What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is a book that is at the same time profound and adorable, and the main characters are each likeable. I especially enjoyed seeing both the authors’ signature styles come through at times, and their work fits together nicely. I had extremely high hopes for this one, and it is safe to say that I was not disappointed.
Series: What If It's Us #1
Author: Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera
Also by this author: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Creekwood #1), More Happy Than Not
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Rating:
Series Rating:
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?
What If It’s Us: Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
This book tells the story of fate and two boys who try to find each other again after an encounter in the post office. Arthur is visiting New York for the summer, and Ben is getting over a breakup and mailing back his ex’s things. When a surprise event occurs and the two get separated, they try to search for each other, which proves to be difficult with only a first name. This book is so cute, and I loved the mix of deep talks and jokes. I would definitely recommend this to those looking for a fresh contemporary.
❀ Entertaining Narrations
Both Arthur and Ben are such enjoyable characters. Arthur is so innocent and loves Hamilton, and Ben is sweet even with the amount of hardship he deals with. What I enjoyed was the fact that both of them have their own distinct voices and quirks. There is something that I loved about them both, and each of their narrations were entertaining for me.
❀ Incredible Writing
Both Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera are incredible writers, and you can really see their own styles come through in the book. I enjoyed Albertalli’s occasional pop culture references and use of humour and Silvera’s emotional writing. Their voices blend together nicely, which is essential for a collaboration. However, there are also moments when you can clearly identify the signature work of one author, which I think is equally important.
❀ Fate and Second Meetings
What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is a cute love story about fate and second meetings. The main characters are both enjoyable and the two writing styles complement each other perfectly. I would definitely recommend this one, and I look forward to a future collaboration from these authors.
About Adam Silvera
Adam Silvera is the New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not, History Is All You Left Me, and They Both Die at the End. His next book What If It's Us is co-written by Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and releases on October 9th, 2018.
He writes full-time in New York City and is tall for no reason.
About Becky Albertalli
Becky Albertalli is the author of the acclaimed novels Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (film: Love, Simon), The Upside of Unrequited, and Leah on the Offbeat. She is also the co-author of What If It's Us with Adam Silvera. A former clinical psychologist who specialized in working with children and teens, Becky lives with her family in Atlanta
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Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.