Quick Summary: What If It’s Us is a contemporary romance novel that explores the unexpected connections and heartfelt moments that can arise between two young men, Arthur and Ben, as they navigate their own challenges and embark on a journey of love in New York City.
What If It’s Us Book Summary
What If It’s Us is a novel co-written by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli. The story follows two main characters, Arthur and Ben, who meet at a post office in New York City. Arthur is in the city for the summer, visiting from Georgia, while Ben is a local high school student. Both boys are searching for something in their lives, but they do not know exactly what that is yet.
Arthur has a strong sense of imagination and is a romantic at heart. He believes in love at first sight and is determined to make the most out of his time in New York City. On the other hand, Ben is a more cautious character who has faced heartbreak and loss. He is struggling with his own identity and relationships, and he is skeptical about love.
The chance encounter at the post office sparks a connection between the two. They exchange brief introductions and eventually decide to meet again after circumstances lead them to lose touch. The story unfolds as they both try to get to know one another again, navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, family dynamics, and personal struggles. The bond between Arthur and Ben develops, but they also face challenges along the way.
The plot captures various experiences that shape their identities, such as friendship, heartache, and discovering their true selves. Arthur is determined to believe in the possibility of love, while Ben’s past experiences make him uncertain. They both learn from each other, teaching one another lessons about vulnerability and openness.
As the narrative progresses, readers are taken on a journey filled with fun moments, laughter, serious conversations, and emotional experiences. Both characters are relatable for teenagers as they explore the world of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Readers can connect with the challenges they face in their relationships, not just with each other but also with family and friends.
What If It’s Us is not just a love story; it is also about the journey of life. Arthur and Ben learn that while love can be messy and uncertain, it can also bring joy and purpose. The ending leaves readers with a feeling of hope, suggesting that even if things do not go as planned, there is beauty in the connections we make along the way. The narrative style captures the thoughts and emotions of both characters through alternating chapters, allowing readers to see their individual perspectives and how they overlap.
What If It’s Us Book Review
The novel received positive reviews from critics and readers alike. Many appreciated the authentic voices of the characters and the exploration of relevant themes such as LGBTQ+ identity, love, and acceptance. The decision to have two well-known authors come together has resulted in a rich and dynamic storytelling experience.
Readers have praised the relatability of the characters, with Arthur embodying optimism while Ben reflects a more realistic and nuanced attitude toward relationships. This combination creates a compelling narrative where both characters grow and learn from each other, making their connection feel genuine.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the humor that runs throughout the narrative. The witty banter and humorous situations add a light-hearted touch to what could have been a heavy story. This balance between humor and serious topics makes it enjoyable for readers of various ages.
The representation of LGBTQ+ relationships is handled delicately and authentically. Readers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community have expressed gratitude for the accurate representation and the focus on personal journeys that reflect their own experiences. The book successfully highlights the importance of being true to oneself and embracing love in any form.
However, some readers felt that the story followed certain clichés often found in young adult romance. While the themes are relatable, certain plot points may seem predictable. Despite this, the rich character development and emotional depth help elevate the story and keep readers engaged.
Lessons From What If It’s Us
Lesson 1: Embrace Vulnerability
One of the key lessons from the novel is the importance of embracing vulnerability. Both Arthur and Ben start the story with barriers around their hearts. Arthur believes in love but is afraid of getting hurt, while Ben’s past heartbreak makes him cautious. Through their journey together, they learn that being vulnerable allows for deeper connections and greater understanding.
This lesson resonates with readers because vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness. However, the story emphasizes that opening up and sharing emotions can lead to stronger relationships. Whether in friendships or romantic connections, allowing oneself to be vulnerable fosters trust and intimacy.
Lesson 2: The Value of Perspective
Throughout the narrative, the alternating perspectives of Arthur and Ben provide readers with insights into their thoughts and feelings. This emphasizes the lesson that everyone has a unique viewpoint and understanding of situations. It is essential to consider others’ experiences and emotions when navigating relationships.
This lesson encourages readers to communicate openly and listen actively to others. By doing so, we not only validate their feelings but also gain a better understanding of their actions and motivations. Perspective-taking is crucial to building empathy and understanding in any connection.
Lesson 3: Love is a Journey, Not a Destination
The story illustrates that love is not just about finding a perfect partner but rather a journey filled with experiences—both ups and downs. Arthur and Ben encounter obstacles and hardships; however, they discover that love is about learning, adapting, and growing together.
This lesson reminds readers that love can be complex and requires effort. It encourages the idea that building relationships is an ongoing process, where individuals evolve and develop together over time.
Who Would I Recommend What If It’s Us To?
This book is perfect for young adults and teenagers. It is especially recommended for anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance and coming-of-age stories. Readers interested in LGBTQ+ representation will find connection and relatability within this narrative. People looking for a light yet impactful read will also appreciate the humor and charm throughout the story.
Additionally, fans of the authors’ previous works will likely be thrilled with this collaboration. It serves as a great introduction to their style for new readers and could resonate with their existing audience due to its relatable themes and characters.
Final Thoughts
What If It’s Us is a warm and relatable story about love, self-discovery, and the power of connection. It encourages readers to be vulnerable, open to new experiences, and embrace the unpredictability of love. The engaging characters and humorous writing style make it a delightful read for a wide range of audiences.
This novel is a beautiful reminder that love can be complex yet rewarding, and finding the right person is not always the goal—living the journey is what truly matters. Fans of young adult literature will find themselves captivated by the whimsical world of Arthur and Ben and the lessons they learn along the way.
For those interested in exploring more unique literature, consider checking out The Girl in the White Van or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Both stories offer unforgettable experiences and lessons that complement the themes found in What If It’s Us.