Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli

Yes No Maybe So (2020) is a charming and socially conscious Young Adult contemporary novel co-written by Becky Albertalli (author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and Aisha Saeed (author of Amal Unbound).

The book is a dual-perspective story that blends a sweet "slow-burn" romance with themes of political activism, cultural identity, and the power of local change.

1. The Premise: Canvassing for Change

The story follows two teenagers who are pushed together during a summer of local political campaigning in Georgia:

• Jamie Goldberg: A shy, Jewish teenager who is great behind the scenes but terrified of public speaking.

• Maya Rehman: A headstrong, Pakistani-American girl who is dealing with a "dry" summer after her best friend moved away and her parents announced a separation.

They end up volunteering for a local state senate candidate, Jordan Rossum, whose platform challenges a discriminatory bill. As they go door-to-door canvassing, their awkward interactions turn into a deep friendship and, eventually, something more.

2. Key Themes

• Political Awakening: The book explores what it means to care about something enough to actually do something. It highlights that local elections often have the biggest impact on daily life.

• Identity and Religion: The authors draw from their own backgrounds to provide authentic portrayals of Jewish and Muslim traditions. The book addresses the rising tide of Islamophobia and Antisemitism with both sensitivity and urgency.

• The "Slow-Burn" Romance: Unlike many YA novels with "insta-love," Jamie and Maya’s relationship is built on shared values, shared awkwardness, and a lot of walking.

• Family Dynamics: Both characters have rich family lives—Jamie with his grandmother (who is a scene-stealer) and Maya with her parents' complicated relationship.

3. Collaborative Writing

The magic of this book lies in the collaboration between Albertalli and Saeed.

• Jamie’s chapters (written by Albertalli) carry her trademark humor and "awkward-teen" voice.

• Maya’s chapters (written by Saeed) offer a soulful look at navigating cultural expectations and personal heartbreak.

• Together, they create a cohesive narrative that feels like a conversation between two best friends.

4. Why It Resonates

• Hopeful but Realistic: It doesn’t shy away from the fact that activism is hard and that you don't always "win" in politics, but it emphasizes that the effort is what matters.

• Diverse Representation: It’s a rare YA book that centers on a Jewish-Muslim romance, treating both cultures with immense respect and joy (especially the food!).

• Relatable Stakes: It captures that specific teenage feeling of wanting to change the world while still being worried about whether you’re about to trip over your own feet.

5. Who Should Read It?

• Fans of "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon.

• Anyone looking for a romance that is grounded in real-world issues.

• Readers who want to feel inspired to get involved in their own communities.

A Heartfelt Takeaway

"It’s a story about the courage it takes to speak up—whether you’re speaking to a voter on a porch or to the person you’re falling in love with."