Book Review: What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

Release Date: October 9th, 2018
Read: July 21st - 22nd, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Standalone
Format: Signed ARC, 448 pages
Source: BEA 2018



Description from GoodReads:


   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?

Review:

   I don’t know if we’re in a love story or a story about love.

   I had read works from both authors before picking up What If It’s Us. So I knew I was in for the greatest gay love story of my life before I even read the first page, and of course I wasn’t wrong.

   In regards to the story, it holds a special place in my heart for a bunch of reasons. For one, it was one of my most highly anticipated books that I received while in New York for BEA 2018, the story takes place in New York, so while I was reading it I was able to picture a bunch of the locations that the characters visited, since I had visited them while I was there. Then finally, because I was able to have my ARC signed while at a signing with Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera and David Arnold, for a Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotic event. The event was my favourite because as few people know, David Arnold is actually in the story as Ben’s best friend, Dylan, and so when he offered to sign the book, he literally dragged his sharpie across the word Us on the title page, and wrote Dylan. So it ended up being “What If It’s Dylan”. It’s basically been 3 months already, and I can still picture it vividly. 

   I don’t think I’ve ever blushed, giggled and groaned as much as I did while reading What If It’s Us. As an aromantic, usually anything remotely cute and gushy makes me uncomfortable. So you can imagine my reaction and feelings as I read this adorably mushy book. Even though my feelings were all over the place in regards to What If It’s Us, it was still the most wholesome book I’ve read in forever. Everything felt so real, and relatable, you couldn’t help but picture yourself in the exact same situations and events as Arthur and Ben. The emotions between the two characters and their separate lives were so well depicted that you felt as if you were there living the events with them, rather than just reading about them. 

   Adam and Becky certainly put themselves into the story when it came to the dates, hangouts, and even the characters. Being on social media 24/7 and following all my favourite authors means that I end up getting to know them pretty well, and in this case, What If It’s Us screamed Becky and Adam. Everything from the obsession with Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, to the writing fanfiction and putting your own friends and family into your book. I mean, just look at how they put David Arnold into What If It’s Us. They even went as far as putting the Barnes and Noble where the signing in New York took place, into the book as a book date. It was a pretty great feeling to read the book date and actually be able to picture the exact places they were visiting WHILE reading a copy that was signed by both authors, in that exact bookstore. 

   What It It’s Us was one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read, I will forever hold it close to my heart. I look forward to having everyone read What It It’s Us, and for them to have it find a place in their hearts as well. 

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

“I barely know him. I guess that is every relationship. You start with nothing and maybe end with everything.”

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, Gay Love Stories