Take a photo of a barcode or cover
challenging
emotional
informative
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:
Yes
Minor: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Nothing special, probably because I don't know the characters and I'm only reading it for a book club. Maybe in context of the other books it would be more meaningful.
Moderate: Eating disorder
emotional
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:
Yes
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing, Homophobia
Minor: Self harm, Medical content
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm
emotional
lighthearted
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Body shaming, Homophobia, Alcohol
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a cute added little novella with good messaging and follows how the characters are established very well (I read this after reading both Solitaire and the first five volumes of Heartstopper, so I think that unlike in the novella Nick and Charlie, all the characters felt like how they usually feel and acted as they have been established to; I also like that the important scenes and conversations for the most part (not including between Charlie and his mom) are actually written into the book and not done in between scenes like in the other novella). I was surprised that there were multiple POVs, but I think that it was done well, even Oliver's (it definitely felt like a seven year old's POV of these more serious topics as well, but still respectful and kept the tone consistent), though if it was Tori's again that might have been a little better (or keeping Oliver's POV and having one more chapter in Tori's perspective). We got a little bit of Tori's mental state, but didn't dwell on it too much; it was very subtle and was definitely in line with the downward trajectory of her mental health that takes place during Solitaire. Charlie's perspective was well done. This definitely felt in line with how the show adaptation tackled these scenes, though obviously with a bit more detail in the book and a few changes done in the show. Overall, this was a sweet, emotional novella that contains the lovely found family aspect of Heartstopper as well as the serious messaging about how people with mental illnesses often tend to experience the holidays along with people with a variety of different treatments about it.
Graphic: Eating disorder
Minor: Homophobia, Self harm
strained/complicated relationship with parents and other family members
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
Moderate: Eating disorder
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Biphobia, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was so short. I didn’t realize how short. I believe this is set after Vol.4 and before Vol.5. Charlie has just come back from in-patient care and it’s Christmas! It was really nice to hear each of the Spring children’s view during such a difficult time. I held it mostly together during Tori’s and Charlie’s, but man did Oliver break my heart. His limited understanding still providing so much guidance.
I will say I didn’t really like the voice actor for Charlie or Nick. That’s not how I hear them in my head. I hear them younger, I think. Although, I guess by now he’s what? 16-17? So maybe they would sound like that.
It was a very accurate depiction of what it can be like to stick out in such painful ways. I definitely related.
I will say I didn’t really like the voice actor for Charlie or Nick. That’s not how I hear them in my head. I hear them younger, I think. Although, I guess by now he’s what? 16-17? So maybe they would sound like that.
It was a very accurate depiction of what it can be like to stick out in such painful ways. I definitely related.
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Moderate: Eating disorder