You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed reading this little novella and I’m very happy I did it when it’s still pretty close to Christmas time or at least not to long after the holidays ended
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Homophobia
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a long-time lover of Heartstopper, this felt like the perfect cosy Winter read for a post-term self-care day. Ultimately, it does very much convey the themes and the warmth of the Heartstopper graphic novels, expanding on the relationships between Charlie, Nick, and their respective families. It's a cute little addition to the overall story, focusing in on Christmas as a difficult time for family, especially when everyday life is a bit more complicated.
I think the issue I have with all of Alice Oseman's work is that I am no longer the 16 year old who discovered a queer webcomic on Tumblr by accident and immediately fell in love with it. I think I'm a little too old and jaded for their work, even though the nostalgia factor means that Nick and Charlie will always hold a special place in my heart. I do still really love the illustration style, and I think Oseman does a really excellent job at conveying the character's emotions on the page, I think it's just the writing that feels a little too young for me personally.
This is by no means a bad novella, even though a three star rating may seem a little harsh. I'm just not the target audience anymore, and that's okay! This was still a fun little read that I got through in about an hour, and definitely gave the cosy vibes I was after.
I think the issue I have with all of Alice Oseman's work is that I am no longer the 16 year old who discovered a queer webcomic on Tumblr by accident and immediately fell in love with it. I think I'm a little too old and jaded for their work, even though the nostalgia factor means that Nick and Charlie will always hold a special place in my heart. I do still really love the illustration style, and I think Oseman does a really excellent job at conveying the character's emotions on the page, I think it's just the writing that feels a little too young for me personally.
This is by no means a bad novella, even though a three star rating may seem a little harsh. I'm just not the target audience anymore, and that's okay! This was still a fun little read that I got through in about an hour, and definitely gave the cosy vibes I was after.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Read my review below or on Tumblr.
https://beyondthedustjacket.tumblr.com/post/772453423241150464/this-winter-mini-book-review
This review is spoiler free.
My Thoughts in 10 Words or Less ⁕ A great insight into the Spring family dynamics.
Synopsis ⁕ Christmas is meant to be a day of celebration. However, for Charlie and Tori Spring, the holiday quickly heads for a nosedive.
Warnings (from Alice Oseman’s Official Website) ⁕ Discussions of mental illness (depression and eating disorders), mentions of past self-harm and time spent at a psychiatric ward.
Star Rating ⁕ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Star of the Show
Oliver Spring! Because, despite being seven years old, he’s literally the only member of the Springs who isn’t trying to start a fight during the holidays.
Things I Liked
Nick becomes rather serious during a discussion with Charlie and shows off his emotional intelligence in a great moment between the two.
Tori is fantastic as always! She really does her best by Charlie in this novella. Plus, Oliver got some time to shine — he’s so sweet and precious!
Things I Disliked
Jane Spring is still my nemesis. I can’t stand that woman. I know she’s trying her best, but come on, girl, you can do so much better. Please get it together!
Also, David makes an appearance (unfortunately).
Other Notes
Reading novellas like this one, as well as Nick and Charlie, makes me wish Alice Oseman would write a short story collection of other people who live in Kent. Especially if they’re new characters we’ve never been introduced to!
https://beyondthedustjacket.tumblr.com/post/772453423241150464/this-winter-mini-book-review
This review is spoiler free.
My Thoughts in 10 Words or Less ⁕ A great insight into the Spring family dynamics.
Synopsis ⁕ Christmas is meant to be a day of celebration. However, for Charlie and Tori Spring, the holiday quickly heads for a nosedive.
Warnings (from Alice Oseman’s Official Website) ⁕ Discussions of mental illness (depression and eating disorders), mentions of past self-harm and time spent at a psychiatric ward.
Star Rating ⁕ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Star of the Show
Oliver Spring! Because, despite being seven years old, he’s literally the only member of the Springs who isn’t trying to start a fight during the holidays.
Things I Liked
Nick becomes rather serious during a discussion with Charlie and shows off his emotional intelligence in a great moment between the two.
Tori is fantastic as always! She really does her best by Charlie in this novella. Plus, Oliver got some time to shine — he’s so sweet and precious!
Things I Disliked
Jane Spring is still my nemesis. I can’t stand that woman. I know she’s trying her best, but come on, girl, you can do so much better. Please get it together!
Also, David makes an appearance (unfortunately).
Other Notes
Reading novellas like this one, as well as Nick and Charlie, makes me wish Alice Oseman would write a short story collection of other people who live in Kent. Especially if they’re new characters we’ve never been introduced to!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm, Alcohol
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
But me and Nick? I think we've got something different. Something great.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Minor: Homophobia
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't even know there were companion novellas to the Heartstopper series until I was gifted this just this Christmas (thanks April!). This was a super sweet little Christmas story, chronologically falling about halfway through the events of Heartstopper Volume 4. As always, beautiful themes of family, love, sibling bonds, and coming of age. The chapter told from Oliver's point of view (the last chapter) had me misty eye, just so so sweet and lovely (hit even harder now that I have a son). These stories just always feel like warm hug and this one was no different.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Minor: Homophobia, Self harm
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
novella
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness