Heartstopper, Volume One by Alice Oseman | graphic novel review

✧ This review is spoiler-free! ✧

Title: Heartstopper, Volume One
Series: Heartstopper, #1
Author: Alice Oseman
Published: February 7, 2019
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Category: YA
Genre: contemporary, LGBTQ+
Pages: 288
My Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads page

─────────────────────────── ●⚫● ───────────────────────────

Synopsis

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…

[ This synopsis was taken directly from Goodreads. ]

─────────────────────────── ●⚫● ───────────────────────────

Thoughts

Ok, folks. Everyone and their grandmother has been trying to convince me to read this graphic novel series for the past year or so, and I finally did it.

And guess what? You guys were right. It’s a fantastic story, and I wish I read it sooner.

Heartstopper follows our two main characters: Charlie and Nick. Charlie is an openly gay sophomore at an all-boys high school. Before the start of the story, it’s implied that Charlie has been bullied for being gay. Nick is a popular junior on the rugby team. They happen to sit next to each other in a class and become quick friends before Charlie starts to crush on Nick. There’s just one problem: Nick is straight. Or so he thought he was. (*eyebrow shimmy*)

I like the pacing of the story. The author knew when to generalize time passing by and when to slow down for certain parts. The story never felt like it was dragging, but it didn’t feel like it glossing over any details either.

The artwork is *chef’s kiss* perfection. It’s so cute like the story. I borrowed this book from my local library, but I think I’m going to buy a physical copy just so I can stare at the art for as long as I want. It’s not the most complex style ever, but much like the writing, the author seems to know when to draw more detailed and when to keep it loose.

I’m glad the author included a character who is questioning their sexuality during their teens. (While I’m no longer a teenager) I’m going through something similar. I feel like a lot of LGBTQ+ books have characters who know what their sexuality is, either out in the open or deep down. Nick thought he was straight for the longest time, but his feelings towards Charlie makes him question that. It was nice to see a character going through the same struggle that I’m going through and trying to come to terms with something that plays a big role in our identity.

Everything about this book was amazing, except one thing: I want more scenes with the doggo. She’s freaking adorable. I mean, look at her! How can you say no to that face! I hope we see more of Nellie in future volumes.

Other than that, 10/10, would recommend this adorable series! If you’re a fan of Bloom by Kevin Panetta, Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu, Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender, or in need of a cute and quick read, this is the series for you. I couldn’t recommend it enough, and I can’t wait to see what else the author releases.

─────────────────────────── ●⚫● ───────────────────────────

Conclusion

I give Heartstopper, Volume One 5 out of 5 stars!

─────────────────────────── ●⚫● ───────────────────────────

Have you read Heartstopper? What are your thoughts?
What are some similar reads that you enjoyed?
Who are your favorite LGBTQ+ book couples?

─────────────────────────── ●⚫● ───────────────────────────

Stay awkward and amazing!