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A review by joyceheinen
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
You must have been living under a rock in YA world if you haven’t heard of “Heartstopper”. A queer graphic novel series, immensely popular. This is the first book and I’m finally stepping on the Heartstopper-train myself.
Alice Oseman starts with the cute story in “Heartstopper: Volume 1”, where we first get to know Charlie. Charlie has come out as gay and meets up with a guy named Ben. Ben still wants nobody to know and he doesn’t really treat Charlie well. But then Charlie meets Nick, a rugby player at his school. The form a friendship and quickly, Charlie starts to feel a little bit more for Nick.
As readers, we get a little peek into the lives of both characters. In this first volume we follow Charlie in particular, but occasionally we also get a glimpse of Nick struggling with his own feelings, while Charlie already knows what he feels.
Alice Oseman’s queer graphic novels are incredibly popular and I understand why. First, of course, there is a big part of representation. For young people who are struggling with their sexuality, struggle with feelings or are bullied, this is an excellent book to read. Especially also because it such a feel-good story, it is hopeful. Even if you’re not queer. The overall hopeful atmosphere is wonderful while reading.
And I think the feel-good, intense cuteness is also a reason this series is so popular. Oseman’s illustrations are simplistic, but capture everything so well. It’s a super quick read and I need to get my hand onto the res of the series. Because I really enjoyed this first book. And it left me wanting more.
Alice Oseman starts with the cute story in “Heartstopper: Volume 1”, where we first get to know Charlie. Charlie has come out as gay and meets up with a guy named Ben. Ben still wants nobody to know and he doesn’t really treat Charlie well. But then Charlie meets Nick, a rugby player at his school. The form a friendship and quickly, Charlie starts to feel a little bit more for Nick.
As readers, we get a little peek into the lives of both characters. In this first volume we follow Charlie in particular, but occasionally we also get a glimpse of Nick struggling with his own feelings, while Charlie already knows what he feels.
Alice Oseman’s queer graphic novels are incredibly popular and I understand why. First, of course, there is a big part of representation. For young people who are struggling with their sexuality, struggle with feelings or are bullied, this is an excellent book to read. Especially also because it such a feel-good story, it is hopeful. Even if you’re not queer. The overall hopeful atmosphere is wonderful while reading.
And I think the feel-good, intense cuteness is also a reason this series is so popular. Oseman’s illustrations are simplistic, but capture everything so well. It’s a super quick read and I need to get my hand onto the res of the series. Because I really enjoyed this first book. And it left me wanting more.