Falling in love is such an exciting time; falling in love in high school is so much more complicated. We all have those embarrassing stories of falling for our high school crush, only for it to fizzle out a few months later when you realise that perfect person wasn't so perfect after all. Heartstopper takes this well-known troupe of teen love stories and creates a warm, welcoming, inclusive world that promotes acceptance and courage.
What’s it about?
Charlie likes Nick, and that's where it all begins. They become best friends, exploring their own feelings towards their sexuality, their place in the school system and even their place in their own homes. Nick is on a journey of self-discovery, coming to terms with his sexuality, uncovering who his true friends are and, ultimately, what kind of person he wants to be. Charlie has his own trust issues from past relationships and the bullying he experienced when he came out. When they find each other, everything just gets better; it's a beautiful story of love and acceptance through friendship and courage.
“I thought… I just really liked you as a friend… a best friend… because, like, I want to hang out with you all the time and I just love everything about you… but I kept wanting to… I don’t know… hug you and hold your hand and then yesterday, when you suggested it, I- I really wanted to kiss you.” ― Alice Oseman, Heartstopper: Volume Two
My Thoughts...
@aliceoseman has created a love story filled with patience, understanding and acceptance. I first read these books in 2020, when the pandemic was at its peak, and I needed books that promoted love and warmth when everything felt so dark. Like most other readers, I am now a keen member of the Alice Oseman fan group and have purchased her entire back catalogue.
Image Credit: Alice Oseman 2022
“Why are straight people like this?” ― Alice Oseman, Heartstopper: Volume Two
One of the core reasons I really loved this series is that there is the representation of so many sexualities throughout the series. Characters are introduced throughout the series, each with their own unique viewpoints and history. No character is introduced and forgotten, which I found refreshing. It meant that if you identified with a specific person other than Charlie or Nick, you didn't feel forgotten about or abandoned as the series progressed. I identified with so many aspects of Tori that I couldn't help but want to know more about her thoughts and feelings - which is great because there is a whole book dedicated to that! I loved the representation of Trans characters and the clear and welcoming way their friends responded to their transition. I work in a boys' high school in London, so many of the themes that Alice explores in this series are things I see on a day-to-day basis. Having this comic as a reference point for boys struggling with their sexuality has been crucial, especially as we have started to have more students identifying as trans. Our library and LQBTQIA+ societies have been championing these books and now the Netflix series.
If you enjoyed the heartstopper series, I encourage you to read these books:
Sheets - Brenna Thummler
Solitaire - Alice Oseman (This is the Tori Book I mentioned above)
Pumpkinheads - Rainbow Rowell
The Sad Ghost Club: Book 1 - Liza Meddings
Check, Please! - Ngozi Ukazu
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