I was sent a free review copy from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. This review is not spoiler free. Content warning: Homophobia Australian release date: October 9th, 2018 So what if it's us? What if it's us, and only us? And what came before won't count anymore or matter - can we try that? What if it's you, and what if it's me And what if that's all that we need it to be And the rest of the world falls away? What do you say? I’m so so happy that LGBTQI+ fiction is thriving, and that we’re seeing more and more queer love stories. It warms my lil heart!!!! :’) I’ve read two of Becky Albertalli’s titles - ’Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda’ and ‘Leah On The Offbeat’. However, this was my first Adam Silvera book and I am hooked by his character work, and his way of showing emotions. Before I even finished this, I bought ’They Both Die At The End’. I am ready for the feels-trip. “We go on into the heart of Times Square. Tons of foot traffic keeps splitting us up, but we always make our way back to each other, not letting strollers or group selfies keep us apart. When I get his hand next, I keep him close and I don’t want to let go. Not tonight. Not ever.” Albertalli and Silvera’s collaboration was an absolute joy to devour. I tried to pace myself, I really did. But both leading characters are so loveable that I couldn’t stop myself from reading. Individually, both Ben and Arthur are well-rounded, three-dimensional characters. They are people. Sometimes YA romances only focus on the two lovers, possibly including a third for ~dramatic effect~, but this book made me feel like I know Ben and Arthur as humans, as well as epic love story. And together!! A powerhouse couple!! With real troubles and flaws!! Supporting one another through difficult times!! Fighting just like normal couples fight!! Their romance is sweet and supportive and made my heart flutter. I really loved that their romance had highs and lows, that Ben’s lateness made Arthur mad and that Ben considered Arthur’s lack of romantic experience when planning dates and romantic moments. These things are so so important, particular for queer love stories. Too often we put up with the bare minimum because we are desperate for the representation, but this book and the way these characters were written did not make me settle for less. I love these two. Also, the post-office scene where Arthur and Ben / 'Box-Boy' first meet was the definition of a meet-cute. How incredible! The background characters were very fun. Firstly we have Ethan and Jessie, who I really loved. They gave me Simon and Leah vibes - until they ended up together. I think it was important to see parts of Arthur’s life back in Georgia, it helped me see him as a true ‘fish out of water’ in NYC. I loved how Arthur was constantly FaceTiming them, and I loved the dynamic between Ethan and Arthur, especially its conclusion at Arthur's birthday. Ben’s friends were a hit and miss - I really liked Samantha but Dylan wasn’t all that interesting. I liked Ben’s post-relationship struggled with Hudson (and I also love how we as readers meet Hudson - too funny!!) but I didn’t love Harriet. And the law girls!! Juliet and Namrata!! I thought they were so much fun, and the best gal pals that Arthur could have had. They were the type of characters I’ve very rarely seen in YA - not super important and probably wouldn’t be terribly missed if they weren’t included, but fun to have around, and the story is better off for having them around. I loved all the little nerd references - Harry Potter was a big one, understandably - but it was the theatre references that sold me! Ben sitting down determinedly and listening to Hamilton and freaking out over It's Quiet Uptown is a forever mood. The scene when Ben and Arthur sat outside the theatre having a jam sesh was the cutest thing ever. I also really loved how the whole book centred around What If It’s Us from Dear Evan Hansen - I particularly liked the ‘Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3’ dividers with lyrics from the song. It tied each section of the book together, and it was a really cute way of mapping Ben and Arthur’s love story - What If / It's Us / And Only Us. New York City was also the PERFECT backdrop for this story. A couple of little things that irked me. I was pretty confused as to Ben and Arthur’s ages for a little while. I thought Arthur was a year older - in the summer between senior year and college, and Ben in the summer between his junior and senior years. I was corrected eventually, but I was a little confused for a while. I might just be the culture difference as I'm not American, but it was resolved quickly in my head. As much as I loved this book, I’m kinda pretending the ending was different?? I realise that having Ben and Arthur actually end up together forever and ever is not realistic as is incredibly cliche. But I think cliches exist for a reason and that reason is that they’re amazing and satisfying. I really hope Albertalli and Silvera collaborate again. This was adorable. I’m in love. 4.5 stars!
0 Comments
|
WELCOME!Hello!! My name is Tessa, and I'm a 20 year old bookseller and blogger from Sydney Australia. I love queer YA, Schitt's Creek, and pizza scrolls. Archives
July 2020
Categories |