Ben and Arthur are about to reunite.
“This is their do over,” Albertalli shares.
We spoke to theHere’s To Usauthors about the stories they love and the ones that inspire them.
Quill Tree Books
Rom-coms that inspired Here’s to Us
Adam Silvera:Jim and Pam’s love story.
Becky Albertalli:Jim and Pam, but specifically Jim, Pam and the subplot with Karen.
LGBTQ artist you love
Silvera:Justin Tranter.
They’re a really awesome queer songwriter and they’re behind a lot of big pop hits.
Albertalli:I’m the shamelessCasey McQuistonfan.
Story you love about friendship
Silvera:Yelllowjacketsis my new obsession.
Albertalli:It’s exactly what you would expect me as a person to be obsessed, butBooksmart.
It’s like created specifically to cater to my exact interests and desires.
Underrated YA story you love
Albertalli:Ben Philippe.
The one that comes to mind for me isCharming As A Verb.
Ben is one of the most genuinely funny authors writing YA, writing anything right now.
Silvera:I sayThe Sky Bluesby Robbie Couch.
It’s a really beautiful and funny rom-com that’s so authentic and earnest.
I love it so much.
I know Robbie has a new book coming next year that is like a gayLegally Blonde.
LGBTQ authors that excite you
Albertalli:Leah Johnson, Malinda Lo and Sophie Gonzales.
I just finishedBetween Perfect and Realby Ray Stoeve.
It’s a realistic contemporary coming-of-age with romantic elements.
Silvera:Julian Winters, Aiden Thomas, Mark Oshiro, and Nic Stone.
Silvera:Youby Caroline Kepnes.
Joe Goldberg is the funniest narrator.
He’s not supposed to be, but he’s constantly saying thinking the thing you might’t say.
YA stories that inspire you
Albertalli:This one really inspires me.
It’s hard to almost draw a line between it and my work, butAngie Thomas' work.
In particular I’m thinking aboutConcrete Rose.
Silvera:First thing that comes to mind isThe Sun Is Also A Starby Nicola Yoon.
It’s a story that stayed with me since its publication in 2016.
The main character of that book is like reading my inner monologue written down.
It’s a full of fear, anxiety and chaos brain.
I felt very seen by this noble man.
First thing you did after you finished this book
Albertalli:Definitely hanging out with my kids.
We got a puppy, so you know back to day-to-day life."
Fictional best friend you adore
Silvera:Dylan.
Writing that character was so fun for both of us.
He has to be the best friend character.
Albertalli:What you’re saying is he needs to be pretty closely regulated and I completely agree.
