Out In The Media

Out In The Media

The True Team review some of their favorites!

Photo by Kaylee Duff.

What If It’s Us, Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

448 pp. HarperTeen. $18.99.

By Kaylee Duff

Released in 2018, What If It’s Us is a contemporary young adult romance novel that just does not disappoint. It’s told in split perspectives, with each author championing Arthur’s and Ben’s points of view. On a craft-level, the separate POVs are spot-on. Never once does a reader question the authenticity of voice or tone, because everything is so beautifully consistent, which can be hard to pull off. Albertalli and Silvera totally nailed it with their writing. Arthur and Ben run into each other at a New York City post office, and sparks fly, but the two part ways. Maybe the universe has other plans — until after a series of comedic events, the boys end up back in each other’s lives. What If It’s Us is basically Netflix-worthy rom-com material, but in book form, which is even better. There are enough pop culture references (everything from Broadway to Harry Potter) that there’s something in here for everyone. It is absolutely hilarious; I found myself literally laughing out loud at a lot of the jokes. Ben and Dylan might even have the world’s best bromance. On top of being wildly romantic, this YA novel gets right to the heart of friendship, and why even those types of relationships can be tricky, but are always worth it in the end. As always with these two authors, the book is overflowing with much-needed representation. The diverse cast of characters reminds us of the vibrancy of those we know in real life, and they have no qualms touching on tough subjects like race, education, opportunity and teenage sex. Really, it’s all such great stuff. The seemingly infinite do-overs in this book will have you ready to take on the new year with the right motto — that even though the universe has your back, it’s okay to take matters into your own hands. In the best way possible, What If It’s Us is truly a celebration of the culture that we live in right now.

Camp

By Chris Leaming

Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003, and currently available on Hulu, Camp is my go-to feel good movie. During this film, you follow an eclectic group of teenagers during their summer at theatre camp. The movie has a tone that makes you feel like you are attending the same camp as you’re watching it. Created as independent film, the director was able to make it a little more edgy than you would expect from a box office hit in theaters (which is one of the biggest reasons why I love this movie so much). The musicality in this movie will leave you nothing but impressed, especially the opening and closing numbers. And of course, these is going to be DRAMA when you are dealing with teenagers at theatre camp. I was a show choir and theatre kid in high school and I think this movie is my go-to because it’s so relatable. From the musicals that were performed to the friendships that were made and the drama that was created, Camp is very similar to my high school experience. If you were in theatre or show choir in high school, I highly recommend watching this fantastic movie.

The Happytime Murders

By Jeff Skinner

Anytime I want to smile or laugh, I find myself watching a Melissa McCarthy movie. If I’m feeling down or having a hard time, her movies never fail to make me feel a bit better, even if just for an hour or so. The Happytime Murders came out in August of 2018 and stars comedy powerhouses Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks and Maya Rudolph. Phil is a puppet detective who lost his job. The Happytime was an old TV show; during the movie, someone starts murdering the cast members. Phil and his old partner detective Connie Edwards (played by my favorite, Melissa McCarthy) get back together to try and find the bad puppet before the whole cast is murdered. This movie is certainly an adult comedy that is not suitable for children, but if you’re looking for a laugh and you love Melissa McCarthy and great comedy, I recommend this movie to you!