A review by schausjk
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

emotional
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a very well done depiction of what it's like to be young and dating someone struggling with mental illness or struggling with mental illness yourself. Oseman handles the subject matter very carefully- not romanticizing, not directly depicting acts of self harm, acknowledging that different people's experiences with treatment can vary while still trying to show positive experiences, and overall being very realistic about all of it while still showing that happiness can be possible.
I also found it very refreshing to see depictions of OCD that are are accurate and outside of the usual stereotypes.
This book pushes back against a lot of the stigmas surrounding mental illness. I wish I'd had a book like this at certain points in my life, and I truly hope that there's a teen or young adult out there who this book has helped to guide through the process of seeking help (whether for themselves or supporting someone else). 
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