What If It's Us

This book is an easy, engaging read with two characters who feel real and fun to follow. I especially loved the gay characters and their storylines. They are written with warmth and honesty, and their relationship gives the book a lot of heart. The pacing moves well, and the mix of light and emotional moments keeps you pulled in. If you enjoy character driven stories with genuine charm, this is a great pick.

This was such a cute and quick read. I loved both Arthur and Ben's characters because they were so different, but just so great together. I can really relate to both of them - Arthur's high fast energy and Ben's constant doubt in himself. I especially loved watching how the two of them grew because of the other, without even realizing it. Watching these two find each other and try to navigate the beginning of a relationship was so adorable and pulled my heartstrings. I love that it wasn't perfect or easy for them, which seemed so real. I also like that this book didn't just focus on this one relationship, but also contrasted to other relationships, both romantic and platonic of their friends. It shows that no relationship is predictable, easy or perfect. The writing was wonderful and though Arthur and Ben's narratives were very distinct, I couldn't tell that this was written by two authors instead of one. The story flowed so nicely and had so many ups and downs that I was filled with emotion. Though this was not a "traditional" happy ending, it was still a happy one that had me smile. It was a bit open ended so I am content to imagine my own future for these wonderful characters.

There is something magical about this time of year. I spent the last couple of days eating way too much food, shopping for gifts, and decorating the house for the holidays. And though this year required us to do things differently than we have in years past, those holiday traditions still bring the same amount of magic that they always have. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to curl up next to the fire with a good book. The Texas weather finally brought us winter this weekend, so I decided to take full advantage and finish reading What If It's Us. This cute love story was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Arthur is soaking up every moment of his summer internship in New York. The soon-to-be high school senior is completely committed to taking in all of the sights and sounds of the city life, even if that means neglecting the duties of his job. Today though, his internship has sent him on a mission that allows him to fulfill both of his desires. Today, he's been tasked with dropping off work documents at the post office. Yes, this is just a simple errand, but the city is ripe with adventure and opportunity. Ben is at the post office for an entirely different reason. He's got a box full of stuff that belongs to his ex-boyfriend. The breakup is still so fresh and difficult that Ben can't bear to even see his ex. Having all of this stuff that reminds him of the relationship isn't helping either. It makes sense to just mail it all back to him and rid himself of that part of his life for good. As you can imagine, fate has other plans. Ben and Arthur meet in line at the post office and have a really cute conversation. The spark between the two is undeniable, but then they are separated. Was this just a chance encounter meant to fill that small moment of time, or is this something more? You'll have to read to find out. I was so drawn into the story and characters that it is almost impossible for me to objectively comment on this book. In What If It's Us co-authors Becky Albertalli (of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda fame) and Adam Silvera deliver the kind of meet-cute YA romance that you'll have a hard time putting down. I don't normally read this genre, so I was a bit apprehensive at first. As I started reading, I couldn't help but find little pieces of myself in each of the characters. There's something about navigating the final years as a teenager that is universally relatable. Take away the fact that the main characters are gay (this story could have been equally effective with a heterosexual couple), and you are still left with a story that is just too compelling to not read. Is this a great work of literature that will be touted for its prose and structure? Of course not. But there's so much about What If It's Us to like about that you won't mind the little things that would normally detract from a novel. A sequel has recently been announced, and I really can't wait to read more about these characters.

I have a love/ hate relationship with Albertalli. I really liked Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda and The Upside of Unrequited with their adorable characters and charming/ hilarious/ sometimes heartbreaking plots. I soared through these books and would recommend them to anyone- especially John Green fans. Then there was Leah On the Off Beat, which mostly angered me. I didn’t like her, or the way she acted toward her friends, how the love interest played itself out…. the book just pissed me off most of the time, with just barely enough good to keep me moving forward. What If It’s Us Brings out the best of this author- maybe due to the collab? The characters are purely magical even as they are each incredibly messy and neurotic in their own ways. I think it’s their imperfections that made them so fabulous. The premise was fantastic, the play between characters was perfect, and you saw a lot of character growth which is always a plus for me. My favorite character was definitely Dylan, the over the top best friend. I felt like he was the perfect foil for Ben. For me, this was the best book of the author’s to date. I loved it! My only objection, and it’s purely personal, I felt like the ending was too open. I want closure! And I want it to be EPIC. Still, five stars all the way. On the adult content scale, there’s some language, drinking, sexual innuendo and light sexual content. It’s not too crazy, and I would still give this one to a youngish teen. I give it a three.

I loved every minute of this book with all my heart. Couldn't put it down and finished it in 2days and I miss my boys already. I also discovered two authors that I didn't know about, so I'm glad. If you're into rainbow Rowell style of books, you will love this one!

El libro llego en buenas condiciones y en yn periodo muy corto, llego mucho antes del día que estaba programado. Ame tanto este libro, sin duda alguna Adam y Becky son la combincación perfecta, el libro estaba totalmente equilibrado con el toque tierno de Becky y el humor de Adam. Me gustaron ambos personajes y todas las referencias que hacían hacía películas, libros y música. He de decir que es uno de mis libros favoritos de este año. What If it's us nos cuenta la historia de Arthur y Ben, y el como ellos por cuestiones del destino se encuentran en una oficina de paqueteria en New York una de las ciudades más grandes. A lo largo de la historia podemos ver como los dos intentan estar juntos, sus citas son súper tiernas y sobre todo el drama que es totalmente inevitable.

I've just finished reading What if it's us. I can't put down in words how much I've enjoyed this book and how much I love it. Both Ben and Arthur are so great and amazing. Everyone should read this book.

I did not love this book that much, but I do love both the authors other books, such as they both die in the end and Simon vs the Homo sapiens agenda. Just not for me, but shipping all that was good. **didn't finish

I loved this book! POV between the 2 lead characters was well developed, makes you realize how a situation can be perceived differently between 2 people, everything is relative! It has a feel of the "Something like" series by Jay Bell mixed with "Simon..." Didn't like Arthur's personality, his impulsivity makes him look selfish, I can understand the bad reviews but there's SO many people out there acting this way that it made the book real. BTW Ben and Dylan are awesome! Great book, very moving, I had a few tears and a couple laughs many times during my reading. It's a must read! There will definitely be a sequel to that book, Epilogue was too teasing, Ben is "WOW" :) (The Universe had more planned for them!)