A review by mkw1lson
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

hopeful lighthearted 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

A series about awkward teenage milestones in life and relationships was always going to lead to the one about sex and virginity. I loved how Oseman handled it too, because none of the characters have any shame about wanting to do it and there's a lot of communication involved between the characters. Furthermore, I liked that the desire to have sex didn't mean that it wasn't still a complicated desire, like it didn't cure Charlie of his body issues, that was something he worked on and is still working on. I also liked that Nick had his own body issues! And that this is shown as something we all worry about and think about, even with someone we love and trust.

Finally, this book starts to get more into the reality that getting older also means that university is coming up, adulthood is coming up, and there are a lot of complicated and scary things that happen during that transition. I know the next volume will likely delve into that more, but it's interesting to see that starting here!

This is definitely my favourite of the volumes so far and I am looking forward to the next one!!