Heartstopper - Vol 3 and 4

** this review includes volumes 3 and 4 of the Heartstopper series **

After enjoying the first two volumes of this popular graphic novel turned NetFlix series, I knew it wouldn't be long until I picked up the next two volumes in this sweet teen LGBTQ romance series. I simply needed to know how these two boys are doing!

Volume 3: This is a cute, quick read that focuses on Nick and Charlie's new relationship as they set off on a school trip to Paris. There are sweet scenes and the ultimate romantic setting, and I loved their interactions with their friend group. I especially appreciated how Oseman also touches on bigger issues of homophobia and mental health with compassion and sensitivity. 

Volume 4: This volume is my favourite in the series so far. There are sweet moments between Nick and Charlie, now an official couple, but there is a lot more depth to this story as Oseman tackles topics of mental health, eating disorders and homophobia. 

We see more character growth in this volume for both boys in their new relationship and the dynamics within their family and friend group. I especially loved Oseman's focus on mental health which felt authentic and never forced, as she discusses important issues impacting teens and leaves them with an important message for those struggling to help someone with mental illness ..  

”Love can't cure a mental illness. There are lots of ways to help him, you can just be there. To listen. To talk. To cheer him up if he's having a bad day. And on the bad days you can ask what to could do to make things easier. Stand by his side, even when things are hard. But also knowing that sometimes people need more support than just one person can give. That's love darling"

With solid secondary characters, depth from important social issues, and swoony and sweet romance, it is no wonder why this book series is so popular. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and a couple I will continue to think about, I highly recommend this graphic novel series.

My Ratings: Vol 3 - 4 stars, Vol 4 - 4.5 stars

Author: Alice Oseman

Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBTQIA2S+, Teen

Series: #3 and #4 in the series

Publisher: Graphix

First Published: Vol 3 - February 2020, Vol 4 - May 2021

Book Description for Vol. 3 from GoodReads: In this volume we’ll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private…

Meanwhile Tao and Elle will face their feelings for each other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and the teachers supervising the trip seem… rather close…?

Book Description for Vol. 4 from GoodReads: Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you.

Nick's been feeling the same, but he's got a lot on his mind - not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder.

As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means.

Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.