A review by mfrisk
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-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

3.75

This is another great read in the series which goes a bit more in depth on topics of mental illness, codependency in relationships, and navigating difficult family and friend relationships.

 I enjoyed this one for the most part but similarly to the last book felt like some topics as explained felt like the characters should already have had more base knowledge on as teenagers in high school. One example in this read I can think of is the page where both Nick and Charlie are wondering if boys can have eating disorders. Moments like these sort of take me out of the story a bit because it seems odd the characters wouldn’t know or understand that at their age and having grown up on the internet. That’s not to say some things can’t still be new to people - but I would think the conversations could go a bit further. 

Otherwise though I really loved this book and that it emphasized that romantic relationships aren’t the end all be all and that mental health is a journey and not a one-episode arc. Those themes to me were really great messages. 

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