A review by mkw1lson
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

funny 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

3.25

I liked this one more than the first one, which is a trend from here through to the last volume of the series (so far). This book is very cute, watching Charlie and Nick navigate both the start of their relationship and the added dynamic of, "How do we come out?" and for Nick, "How do I come out?". While there is still so much in this book that is accessible to anyone  - having a first boyfriend, puppy love, anxiety over a first relationship and how to manage that - this book is a lot about the specific difficulties that young queer couples face, distinct from straight couples.

It's a good representation of that added layer of complication and anxiety, while still keeping the characters very grounded in being just a couple of teens who really like each other!