Heartstopper: Vol 1 & 2

** This review includes volumes 1 and 2 in the Heartstopper series *

Heartstopper is a graphic novel series that centres around a sweet LGBTQIA2S+ Teen romance between teenagers Nick and Charlie. It has also gained legions of fans in the super popular Netflix series of the same name. 

Fair warning - I'm not an avid reader of graphic novels (I've only read 2 previously) and while it took me a bit to get used to reading this format, I enjoyed the premise, the characters and issues raised. These first two volumes each felt like a 30-minute episode of a TV series. 

This series is a great pick for teens and adults alike but particularly those who are questioning their gender identity, sexual orientation and all the feelings and reactions that come with it. But it is equally important for non-LGBTQIA2S+ people to read so that we can better understand the insecurities, feelings and experiences that come with first love with the added complexities of teens who are questioning and exploring who they are. There are a lot of topics packed into these pages and I felt they were handled authentically and with compassion. There is no double that this is a sweet love story, but I'll admit that the issues weren't handled in as much depth as I had expected. 

Maybe we'll get a bit more depth in the next books in the series but for now, these two volumes are a cute and wholesome love story that focuses on a couple that readers will easily root for. The illustrations greatly add to the angst, nervousness, and beauty of first love and help to introduce issues of bullying, consent, and homophobia.

Am I the target audience for this book? No.

Do I think this book is sweet and has great messages? YES!

Do I think it's overhyped just a tad? Also, yes.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Alice Osman

Genre: Graphic Novel, Teen, LGBTQ

Type and Source: Graphic Novel from public library

Publisher: self-published

First Published: October 2018

Book Description of Vol. 1 from GoodReads: 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. 

Book Description of Vol. 2 from GoodReads: Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself.