What If It's Us
| Company type | Book series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera |
| Products | Young adult romantic comedy novels |
| Parent | HarperTeen, Simon and Schuster |
What If It's Us is a young adult romantic comedy book series co-authored by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, released through HarperTeen and Simon and Schuster. The collection consists of two volumes: What If It's Us (2019) and its follow-up, Here's To Us (2021).
The narrative centers on Arthur and Ben, two teenage boys who cross paths unexpectedly at a New York City post office and embark on a romantic journey. The story is presented from alternating viewpoints, with the first novel focusing on their initial encounter, while the sequel revisits their lives years later after reuniting.
This series represents the inaugural collaborative effort between Albertalli and Silvera following a longstanding friendship.
The audiobook adaptation features American actors Noah Galvin portraying Arthur and Froy Gutierrez as Ben.
Plot summary
During a coffee errand in New York City, Arthur spots Ben at a post office sending a breakup box to his former partner. Unable to locate him afterward, Arthur leaves a message at the coffee shop where they met. Concurrently, Ben faces challenges attending summer school alongside his ex, Hudson, and enlists the help of friends Dylan and Samantha to track down Arthur. Upon discovering Arthur's posted note, Ben contacts him via email, leading to their reunion.
Their relationship begins to blossom, but complications arise when Arthur notices Ben still retains the breakup box, causing him to question Ben’s dedication. Their bond strengthens through their first kiss and an almost intimate moment that halts when Arthur expresses feeling unprepared.
Arthur ends things after spotting Hudson in class. Soon after, friends Jessie and Ethan disclose their hidden relationship with Arthur, resulting in his estrangement from both social circles.
When Dylan is hospitalized, Ben reaches out to Arthur for support. They reconcile, celebrate an impromptu birthday gathering together, and share an intimate experience. Ben presents Arthur with chapters from his fantasy novel featuring him as a character.
As summer concludes, Arthur returns to Georgia. They part amicably, deciding against maintaining a long-distance relationship.
Characters
- Arthur Seuss – A sixteen-year-old intern at his mother's law firm in New York City with a deep passion for Broadway musicals, particularly Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Character created by Becky Albertalli.
- Benjamin "Ben" Alejo – A white-passing Puerto Rican teenager attending summer school in New York to avoid repeating a grade. He is an aspiring writer. Created by Adam Silvera.
- Hudson Robinson – Ben's former boyfriend.
- Harriett – A former friend of Ben.
- Dylan Boggs – Ben’s closest friend, known for his love of coffee and gaming; characterized as a hopeless romantic.
- Samantha O'Malley – Dylan’s romantic interest.
- Jessie – One of Arthur’s close friends from home.
- Ethan Gerson – Another of Arthur's acquaintances who has behaved oddly since Arthur came out.
- Juliet and Namrata – Colleagues working alongside Arthur at the law firm.
What If It's Us
What If It's Us received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal, along with favorable remarks from Booklist.
| Year | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction | Nominee |
| 2019 | ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults | Top 10 Selection |
| 2020 | Rhode Island Teen Book Award | Honor Recipient |
Here's To Us
Here's To Us earned starred accolades from both Kirkus and Booklist, and achieved the status of a #1 bestseller on the New York Times list.
Cancelled adaptation
In September 2018, Albertalli and Silvera transferred the film rights to Anonymous Content, with Brian Yorkey attached as the screenwriter. Although production was initially scheduled for 2020, it was ultimately halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Silvera disclosed on Threads.