The State Of Us

If you loved the heartfelt, messy romance and political undertones of 'The State of Us', you might adore 'Red, White & Royal Blue'—it’s got that same blend of swoony love story with a side of geopolitical drama. The way Casey McQuiston writes banter is pure gold, and the tension between the First Son and a British prince feels just as electric as the dynamic in 'The State of Us'. Another gem is 'Only Mostly Devastated' by Sophie Gonzales, which nails the 'secret relationship under pressure' vibe but with a lighter, more humorous touch. Both books balance personal stakes with larger societal expectations in a way that feels deeply relatable.

For something with a slightly different flavor but similar emotional resonance, 'The Gravity of Us' by Phil Stamper explores young love amid the chaos of NASA missions and media scrutiny. It’s less about political rivalry and more about personal dreams clashing with public perception, but the emotional depth is just as rich. And if you’re craving more queer stories with sharp wit and tender moments, 'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall is a must-read—it’s like if 'The State of Us' traded politics for fake dating and hilarious mishaps.

I picked up 'The State of Us' on a whim after seeing it recommended in a queer book club, and wow, did it surprise me! The story follows two teenage boys—Dre and Dean—whose parents are running against each other in a presidential election. The rivalry between their families is intense, but the slow burn of their secret romance is what really hooked me. The author, Shaun David Hutchinson, has this knack for blending political tension with heartfelt moments, making the stakes feel personal and huge at the same time. It’s not just a love story; it’s about identity, family expectations, and finding your voice in a noisy world.

What stood out to me was how real the characters felt. Dre’s sarcasm and Dean’s earnestness created this perfect dynamic, and their banter had me grinning like an idiot. Plus, the book tackles heavy topics—like homophobia and political polarization—without ever feeling preachy. It’s got humor, swoon-worthy moments, and enough drama to keep you turning pages. If you’re into YA that’s equal parts smart and sweet, this one’s a gem. I finished it in two sittings and immediately wanted to reread the scenes where Dre and Dean sneak around to meet up—so much tension!

The heart of 'The State of Us' revolves around two unforgettable protagonists who couldn’t be more different yet perfectly complementary. First, there’s Dean Arnault—a sharp, ambitious Republican senator’s son with a knack for debate and a carefully curated public image. He’s got this polished exterior, but underneath, he’s wrestling with expectations and the weight of his family’s legacy. Then there’s Dre Rosario, the son of a progressive Democratic candidate, who’s all passion and authenticity. Dre’s unapologetically himself, a queer activist with a quick wit and a heart that refuses to be silenced. Their dynamic is electric, especially when they’re forced to interact during their parents’ presidential campaigns.

The supporting cast adds so much depth to their world. Dre’s best friend, Mel, is a grounding force, offering both humor and fierce loyalty. Dean’s sister, Gracie, is a scene-stealer with her quiet but cutting observations about politics and family. Even the parents—Senator Arnault and Governor Rosario—feel fully realized, their ideologies shaping but never overshadowing Dean and Dre’s personal journeys. What I love is how the story balances political tension with intimate, tender moments—like when Dean and Dre secretly message each other, peeling back layers of their public personas. It’s a story about finding common ground in the most unlikely places.

I totally get the urge to dive into 'The State of Us' without breaking the bank! From what I’ve seen, it’s not officially available for free online—most platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble require a purchase. But don’t lose hope just yet! Libraries often have digital lending services like Libby or OverDrive where you can borrow e-books legally. I’ve snagged so many great reads that way.

If you’re into audiobooks, sometimes platforms like Spotify or Audible offer free trials that include credits. Just be wary of sketchy sites claiming to have free downloads; they’re usually pirated and super unreliable. Supporting authors by buying their work (or borrowing legally) keeps the book world spinning! Maybe check out the author’s social media too—they sometimes share free excerpts or promotions.

The ending of 'The State of Us' is such a heartfelt culmination of everything that builds between Dean and Dre. After all the political tension and personal clashes—thanks to their parents running against each other—they finally find common ground. The prom scene where they publicly dance together is iconic; it’s this bold, unapologetic moment where they choose each other over the noise. The book doesn’t wrap everything up in a neat bow, though. Their parents’ rivalry lingers, but Dean and Dre’s relationship feels like a quiet rebellion against all that divisiveness. It left me feeling hopeful, like love can still thrive even in messy circumstances.

What really stuck with me was how the author handled their voices. Dean’s snark and Dre’s idealism clash so perfectly, but by the end, they’ve rubbed off on each other. Dean softens a bit, Dre gets more assertive—it’s growth that feels earned. And that last text exchange? Chef’s kiss. No grand declarations, just this simple, intimate promise to keep choosing each other. It’s the kind of ending that makes you immediately flip back to reread their first awkward encounters.

Reading 'The State of Us' felt like riding an emotional rollercoaster, and I can totally see why it’s polarizing. On one hand, the romance between the two main characters is achingly sweet—their chemistry leaps off the page, and the way they navigate political differences feels refreshingly real. But then there’s the pacing. Some chapters drag with overly detailed political subplots that, while interesting, don’t always mesh well with the personal story. I’ve seen readers who adore the slow burn call it 'thoughtful,' while others dismiss it as 'meandering.' And let’s talk about the ending! Without spoilers, it’s either a heartfelt conclusion or frustratingly open-ended, depending on who you ask. The book’s ambition is admirable, but it’s also its Achilles’ heel—it tries to balance too many themes at once, and not everyone vibes with that.

Personally, I landed somewhere in the middle. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, especially in the quieter moments, but I wished some side characters had more depth. The protagonist’s dad, for instance, could’ve been more than just a political caricature. That said, the book’s exploration of activism and privilege is nuanced, even if it occasionally feels like it’s preaching to the choir. Maybe that’s the core issue: it’s a book with a clear message, and if you don’t connect with that message, the flaws stand out more. Still, the fanart I’ve seen online proves it resonates deeply with some—just not universally.