Title: What If It’s Us
Author: Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 448
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Copy: Library
Availability: Available now!
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 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: My excitement for this book was off the charts. I loved Albertalli’s Simon and the Homo Sapiens Agenda and its movie adaptation (I still have beef with how the movie ends but I won’t get into that!), and Adam Silvera’s writing as well. This team-up seems like honestly a book match made in heaven, and we all know how badly YA needs more queer content!
That being said, I enjoyed reading What If It’s Us. The premise (just check out the summary above) is cute, and it’s always awesome to read a slice-of-life contemporary queer romance. Unfortunately, I wasn’t blown away by the character voices, motivations, or pacing of the story. The conflicts that arise naturally in romance were relatable at first, but grew to feel a little repetitive and circular by the end. If this were a debut book, I’d still be fully on board, but knowing who was behind the story, I had my expectations set a lot higher.
But those are just nitpicks! It was a cute, fun read for the most part. If you’re looking for something light, or just want a ton of Hamilton references in your YA, I’d recommend checking this out when you get the chance.
Recommendation: Borrow it someday. If you’ve got a burning love for Hamilton and Broadway in general, you’ll want to read this! And of course, keep a lookout for the (fingers crossed) movie adaptation!