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david_slack110507's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
3.5
I feel like this is more of a 3.5 star book for me as I do feel like watching the Netflix show ahead of reading the actual source material really amped up my expectations in a way that has sort of affected my enjoyment of the book as seeing how the show expanded on and gave so much time to characters beyond Nick and Charlie really makes those same characters feel lackluster here because I know that they can be really interesting and fleshed out but aren't. I understand that the story is mainly focused on Charlie and Nick and that's not a bad thing by any means but I just wish that it also allowed some of its other characters time to grow and develop too. I really hope that the later Volumes allow for this and allow for some of the background characters like Tara, Darcy, Elle, and Tao to grow, though the Tara and Darcy story at the end was cute and good for the few pages it got.
That being said, the amount of time dedicated to Nick and Charlie's relationship and the difficulties that come with it due to Nick figuring out his sexuality are very well done and the book manages to balance both serious and important topics as well as its lighthearted and charming tone which makes these books really easy to get through but still detailed and in-depth. I really liked that we got to see Nick figuring out that he was bisexual as far too often are bisexual characters non-existent in many forms of media or if they are present, their bisexuality is often erased or 'villainised' to make them seem promiscuous. Luckily, here, we get to see Nick's journey at figuring out who he is and stating it multiple times and I really liked how he didn't fall into the tropes typically given to bisexual characters.
I think the graphic novel nature of these books is starting to grow on me much more now as initially, Heartstopper Volume 1, was my first graphic novel and so the way that it was designed sort of took some getting used to but now I actually quite the style of it as not only does it make it easier to read/get through the book but it allows the reading experience to feel unique and different to a regular one as there is often many different things happening on a single page without feeling overwhelming. I am most likely going to continue with this series as it is a really easy series to read due to it being so quick and fast-paced as well as being really wholesome with some good and important representation.
That being said, the amount of time dedicated to Nick and Charlie's relationship and the difficulties that come with it due to Nick figuring out his sexuality are very well done and the book manages to balance both serious and important topics as well as its lighthearted and charming tone which makes these books really easy to get through but still detailed and in-depth. I really liked that we got to see Nick figuring out that he was bisexual as far too often are bisexual characters non-existent in many forms of media or if they are present, their bisexuality is often erased or 'villainised' to make them seem promiscuous. Luckily, here, we get to see Nick's journey at figuring out who he is and stating it multiple times and I really liked how he didn't fall into the tropes typically given to bisexual characters.
I think the graphic novel nature of these books is starting to grow on me much more now as initially, Heartstopper Volume 1, was my first graphic novel and so the way that it was designed sort of took some getting used to but now I actually quite the style of it as not only does it make it easier to read/get through the book but it allows the reading experience to feel unique and different to a regular one as there is often many different things happening on a single page without feeling overwhelming. I am most likely going to continue with this series as it is a really easy series to read due to it being so quick and fast-paced as well as being really wholesome with some good and important representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Bullying
Moderate: Mental illness, Outing, and Cursing
Minor: Biphobia, Eating disorder, Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, and Violence
holliesatchell's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, Bullying, Cursing, Outing, and Toxic friendship
gracemullender's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Bullying
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Physical abuse and Sexual content
thewhoviangirl's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Heartstopper series continues to be absolutely adorable within volume 2. The pace just feels so natural and comfortable. There's a wide range of characters who seem to have a mix of the same, similar of different experiences that allow them to be friends. The friendship group doesn't feel forced and unnatural, but I stead feels comfortable and natural.
Alice Oseman is hugely talented and it shows how much she truly cares for the characters within the Heartstopper universe. She's clearly put time and effort into the series and seems to truly care about giving accurate and much appreciated representation to the LGBT+ community.
The characters and their relationships appear to be well thought out and fleshed out before being placed within the story itself.
Speaking of the story, the story itself appears to be well considered and thought out, each plot line, every plot development, how the characters fit in and the roles and actions of everyone with the story.
I would have appreciated some trigger warnings at the beginning though despite the minor mentions of it. There's just something in it that's mentioned a few times that's.......well personal but still. I would have appreciated some trigger warnings despite only one of the potentially triggering things in it being a personal trigger. Other than that the novella is phenomenal.
Alice Oseman is hugely talented and it shows how much she truly cares for the characters within the Heartstopper universe. She's clearly put time and effort into the series and seems to truly care about giving accurate and much appreciated representation to the LGBT+ community.
The characters and their relationships appear to be well thought out and fleshed out before being placed within the story itself.
Speaking of the story, the story itself appears to be well considered and thought out, each plot line, every plot development, how the characters fit in and the roles and actions of everyone with the story.
I would have appreciated some trigger warnings at the beginning though despite the minor mentions of it. There's just something in it that's mentioned a few times that's.......well personal but still. I would have appreciated some trigger warnings despite only one of the potentially triggering things in it being a personal trigger. Other than that the novella is phenomenal.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Outing, Self harm, Bullying, Eating disorder, Lesbophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Eating disorder
theirgracegrace's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A great sequel to Heartstopper Volume 1 and a wonderful book in and of itself. Oseman's style continues to delightfully portray the fluidity and action of the characters. I particularly enjoyed the focus on Nick's journey of discovering his bisexuality and the inclusion of Elle as a young trans girl. The book also beautifully frames the difficulty of keeping a relationship a secret in high school, a conflict always fraught with danger. Wonderful book, excited to read volume 3!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Violence, Biphobia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
A bully character does use homophobic slurs against a character at one point. He does get punched in the face for it though <3things100's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, Bullying, Homophobia, and Sexual content
emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
Like with Volume 1, I reread this to prepare for the TV adaptation releasing TONIGHT!! Once again, this was adorable and heartwarming and perfect. I think I slightly prefer this second book to the first volume. I love Nick's character development, and the patience and care Charlie had for him.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Cursing
Minor: Ableism, Outing, Sexual content, Violence, Physical abuse, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying
Homophobic slurs, HP referencedannythestreet's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Biphobia, Outing, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Stalking, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Eating disorder
Minor: Self harm, Sexual content, Vomit, Transphobia, and Body shaming
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