What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
(Format used for this read: Audiobook)
I really need some “not so serious” books right now.
My anxiety is crazy just like everyone else’s due to this pandemic and when I jump into a read these days I need a break….
I usually like deep, profound and educational books along with my fun fiction but currently….
all I want is an entertaining escape.
I looked up current available YA books (because y’all know me and you KNOW I CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH) and when I found this rom-com I knew it would be a great fit.
And I was correct!
Here is a summary:
“ Critically acclaimed and bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera combine their talents in this smart, funny, heartfelt collaboration about two very different boys who can’t decide if the universe is pushing them together—or pulling them apart.
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?”
Before I review this book I need to say this:
The past couple years I have really tried to diversify my reading list…
I have been intentional to choose authors of color and ensure that my book shelf was filled with many perspectives of people with various ethnic backgrounds.
This year, I am trying to continue that but I also am trying to be more intentional on making sure my books include voices from the LGBTQ+ community.
I have not been the best in hearing from their voices enough in my reads and I am trying to change that.
Okay…on to my review!
This book was an ADORABLE teen romantic comedy with everything that makes one wonderful…
A few “meet cute” moments, falling in love for the first time, hilarious best friends, amazing coincidences and of course ALL THE DRAMA…
all set with the perfect romantic backdrop of New York City in the summer.
The book is told from Arthur and Bens points of views…
and y’all the voice actor who reads Arthur’s words on this audiobook is probably the most PRECIOUS thing I have heard!
He embodies the character SO SO SO well and is SO expressive!
If you listen to audiobooks, you know when there is a captivating voice actor they make the story come ALIVE in your brain in such a fun way…
he TOTALLY does that!
The other actor who voiced Ben was good too… but I admit I looked forward to hearing Arthur’s chapters more 😄
I’ll admit that as a 39 year old stay at home mom who lives in the Midwest there were some teen references/slang that were TOTALLY lost on me 🤣 but other than that the story was completely enjoyable and heartwarming.
I laughed, cried, got disappointed, was surprised and had all the emotional roller coaster craziness of feelings you’re supposed to have with a teen romance.
This book is SCREAMING to be made into a movie and I could totally envision it the whole time I was reading…
I even was imagining a perfect soundtrack (although it would probably be TOTALLY not on trend since I am middle aged and my knowledge of hip teen music is slim to none 🤣)
The two author collaboration was super interesting and so well done too.
These two writers work extremely well together and I’m excited to check out their individual works in the future.