A review by stories_of_the_soul27
Here's To Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

There's something about this title that instantly fills you with hope and warmth. And that's exactly what this book filled me up with. But also this book ripped my heart. Yes not exaggerating. But I love this book so so much. Definitely more than What if it's US? 
To see Ben and Arthur again, 2 years later, more mature but still same mess, felt so good. I haven't read much of second-chance-at-love stuffs but this trope may just be up my alley. Especially when done so right. The mutual pining and then immediately refuting their feelings, simultaneously broke my heart and made me smile (smile because I was so happy seeing that they still care so much for each other). I loved the gang more than before. So so much happened this time. I'm really proud of each of them for all the changes and developments in their life. ( there's so much of Dylan and Samantha here but I wished equal participation of Jessie and Ethan too) 
Also this book made me love Ben and Arthur more. The familiar feeling you have when you see your friends after a long time? Seeing Arthur go over the top with everything and Ben being his broody cute self : I missed them. The post office, Dave & Buster's, uncle Milton's apartment, Levain Bakery, Ben and his family and the dinners : the way the past was blended so beautifully into the present was amazing. 

And there are so many lines I'm in love with. 

"He used a postcard from our past to announce his future." 
"The only time New York kept us apart was when I was here and he wasn't. " 
"I guess he still hasn't figured out that his face is the best view in New York. Nope, nope, nope. Delete that thought." 
"Back to being sixteen, in my ridiculous tie, dumbstruck by this boy and his big cardboard box." 
"Love how I'm not being an obvious fucking fanboy for my ex-boyfriend. " 
"I feel as instantly at home with Ben as I always did." 
"Happiness is tricky when it comes to the person who used to make you happy."

And then this scene : He smiles and says "yeah" and then we just kind of stare at each other for a minute. Or ten minutes. Or ten hours. I don't know how to measure time when Ben's looking at me. 

Tell me how can I remain calm with all this happening around the story?!!!?!!!!?

Also the epic fucking line " What if we don't?" The biggest what if!!!!! My God Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, you outdid yourselves with this book. Love love love love you!!!!! ♡

There were equal amounts of sweet and sad moments. Yes I laughed and smiled and cried - both happy and sad because there were so many what ifs this time. 

Most of all I liked how despite having it really good with their respective boyfriends they still veered to each other. Like it was meant to be. All along it was meant to be. I did feel sad for Mikey and Mario. Loved them but sorry still can't root for them.

This was a basic-bitch love story and it's going to be one of my favorite book of all time. 

P.S . Loved the Broadway references this time and thank god there weren't a lot of them.