[Book Review] Heartstopper (Vol 1 – Vol 3) | by Alice Oseman

Rating: 4.5/5 STARS

As written on the back of the book: (Heartstopper #1) “Boy Meets Boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love.”

In this sweet and wholesome series, readers meet two high school students who find each other by way of a classroom seating plan. Easily and naturally, though they appear to be opposites, a friendship blooms between them. Which leads to lingering looks and touches, then outright flirting and then… Charlie, one of the boys, is openly gay while the other, Nick—gentle giant Nick—is about to unexpectedly venture into the confusing (but also freeing) process of questioning his sexual orientation.

Let me begin by saying: this was my first foray into the world of graphic novels—but the cover of the book kept calling to me. To make sure I fully committed and delved into this style of storytelling, I purchased the first three volumes of the series.

I was immediately sucked in. The storyline is beautiful, simple at moments and wholly complex in others. I flew through the first book and then the second. And yup…I sped through the third just as quickly.

The author transported me back to that teenage self that still beats inside this thirty-something’s heart. I found myself fawning and ‘aww-ing’ and blushing right along with the boys. It was delightful.

My only criticism? I felt like the dialogue ran a bit flat… when I read, the words sounded stilted and a bit monotone. Then again, this might be the naïve reaction of someone who’s very new to graphic novels—someone who’s used to more room for speech. Either way, it’s a slight critique. The storyline, the artwork, more than made up for it.

I loved that the plot was simple. It was rooted in reality. The drama, the tension…it read true to life. It wasn’t a rollercoaster of improbable events and larger-than-life stunts and distractions. It was two high school boys meeting and trying to understand their feelings for one another—amidst the uncertainties and fears of labels, acceptance, change and control. It led with raw, honest emotion.

Fabulous. Absolutely Fabulous.

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