*This review will not contain spoilers*
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 nail a first date even after three do-overs. 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?
This was the realest book I’ve ever read. And I think that is the first time I’ve said that and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Books that feel so ‘real’ have never really sat well with me, most likely due to my emotion state when I read them. But this was was so wonderful.
It’s about two boys who are so different and yet so alike. I loved seeing their stark differences when apart, but when they are together, they just fit. They just work, even though it’s messy. I found that to be a common thing running through the story that relationships are messy. Life is messy. It was done in such a spectacular way that I felt like a real representation of life was given and yet it didn’t feel hopeless. It focused more on how to climb out of the mess and how to look at the mess in a positive light, than the mess itself. And that stuck with me.
Another thing I loved was the importance of little irritations or little things that are big things to some people. Everybody has them and I loved how they were portrayed here. It was talked about. Ben and Arthur both made concise decisions to respect them about each other. And it was done through COMMUNICATION.
There was so much conversation and communication in this book. It was fantastic. Problems are talked about and I loved that so much. Sure, there are giddy ups, but hey, life is messy.
I was scared going into the ending. I was ready to have my heart broken. It definitely was, but it wasn’t by the ending. I’m actually surprised it didn’t end at a different part, because that would have been heart breaking, but in a good way that would work. Instead, we got a different ending. It was sad, but I finished the book with a feeling of hope. I liked it. I really did.
Broadway is a huge influence in this book and it was so fun seeing all the references! And it also got me thinking about the book as a musical. And I came to the conclusion on how absolutely perfect that would be. I can so completely see it that I need it to happen.
What If It’s Us manages to be real, adorable, relevant, sad, and hopeful all at the same time. It is a such a wonderful blend of both authors writing styles. It was amazing.
What If It’s Us comes out October 9, 2018.
Pre-order link: https://www.amazon.com/What-If-Its-Becky-Albertalli/dp/0062795252
theelvenwarrior.com 