One-line Summary:

What If It’s Us is a heartwarming and humorous young adult novel that follows the unexpected romance between two boys, Arthur and Ben, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery in the bustling city of New York.

Meeting by Chance

Arthur Seuss is a Broadway enthusiast from Georgia spending his summer interning at his mom’s law firm in New York City, while Ben Alejo is a native New Yorker who recently broke up with his boyfriend and is struggling with his post-high school plans. When the two boys cross paths at a post office, their lives are forever changed.

A Series of Missed Connections

Despite their immediate connection, Arthur and Ben fail to exchange contact information, leaving them to rely on fate to bring them together again. As they navigate the bustling streets of New York, they encounter a series of missed connections and near-misses, each encounter bringing them closer to the possibility of a relationship.

Throughout their journey, Arthur and Ben face various obstacles, including Arthur’s fear of rejection and Ben’s reluctance to open up after his recent heartbreak. They also grapple with the challenges of communication and the complexities of navigating a relationship in a city as vibrant and chaotic as New York.

The Power of Second Chances

As Arthur and Ben continue to cross paths, they learn valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and the importance of second chances. They discover that sometimes, the universe has a way of bringing people together, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

As their relationship develops, Arthur and Ben also explore their own identities and aspirations. Arthur, who is openly gay, struggles with the pressure to conform to societal expectations, while Ben, who is Puerto Rican, grapples with his cultural heritage and the expectations placed upon him by his family.

Together, they navigate these challenges with humor, vulnerability, and a deepening understanding of one another. They learn to embrace their differences and celebrate their shared experiences, ultimately finding strength in their connection.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of serendipity: The novel explores the idea that chance encounters can have a profound impact on our lives and that sometimes, the universe has a way of bringing people together.
• The complexities of love and identity: Arthur and Ben’s relationship highlights the challenges of navigating love and self-discovery, particularly in the context of societal expectations and cultural backgrounds.
• The importance of communication and second chances: The story emphasizes the value of open and honest communication in relationships, as well as the power of forgiveness and second chances.

“Maybe this isn’t the end of the story for us. Maybe we’re just in the middle.”

In the heartwarming and relatable novel, What If It’s Us, authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera deliver a captivating story of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Through the endearing characters of Arthur and Ben, readers are reminded of the power of serendipity, the complexities of love and identity, and the importance of communication and second chances. As Arthur and Ben navigate the bustling streets of New York City, their journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are found in the most unexpected places.