Here's to Us

Becky Albertalli | Adam Silvera

Review ★★★★★

This book is the highly-anticipated sequel to What If It's Us by Albertalli and Silvera. The story picks up where the first book left off and we see the protagonists in their mostly separate lives some time after their summer together in New York City. Throughout the book, many characters from the first book reappear, and a few new characters are introduced.

Much like the first book, the story is told from the alternating points of view of our two protagonists, Ben and Arthur. We see the protagonists move through their lives until fate ends up bringing them together again, and they must figure out what it means for them.

This book is a marvelous sequel and gives the story a more proper ending than the first book. (No spoilers!) The ending is truly one that that both fits the characters and one that they deserve. The epilogue specifically is truly wonderful and emotional.

All that is not to say that the book doesn't have its worthwhile rising and falling actions. Sometimes, the answers are not easy or clear for the characters. As a result, the characters grow a great deal throughout this book. The character growth is beautifully written and it elegantly suits the plot.

This book is an excellent read and a great recommendation for anyone who read What If It's Us, or anyone who is a fan of Albertalli's or Silvera's body of work, or for anyone who has enjoyed similar YA titles in the past.

Notable Quotes

"This is every relationship. You start with nothing and maybe end with everything." (22)


"Whenever this world bores me, I got back to creating my own." (151)


"I think it's less about following my heart and more about understanding that my heart is dragging me somewhere." (258)


"Knowing I loved him was like knowing my own name." (264)


"People don't warn you that heartbreak is a chronic condition. Maybe it quiets down a little over time, or you can muffle it with distance, but the ache never quite dials down to zero. It's lurking in the background, ready to flare back up the minute you let your guard down." (286)


"Sometimes happily ever afters aren't about your happiness at all." (307)


"Sometimes boxes are carrying goodbyes. And sometimes they're carrying fresh starts. ... Back to my box metaphor, sometimes things go in storage for a bit. You don't take them with you, but you don't throw them away either. They're waiting for you when you get home." (377-379)


"I once wondered if we were a love story or a story about love. I now know the answer." (435)


"Not every story has a happy ending.

Sometimes you try and try, but it doesn't come together. You end up wasting so much time trying to force something that will never work, instead of moving on to the next best thing. It's a really tough lesson, especially when there's years of comfort and happiness involved. It's even tougher when big dreams are involved. But saying goodbye can be really freeing and open new doors for you." (447)

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