What If It’s Us: A Dreamy Collision of Hearts and Humor
As a self-proclaimed intellectual and contemporary YA fan, when I heard that Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli were teaming up to write What If It’s Us, I felt like I had just stumbled onto the perfect crossover event of the year—sorry, Avengers: Infinity War! Ever since it was announced, my excitement has been building, and now that I’ve finally read it, I can confirm: it lives up to the hype. Let’s dive into this delightful mix of heart, humor, and heartfelt realism.
At its core, What If It’s Us tells the story of Arthur and Ben, who meet in a bustling New York post office. Talk about fate! Ben is mailing back his ex-boyfriend’s things (awkward, right?), and Arthur is fresh to the city, hoping to make a mark in his new life. Their instant connection, however, quickly turns sour when they fail to exchange numbers. What follows is an endearing journey of internet sleuthing, awkward dating fiascoes, and the kind of relatable friendship dynamics that sprinkle the narrative with authenticity.
Both characters are richly developed and represent diverse backgrounds, reflecting Silvera and Albertalli’s commitment to authentic storytelling. Ben, who is Puerto-Rican, and Arthur, who is Jewish, navigate their identities alongside the rollercoaster of young love. I loved this “post-coming out” narrative where both characters are confidently out, reinforcing the message that queer stories can span beyond just the coming-out experience. It was refreshing and, dare I say, deeply necessary.
One of my favorite elements of the book was its mature handling of romance. While there are plenty of cute moments that make your heart flutter, the book doesn’t shy away from the complexity of real relationships. Ben grapples with unresolved feelings for his ex and the ripple effects it has on his friendships, while Arthur unintentionally brings unrealistic expectations into their budding romance. Their experiences reminded me of the messiness of real life—just like the quote that struck me deeply:
“I believe in love at first sight… I just think you’re meant to meet some people.”
The writing style effortlessly blends both authors’ voices, lending a genuine feel to the banter and inner thoughts of our protagonists. However, I found the initial chapters a little confusing as their perspectives weren’t always distinctly separated. In a way, this felt like a growing pain for me as a reader, making it difficult to connect with them immediately.
Pop culture references abound, placing the story firmly in the modern landscape of New York. While I love a good nod to current cultural phenomena, I felt that, at times, the sheer volume of references could overwhelm readers who might not be familiar with them. Nonetheless, it also gave a very authentic feel to the characters’ voices—it’s just how they communicate, right?
In conclusion, What If It’s Us is a heartfelt journey through romance, friendship, and the reality of growing up. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a narrative that beautifully intertwines humor with poignant moments of self-discovery and acceptance. If you love contemporary YA that captures the essence of what it means to navigate life’s unpredictable paths, this book is a must-read. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better—yes, we’re getting a movie adaptation! I’m positively screaming with excitement over here!
Whether you’re a fan of Albertalli’s charming narratives or Silvera’s profound emotional landscapes—or both—this book promises to deliver a heartwarming experience that resonates with every reader searching for a bit of magic in the everyday chaos of life.
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