What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera Book Review

Title: What If It’s Us 

Authors: Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

Available on: Overdrive

Arthur, an academically ambitious and dramatic Broadway fanatic, “kind of” lives in New York, and is simultaneously awed and annoyed by the city. Ben really lives in the city, but because money is tight at home – and because he’s in summer school – the extent of his New York City adventures is limited to coffee shop exploring with his best friend, Dylan. Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera have crafted two realistic teenage boys whose love story is adventurous, endearing, and uncertain in What if it’s Us.

As missed connections turn into awkward dates and missed opportunities, these two have only a few weeks to navigate their feelings – and their futures. Ben and Arthur’s unique, interwoven voices expose readers to the insecurities, shame, and doubts they’re not yet willing to reveal to the other; the novel is generously intimate. The copious usage of trendy slang, emojis/texting, social media platforms, products, and services may date this novel quickly, but today’s teens couldn’t ask for details that feel more current.

Most of the novel takes place over the course of a single month, but ends with a cliffhanger and an epilogue readers will want to devour immediately in order to gain details on the duo’s status fifteen months later. What begins as a novel all about New York – the glamour, the coolness – turns into a book in which New York almost fades away, in favor of these two bright young men. It’s how you live, not where you live, that really matters. 

Check out other books by Adam Silvera available on Overdrive.

Check out other books by Becky Albertalli available on Overdrive.

– Abby