Series: N/A
Publisher: Harper Teen // Harper Collins
Source: Audiobook via Libby
Critically acclaimed and bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera combine their talents in this smart, funny, heartfelt collaboration about two very different boys who can’t decide if the universe is pushing them together—or pulling them apart.
Where to Buy: Shop local! Find your local independent book store at IndieBound!
Goodreads Summary:
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 nail a first date even after three do-overs?
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?
What if it’s us?
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars!
Check out my full review after the jump! Click "Read More" below to continue!
WHAT IF IT’S US was an absolute roller coaster for me as a reader because I had some hefty expectations prior to reading. Having read SIMON and all of Silvera’s books, I knew I was probably going to need a box of tissues. I also needed to be ready for a hell of a cute love-story as both authors are known for telling. Combined with the fact that I’m always looking for great LGBT love stories, this was high on my anticipated list for 2018.
This story is told in alternating perspective with each author taking on their own character. Adam and Becky named their characters a name that started with the first letter of their own name (Adam = Arthur, Becky = Ben) so it really helped in knowing who wrote which parts. First, I really wanted to say that I identified A LOT with Ben in particular and he was probably my favorite between Ben and Arthur. Ben is chronically late to everything and has a really tough time getting anywhere on time (me), he struggles a lot with his identity as a latino, specifically because he looks more white than latino (also me), and he also has difficulty getting over an ex and gets caught up in what could have been (definitely me). This is the first time reading any book that I’ve identified so heavily with a character and I cannot express how much that means to me. It just exemplifies the important need for students to see themselves in what they are reading.
Arthur was a bit harder for me to like once I got to the middle of the story. At the beginning I really liked his character, then he got annoying to the point I wanted to skip his sections, then he redeemed himself at the end and I like him a lot again. At times I found him extremely whiny and controlling and I didn’t like that, but I also realize that he has these characteristics because he is inexperienced in just about everything, kissing, boys, relationships, etc. The entire time I was reading this, I imagined Grant Davis from the Something Like Summer movie because for some reason I felt he could have been a great Arthur.
The story starts with Arthur meeting Ben on an off-chance at the New York City Post Office (meet-cute, as it were) as he attempts to ship a box of his ex boyfriend’s belongings back to him. They strike a conversation before Ben leaves unannounced, leaving Arthur longing for more and wishing he had gotten his number, or even his name! The story that follows suit is an extremely cute and teenage angsty love story that was entertaining for nearly the entire time. There’s a lot of cussing which I obviously don’t mind, but some parents might find this concerning. Teaching in a Middle School myself, I know that this is the way students talk with one another, it’s just reality, so I don’t think it should be taken too much into account.
Overall, I would definitely give this a 5-star. My criteria for giving 5-stars is simply that I love the book and that the story makes me FEEL something towards it such as anger or sadness. In particular for this book, I loved that I identified so heavily with Ben, and that I loved, then hated, then loved Arthur again. I really loved this book and think everyone should pick this up asap!
This story is told in alternating perspective with each author taking on their own character. Adam and Becky named their characters a name that started with the first letter of their own name (Adam = Arthur, Becky = Ben) so it really helped in knowing who wrote which parts. First, I really wanted to say that I identified A LOT with Ben in particular and he was probably my favorite between Ben and Arthur. Ben is chronically late to everything and has a really tough time getting anywhere on time (me), he struggles a lot with his identity as a latino, specifically because he looks more white than latino (also me), and he also has difficulty getting over an ex and gets caught up in what could have been (definitely me). This is the first time reading any book that I’ve identified so heavily with a character and I cannot express how much that means to me. It just exemplifies the important need for students to see themselves in what they are reading.
Arthur was a bit harder for me to like once I got to the middle of the story. At the beginning I really liked his character, then he got annoying to the point I wanted to skip his sections, then he redeemed himself at the end and I like him a lot again. At times I found him extremely whiny and controlling and I didn’t like that, but I also realize that he has these characteristics because he is inexperienced in just about everything, kissing, boys, relationships, etc. The entire time I was reading this, I imagined Grant Davis from the Something Like Summer movie because for some reason I felt he could have been a great Arthur.
The story starts with Arthur meeting Ben on an off-chance at the New York City Post Office (meet-cute, as it were) as he attempts to ship a box of his ex boyfriend’s belongings back to him. They strike a conversation before Ben leaves unannounced, leaving Arthur longing for more and wishing he had gotten his number, or even his name! The story that follows suit is an extremely cute and teenage angsty love story that was entertaining for nearly the entire time. There’s a lot of cussing which I obviously don’t mind, but some parents might find this concerning. Teaching in a Middle School myself, I know that this is the way students talk with one another, it’s just reality, so I don’t think it should be taken too much into account.
Overall, I would definitely give this a 5-star. My criteria for giving 5-stars is simply that I love the book and that the story makes me FEEL something towards it such as anger or sadness. In particular for this book, I loved that I identified so heavily with Ben, and that I loved, then hated, then loved Arthur again. I really loved this book and think everyone should pick this up asap!
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