Heartstopper (Volumes 1, 2 & 3) by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper Review

I came across the Hearstopper books via Instagram, I think specifically on littlebookwormbigapple‘s account (I love this account, by the way, and you should definitely check her out!) and her review was so positive I thought I’d give them a go.

Having not read many graphic novels and being unfamiliar with Alice Oseman’s work, I didn’t really know what to expect. What I discovered was a heartwarming and uplifting story, with gorgeous illustrations and dialogue to boot.

In a nutshell, the story is about Nick and Charlie, two boys in a British school who end up sitting next to another in class. In Volume One, Charlie has come out as gay and faced horrific bullying as a result in the previous year in school. The pair become friends, and soon become inseparable. As they get closer, Charlie realises he has a massive crush on Nick that won’t go away, and Nick starts noticing feelings that he’s never had before.

This series follows the two as they navigate their budding romance together, learning more about themselves and one another in the process. The story is full of interesting characters and touces on really important topics such gender, bullying, mental health and eating disorders.

Oseman has done a great job of evoking all of the huge, complicated feelings that comes with being a teenager aka having your first crush and dying everytime you see them! But she also has wrapped up these prescient messages in a way that isn’t preachy but rather enlightening. I think this series should be given out to all teenagers, immediately. 

I urge you to give it a go and challenge you not to fall in love with Nick and Charlie yourself.

I’d love to know if you’ve read this series? What did you think?

As always, thanks for reading.