The book tells the story of Arthur and Ben, two very different guys who meet by chance in New York City and start a summer romance. Arthur is a dreamer who believes in fate, while Ben still hurt from a recent breakup. However, misunderstandings and life’s challenges keep them apart for a while. Eventually, they find their way back to each other and build a loving relationship.
I loved What If It’s Us for its heartfelt and genuine portrayal of young love, where the magic of a chance encounter collides with the messy realities of relationships.
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The Classic Meet-Cute in New York City
What If It’s Us opens with a moment that feels like it’s straight out of a rom-com: Arthur, a bright-eyed high schooler from Georgia visiting New York for the summer, and Ben, a city native who’s just been through a rough breakup, meet by chance at a post office.
Their connection is instant, and it’s the kind of moment that feels serendipitous as if the universe is giving them a little nudge. However, they quickly get separated, leaving both to wonder if that brief encounter was all they were meant to have.
I’ve seen so many relationships where people rely too much on the idea of fate and forget that real connection takes work. But, I’ll admit, there’s something undeniably magical about the idea that one perfect moment can set everything in motion
Critique: Overlooked Real-Life Messiness in Meet-Cutes
While the meet-cute is charming, it leans heavily on the idea of fate, which feels overly idealistic. Real life is often messier, and not everyone believes that the universe orchestrates these encounters.
The book could have benefited from a deeper exploration of how Arthur and Ben’s initial connection set the stage for their relationship dynamics. It would have been interesting to see more focus on the realistic challenges of translating a magical moment into a meaningful relationship.
Fate, Chance, and Second Chances
After their initial, chance encounter at the post office, their lives take different turns, but the spark from their first meeting stays. They manage to reconnect through a combination of fate and effort. Their attempts to reconnect are filled with awkward first dates and nerves, reflecting the pressure to make everything perfect when you like someone.
Reading these moments took me back to my early dating experiences, where every misstep felt like it could be the end of something that hadn’t even started.
Critique: Overlooked the Complexities of Bridging Gaps in Reconnection
While the depiction of their reconnection is endearing, the book could have provided a deeper look into the complexities of how they managed to bridge the gaps that had developed between them. For instance, the story could have explored more about how they handled communication issues and misunderstandings that may have arisen.
Personal Struggles and Emotional Depth
Arthur is constantly aware that his time in New York is limited, adding a ticking clock to their relationship. Ben, on the other hand, is still dealing with the fallout from his breakup with Hudson, his ex-boyfriend who is still a part of his life. These dynamics add layers to their relationship, making it clear that love isn’t just about the sparks—it’s also about navigating the difficult stuff together.
As I read about Ben’s struggle with moving on from Hudson, I found myself rooting for him to let go, not just for Arthur’s sake, but for his own. It’s a reminder that we all carry baggage, but the key is how we deal with it, not whether it exists.
Critique: Ex-Boyfriend Drama Distracts from Main Romance
The ex-boyfriend subplot, while adding depth, sometimes overshadows the main relationship. Ben’s fixation on Hudson makes it difficult for readers to fully invest in his connection with Arthur. It seems like Ben is still more defined by his past relationship than by his current one. This is frustrating because I’m rooting for Arthur and Ben as a couple.
The Reality of Young Love
The ending is bittersweet—Arthur returns to Georgia, and they both agree not to make any promises about the future. It’s not the typical “happily ever after” but rather a more honest reflection of how relationships often play out at that age, especially when distance is involved. This choice grounds the novel, making it more relatable for readers who have experienced the uncertainty and impermanence of first love.
I’ve seen so many young couples struggle with the pressure to define their future together, and it’s not always fair
Critique: Unresolved Ending
Deciding to break up, though realistic, feels a bit unsatisfying. After investing in Arthur and Ben’s relationship, I understand how not having a clear happy ending is disappointing. It’s like all the build-up didn’t quite pay off. The open-ended conclusion leaves their future uncertain, which is frustrating for those of us who love a clear resolution in romantic stories.
Conclusion
What If It’s Us is a charming, heartwarming, and, at times, bittersweet exploration of young love. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships, acknowledging that even the most promising beginnings don’t always lead to a perfect ending.
It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever fallen in love, faced uncertainty, and wondered what might have been.
Why You Should Read What If It’s Us?
What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli is a heartwarming and uplifting romance novel that offers readers a delightful escape from the everyday. Here are a few reasons why you should consider picking up this book:
- The novel explores the idea of fate and the possibility of finding love in unexpected places. It’s a story that reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful things happen when we least expect them.
- Arthur and Ben are well-developed and relatable characters who will capture your heart. Their struggles, triumphs, and insecurities are universal, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences.
- The novel features LGBTQ+ characters and explores themes of coming out and identity.
How Long Will It Take to Read What If It’s Us?
“What If It’s Us” by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli has 437 pages.
It can be finished in approximately 5-7 hours. This estimate is based on an average reading speed of 250-300 words per minute. However, your reading time may vary depending on your reading speed and how often you take breaks.
Reader’s Thoughts About What If It’s Us?
Readers praise its relatable characters, heartwarming story, and realistic portrayal of young love. Many readers found the story uplifting and enjoyable, with a satisfying ending that left them feeling hopeful and content. The characters were widely praised for their authenticity and relatability, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences.
While “What If It’s Us” has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, there have been few criticisms from some readers. Some have found the pace of the story a bit slow, particularly in the middle sections. Additionally, a few readers have expressed a desire for more depth in the exploration of the characters’ backgrounds and experiences.
Rating and Recommendation
Based on my experience and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers, I believe “What If It’s Us” deserves a high rating.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
Recommendation: I highly recommend “What If It’s Us” to fans of contemporary romance and anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read. It’s a perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life and a reminder of the power of human connection.
As a married wife, founder, and editor of SpouseMag.com – these guides are based on my own personal experiences, observations, research and insights. I am transparent about being inspired by the life and work of the two greatest experts in the relationship space – Dr. John and Julia Gottman, and Harville and Helen. They two are some of the strongest couples, researchers, authors, and counselors when it comes to marriage and relationships. My advice and guides are based on my insights and research, and they are not an alternative to professional advice.
