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abbier_14 's review for:
Heartstopper Volume 4
by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This isn't my favourite of the volumes. It's not 5 stars based on my enjoyment but instead on the message it sends and how I think it is an important read, especially for younger audiences.
I liked that this one felt more focused on Nick and Charlie. There was less art of their friends' relationships, who I love, but I'm not really reading for them. So even though I still can't quite reach the high of the first two volumes in terms of cute moments between them, at least this was a bit better.
I like the emphasis that getting to a relationship cannot 'cure' mental health issues, and that it is not on you (especially at 16), to be the sole support system to your partner. I think that it's a good representation of how to support your friend if they are going through something like that. I like that the author included real descriptions and search results, so if you're a young person who could relate to Charlie, it could be your first step to understanding how to seek help. I can just imagine how comforting this read could be if you're experiencing something similar in your life, either in Nick's or Charlie's position.
Although I will acknowledge it is a bit surface-level, especially the psychiatric hospital element. So if people believe it's too simplistic or idealistic, I can totally see where they're coming from. However, I would argue the point of this book isn't to give a gruelling description of the horrors of mental health, and therefore it does still have value.
I also like the variety of characters in this, despite not hanging out with the Paris gang as much. I liked spending time with Nick and Charlie's families (even though not all of them are amazing people). Tori seems like an amazing person. I'm really excited to read her book next. But Henry the puppy just steals the scene every time.
I liked that this one felt more focused on Nick and Charlie. There was less art of their friends' relationships, who I love, but I'm not really reading for them. So even though I still can't quite reach the high of the first two volumes in terms of cute moments between them, at least this was a bit better.
I like the emphasis that getting to a relationship cannot 'cure' mental health issues, and that it is not on you (especially at 16), to be the sole support system to your partner. I think that it's a good representation of how to support your friend if they are going through something like that. I like that the author included real descriptions and search results, so if you're a young person who could relate to Charlie, it could be your first step to understanding how to seek help. I can just imagine how comforting this read could be if you're experiencing something similar in your life, either in Nick's or Charlie's position.
Although I will acknowledge it is a bit surface-level, especially the psychiatric hospital element. So if people believe it's too simplistic or idealistic, I can totally see where they're coming from. However, I would argue the point of this book isn't to give a gruelling description of the horrors of mental health, and therefore it does still have value.
I also like the variety of characters in this, despite not hanging out with the Paris gang as much. I liked spending time with Nick and Charlie's families (even though not all of them are amazing people). Tori seems like an amazing person. I'm really excited to read her book next. But Henry the puppy just steals the scene every time.