Review: Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

 

Synopsis:

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore, and he’s sort of got a boyfriend, even if he’s kind of mean and only wants to meet up in secret.

Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him. That is, until the start of January, in which Nick and Charlie are placed in the same form group and made to sit together.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…

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My Thoughts:

I had heard nothing but amazing things about this graphic novel series, so naturally, I was sceptical. I have been lured in by hype before and been very disappointed. However, this, oh my god, I see the hype.

Firstly, the artwork – LOVE. I don’t usually go for b&w graphic novels but it fit the art style and story really well. I love the illustration style, it was adorable.

THE FEELS.
This made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It put me in such a good mood, it’s definitely a great pick-me-up book! I was feeling depressed and was in a major reading slump and this was PERFECT.

I like that it’s a British school setting, which I’ve rarely seen in YA. It’s nice to see something familiar and different from the usual American high school setting I’ve mostly seen in YA. It was a breath of fresh air!

This is a different kind of graphic novel for me, I tend to go for more sci-fi/fantasy based ones, but this was a nice change. A contemporary romance definitely works well as a graphic novel. Also, I really appreciate the fact it was very cute and adorable without being cringy or awkward. My main complaint with YA romance is that it’s just too cheesy and cringe for me but this has none of that! No cringe but all the mushy feels!

If you haven’t picked this up yet, PLEASE DO! It’s so wholesome, you won’t regret it!

Rating: 5 Stars