Review: What If It's Us by Becky Abertalli and Adam Silvera

What if it’s Us has been on my radar for a while. My best friend Mark told me about it when it was released and I kept saying I'd borrow it from him but…he lives in Florida. And is a slow reader. (Hi Mark). So that never happened. 

When we decided to start a campaign to benefit the Ali Forney Center for Pride Month, I knew it would be the perfect time to read it. And I absolutely flew through it in 24 hours (and it’s 400+ pages). 

The story is about Arthur and Ben, two teenagers in NYC for the summer. Ben is a New Yorker, growing up in Alphabet City and stuck in summer school with his ex-boyfriend. Arthur is in the city just for the summer, interning at his mom’s law firm’s New York office. When they meet by chance at the post office, Arthur takes fate into his own hands and falls head over heels “in like” with this adorable stranger. 

But Ben has some trust issues after his last relationship and isn’t quite sure he’s ready to be anyone’s first anything. Arthur is cute and charming, but not quite his type. With everything going on, will Ben be able to set aside his insecurities for this sweet boy from Georgia? 

It’s a YA novel, so it isn’t anything brilliant in terms of writing. But it is so fun and I was smiling the whole time. I can only imagine young boys reading it and feeling seen; a love story that feels real to them. 

I think representation in literature is SO important. I read because I love relating to certain characters and stories. If I didn’t see myself in them, I don’t know how that would have made me feel. 

I think everyone should read this book, especially young people. It’s cute, fun, light, with the right amount of drama and social commentary. 4/5 stars! 

Don’t forget to donate to the Ali Forney Center by June 26th to be entered to win a pride pack! Click here to donate.

Image sourced from Google Images/Publisher. I do not claim to own it.