0.00 ৳
0.00 ৳
What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli
Our intuitive system ensures effortless navigation for users of all skill levels. Its clean interface and logical organization make tasks easy to complete. With tooltips and contextual help, users quickly become productive, enjoying a smooth and efficient experience.
"What If It’s Us" (2018) is a charming, high-energy Young Adult contemporary novel co-written by two powerhouses of the genre: Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and Adam Silvera (They Both Die at the End).
The book is a love letter to New York City, Broadway musicals, and the "missed connection" tropes of romantic comedies. It is unique because it combines Albertalli’s signature optimistic "fluff" with Silvera’s trademark emotional realism and angst.
1. The Premise: A "Meet-Cute" in a Post Office
The story is told in alternating perspectives between two teenage boys who couldn't be more different:
Arthur Seuss: A summer intern from Georgia who is obsessed with Broadway. He believes in "the universe," fate, and that life should feel like a musical.
Ben Alejo: A native New Yorker who is attending summer school after a messy breakup. He is cynical about love and is currently carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things to the post office.
They have a brief, electric encounter at a post office, but they are separated before they can exchange names or numbers. The first third of the book follows their frantic, digital-age search to find each other again in a city of eight million people.
2. The Themes: Reality vs. The Musical
The core of the book explores the friction between romantic expectations and messy reality.
The "Do-Over" Dates: Once Arthur and Ben finally find each other, their "perfect" romance doesn't immediately click. They suffer through a series of disastrous "do-over" dates—including food poisoning, awkward silences, and bad timing.
The Summer Fling: Because Arthur is only in NYC for the summer, the book grapples with the "expiration date" of their relationship. Can a "universe-ordained" connection survive a long-distance reality?
Identity and Heritage: Ben’s identity as a Puerto Rican teen and his struggles with school provide a grounded contrast to Arthur’s more privileged, theater-kid enthusiasm.
3. Key Characters
| Character | Personality | Perspective |
| Arthur | Optimistic, "extra," huge Hamilton fan. | Believes the universe wants them together. |
| Ben | Realistic, cautious, aspiring writer. | Worries that "the universe" is actually a prankster. |
| The Best Friends | Ethan (Arthur) and Dylan (Ben). | Provide the comedic relief and reality checks for the leads. |
4. Writing Style: A Tale of Two Authors
The collaboration is seamless but distinct:
Albertalli’s Arthur: His chapters are fast-paced, filled with exclamation points, and deeply endearing. He represents the "High" of a new crush.
Silvera’s Ben: His chapters are more introspective and occasionally melancholy. He represents the "Weight" of past baggage.
Pop Culture Galore: The book is packed with references to Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, Harry Potter, and various NYC landmarks like 51st Street and various post offices.
5. Why It’s a Standout YA Romance
The Anti-Rom-Com: While it uses all the tropes (the meet-cute, the grand gesture), it often subverts them. It shows that finding the "one" is only the beginning; staying with them takes actual work.
The New York Setting: The city is a character in its own right—hot, crowded, expensive, and magical.
The Ending: Without spoiling it, the book refuses to give a typical, sugary-sweet ending. Instead, it offers something more mature and bittersweet, which was later expanded upon in the 2021 sequel, "Here’s To Us."
A Whimsical Takeaway
"I believe in the universe. But I also believe that the universe needs a little help sometimes."