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Did I read the Osemanverse in order? No. Did I read this during the holidays? Also no. In theory, I probably shouldn't have liked this novellas as much as I did but I must say between the two other non-graphic novel works I have read by Oseman ([b:Nick and Charlie: A Heartstopper Novella|61285758|Nick and Charlie A Heartstopper Novella|Alice Oseman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659645549l/61285758._SX50_.jpg|45645263] and [b:Solitaire|61780028|Solitaire|Alice Oseman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682045195l/61780028._SX50_.jpg|39901420]), this one BLOWS the other two out of the water considering they received a 1.5 star and 2 star rating from me respectively.
This novella feels so much more authentic to the characters I know and love from the Heartstopper graphic novel series. I've always loved the concept of using a novella to expand on a missing scene from a larger novel or other work. The details of the holidays are only explained through Nick's letter to himself on New Year's Eve, and it is lovely to get the perspective of this from three additional characters.
The sibling dynamic here feels the strongest it's even been. This is also the first time I have read anything from Oliver's POV and it's a great change from the familiar POVs of both Tori and Charlie that I have gotten very familiar with lately, even if Oliver only gets 2 pages (give us more, Oseman).
I was expecting this to fall flat and maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much, there were very low expectations for it to cross, but since it takes place during Volume Four of Hearstopper which is undoubtedly my favorite of the graphic novel volumes, I guess I cannot be too surprised.
This novella feels so much more authentic to the characters I know and love from the Heartstopper graphic novel series. I've always loved the concept of using a novella to expand on a missing scene from a larger novel or other work. The details of the holidays are only explained through Nick's letter to himself on New Year's Eve, and it is lovely to get the perspective of this from three additional characters.
The sibling dynamic here feels the strongest it's even been. This is also the first time I have read anything from Oliver's POV and it's a great change from the familiar POVs of both Tori and Charlie that I have gotten very familiar with lately, even if Oliver only gets 2 pages (give us more, Oseman).
I was expecting this to fall flat and maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much, there were very low expectations for it to cross, but since it takes place during Volume Four of Hearstopper which is undoubtedly my favorite of the graphic novel volumes, I guess I cannot be too surprised.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Self harm
challenging
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
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm
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, Mental illness
Minor: Cursing, Self harm, Sexual content
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm
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
A quiet and reflective story about Charlie, Nick and Tori navigating the first Christmas after Charlie is diagnosed with an eating disorder. Great representation of the good and bad methods of supporting someone with mental illness.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Self harm
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Minor: Self harm
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness
Moderate: Homophobia, Self harm
Minor: Outing
dark
inspiring
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm
Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing, Homophobia
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Homophobia
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Mental illness, Gaslighting
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm