Book Review - Heartstopper: Volume 1

Title: Heartstopper: Volume 1 (Heartstopper # 1)
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Romance/ Graphic Novel/ Young Adult
Published: 2018
 
Description: 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 heart 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 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…
 
Review: You must have been living under a rock in YA world if you haven’t heard of “Heartstopper”. A queer graphic novel series, immensely popular. This is the first book and I’m finally stepping on the Heartstopper-train myself.
 
Alice Oseman starts with the cute story in “Heartstopper: Volume 1”, where we first get to know Charlie. Charlie has come out as gay and meets up with a guy named Ben. Ben still wants nobody to know and he doesn’t really treat Charlie well. But then Charlie meets Nick, a rugby player at his school. The form a friendship and quickly, Charlie starts to feel a little bit more for Nick.
 
As readers, we get a little peek into the lives of both characters. In this first volume we follow Charlie in particular, but occasionally we also get a glimpse of Nick struggling with his own feelings, while Charlie already knows what he feels.
 
Alice Oseman’s queer graphic novels are incredibly popular and I understand why. First, of course, there is a big part of representation. For young people who are struggling with their sexuality, struggle with feelings or are bullied, this is an excellent book to read. Especially also because it such a feel-good story, it is hopeful. Even if you’re not queer. The overall hopeful atmosphere is wonderful while reading.
 
And I think the feel-good, intense cuteness is also a reason this series is so popular. Oseman’s illustrations are simplistic, but capture everything so well. It’s a super quick read and I need to get my hand onto the res of the series. Because I really enjoyed this first book. And it left me wanting more.
 
Rating: 4/ 5