Book Review: What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera | When a Meet-Cute at the Post Office is Misdelivered

Albertalli and Silvera's What If It's Us showcases the love story of two boys Arthur and Ben and their many dates and adventures located in New York. An enthusiastic and nerdy Georgia-native, Arthur is head over heels over the bustle of the city and its many attractions, particularly Broadway's musicals and this new guy Ben. Although Yale-bound Arthur was initially focused on gaining experience from his internship at his mother's law firm, he cannot help but become entranced by the Ben from the post office. 

Cutest boy ever. Maybe it's the hair or the freckles or the pinkness of his cheeks. And I say this as someone who's never noticed another person's cheeks in my life. But his cheeks are worth noticing.

So, that's our first description of Ben, a boy from Puerto-Rican descent who is grieving his recent break up with his ex Hudson. Left with a box of gifts and previous stuff from this relationship, Ben visits the post office to deliver and finally remove his cheater boyfriend's presence from his life once and for all. However, his life becomes more complicated when he meets Arthur, wondering if fate really brought them together as soulmates or if this is just another play on his heart. Writing a story intended for the Broadway stages, Albertalli and Silvera tug at readers' heart strings as Arthur and Ben circumvent both the pleasures and stumbles in their relationship before the daunting end of summer.

Discussion: 

                                                                               ⭐.5

Having previously read and loved Albertalli's Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I hoped for my eyes to be filled with tears from beautifully-written confessions of love and the occasional sarcastic, quick-wit joke. While the writing was engaging and paced the story well, Arthur and Ben's insta-love, ill decisions and lack of communication really ruined the love story for me. Since I was such a fan of Albertalli's debut, I was surprised that I wasn't a fan of her sequels The Upside of Unrequited, Leah on the Offbeat and now What If It's Us.

Throughout, I wasn't totally engrossed in the story because of two main parts: our protagonists Arthur and Ben. A great nerdy and overly enthusiastic personality cannot hide how overly self-centered and hurtful Arthur is, especially with Ben's heritage. Ben is constantly late for everything - even his own plans. Still, all of their conflicts together are exaggerated and rushed. I understand Arthur is only in New York for one more month, but the pace of their relationship is extremely rushed. Although Ben's best friend Dylan and his girlfriend Samantha begin dating nearly at the same time, Arthur and Ben are way past cute nicknames for each other and rush straight to the spicy scenes. While Dylan and Samantha watch Harry Potter movies and drink coffee-spiked butterbeer, Arthur and Ben worry about accomplishing the milestones of a major relationship in their one month together. As the majority of the book's audience includes young adults, I don't believe it was wise of the authors to sexualize kids who are sixteen-year-olds or glamorize this type of behavior. Every individual is allowed to love whoever they want (as long it's legal, consensual, and in the right context!); however, more emphasis should have been placed on when it's the right time versus the assumed symbolism of these two kiddos' intertwined fates.

Furthermore, the addition of Hamilton and other references from several globally-beloved fandoms is a fantastic tool to use when initially connecting characters with their audience. Arthur and Ben's obsessions with Michael Jackson's "Ben," streetcorner Hamilton acts, and overall nerdiness for all things Harry Potter were enjoyable to read; however, most of these details added unnecessary paragraphs to this book. Additionally, there are also many references to common political figures, which unfortunately are not all kind. Arthur's affinity for Barack Obama adds nothing to this story, and a sexual remark made about Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau is plain disrespectful and awkwardly added. Humor is a fantastic gift that was bestowed upon mankind; however, when these jokes can potentially harm those with families and those who are honored with serving a country’s government, I don’t believe it is fair (or either of the above authors’ responsibilities) to share these opinions when it is not critical to the story. Funny banter and sarcastic remarks are fun to read and write, and young authors like Albertalli and Silvera need recognize where and when it is their place to voice these opinions and not to an audience of young, impressionable minds. 

Plus, I don’t see them toying with Obama and his sexuality so…double standards, may I say?

Another thing, you can definitely tell that Arthur is written by Albertalli and Ben is written by Silvera. It is fantastic to see characters who reflect their authors' identities and experiences, but I wish there was more cohesiveness between both of these talented writers since I felt rude intruding on "their" love story aka child.

So, what did I like? Any saving graces? 

    1. Dylan and Samantha's relationship is believable and completely adorable. I so wish the love story was about these two and from Dylan’s perspective because his sarcasm and edge-of-gay humor were golden!

    2. The friend groups of both Arthur and Ben are supportive. Even hundred of miles away, Jessie and Ethan, Arthur's friends in Georgia, follow Arthur throughout every step of his relationship. From the awkward post office meeting to the heartbreak, it's amazing to see this type of friendship mature. Although Arthur may not recognize how fortunate he is to have both of them and their silly Wafflehouse traditions, I was rooting for both Jessie and Ethan to make it out of Arthur's haunted house before the end of the book. 

    3. The Character Arcs

        Arthur, again, starts out extremely selfish and overly conceited, as shown in Exhibit A:

If there is a pregnant lady on the airplane, she’s named her unborn kid after me by the time the plane lands.

And, Exhibit B:

I’ll just say my phone stopped blowing up with his texts approximately five seconds after I came out. I’m not going to lie: it’s the crappiest feeling ever. One of these days, I’m going to call him out, and it’s going to be soon.

Yes, because Ethan cannot have his own personal struggles besides your aching butt.

But, throughout the score of the book, he does come to recognize that his life is not the Sun and he has no one spinning in circles for him - except this book of course.

Also, Ben, Dylan, Harriet, and Hudson's reunion was a great showcase for all those out there with ex-friends! You got it, buddy!

- - -

I believe in love at first sight. Fate, the universe, all of it. But not how you're thinking. I don't mean it in our souls were split and you're my other half forever and ever sort of way. I just think you're meant to meet some people. I think the universe nudges them into your path. Even on random Monday afternoons in July. Even at the post office.

For what I have to say, one book was enough, and I will not be continuing with the rest of this series.

Stayin' Alive, 

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So, as this is a 2018 release, does the series get better? Do you have an book recommendations of either Albertalli's or Silvera's? What is a meet-cute trope you love or despise? Interact with me in the comments below or via any of my social medias!