy got away. Arthur didn’t even know his name! The second point of view is Ben, 17. Ben is starting over after a messy breakup. He went out to deliver a box of his ex’s things but couldn’t complete the transaction. Ben is not over his ex and he’s not sure if he wants to move on. He thinks the guy he bumped into at the entrance of the post office was cute, but he only knows the first name. As he search up Arthur on Instagram, he believes the universe just doesn’t want him to be happy because the search is impossible with just a first name.

What If It’s Us is becoming my all time favorite read! I love Ben’s fight with Dylan about best friends. Ben’s a sweetheart as well especially when he offers to carry Arthur’s bag for him. I just love every page of every chapter in this book!! The story is freaking sweet and cute and it only gets sweeter and cuter! What I love about romance books is crushing hard for someone and this book has it, above and beyond. I love following the two main characters’ thought process. I can feel their happiness and heartache for each other bleed off the pages as I read and I just don’t want the story to end! I like the references to Harry Potter and musicals. (I’m so Ben when comes to Hamilton. I’m googling it as I read). This book is the most fantastic and realistic read ever and everyone must read it! P.S. I learned of Dear Evan Hansen musical from this book and I love Mallory Bechtel’s voice for Requiem. This song is on repeat for me! (I love learning new things when I read, even in a fiction book!).

Pro: fast paced, page turner, humor, easy going, diversity, love and lost, first date, first kiss, first love, couldn’t put down, book cover, best friends

Con: none

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository

About the Authors:

Becky Albertalli is the author of William C. Morris Award winner and National Book Award longlist title, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (now a major motion picture, Love, Simon); the acclaimed The Upside of Unrequited; and the upcoming What If It’s Us (co-written with Adam Silvera). Becky lives with her family in Atlanta. You can visit her online at http://www.beckyalbertalli.com (Photo and info obtained from Edelweiss).

Adam Silvera is the New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End, More Happy Than Not, and History Is All You Left Me. He was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start for his debut. He lives in Queens. Visit him online at http://www.adamsilvera.com (Photo obtained from the author’s website and info obtained from Edelweiss).

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, publisher HarperTeen, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine